Inside the world's oldest treehouse hidden away on a country estate near Shrewsbury

Perched within the broad, embracing branches of a great large‑leaved lime tree on the Pitchford Estate near Shrewsbury, sits one of the oldest - if not the oldest - treehouses in the world.

First mentioned in 1692, it is easily one of Shropshire’s most enchanting - and least expected - architectural treasures.

The historic tree house was built by Shrewsbury wool merchants, the Ottley family, who bought Pitchford Hall in 1473.

The sprawling estate has remained in family hands ever since - aside from a brief, two-decade spell, when it was owned by a Kuwaiti princess.

James and Rowena Nason - an Ottley descendant - took over the estate in 2016.

When first built, the treehouse was supported entirely by the lime tree itself. The tree - believed to date from the 1500s is one of the estate’s oldest living residents.

But centuries take their toll and, today, the tree is carefully supported by metal braces and wires, ensuring both tree and treehouse remain stable for decades to come.

The tree house also boasts a royal connection, with Queen Victoria recording in her diary that she watched a visiting pack of foxhounds from the tree house during her visit to Pitchford Hall as a 13-year-old princess.

“We don’t really know the purpose of the tree house - there are lots of theories,” said James.

“One is that it could have been a bit of a love nest; one is it’s a place to experience wellbeing - the tranquillity of being up in a tree.

“There was a deer park here; it may have been a look-out to see the deer, but to be honest no one knows.”

Since the couple took over the estate 10 years ago, James said he’s been inundated with requests for information from all over the globe.

Today - as well as operating several holiday lets on the estate - the pair offer private tours, thanks to a passionate group of local volunteers.

“This is a heritage gem in Shropshire, we want people to come and see it,” said James.