Where is their heart? Las Vegas HOA is fighting family over beloved treehouse in backyard of 12-year-old autistic daughter, saying it’s ‘too high’ and ‘violates their policies’ – even though it can’t be seen from the outside
- Phil Edgar told DailyMail.com that his daughter Claire ‘loves’ the treehouse and doesn’t want to part with it
- The HOA complained that it is too long because it is over six feet and is not “invisible”
- The family tries to appeal to them to leave the structure as it is
A Las Vegas HOA battles a family over the incredible backyard treehouse they built for their autistic daughter simply because it doesn’t fit their strict rules.
Phil Edgar, who works in tech sales, lives in a gated community in Las Vegas with his wife Lily, 14-year-old son Colin, and 12-year-old daughter Claire, who has autism.
When the couple recently began renovating their home, Lily, who has a passion for design, was very keen to create an outdoor space for Claire to play in.
The treehouse in the backyard of the Edgar family. Phil Edgar built it for his 12-year-old daughter Claire, who usually plays alone
12-year-old Claire is autistic and likes to play in the tree house, but is mostly alone. Her parents say she thinks it’s “great” to have her own place
She dreamed of the charming treehouse—with a charming post corner, basketball hoop, and view—and asked the handymen who were completing the renovation to put it together.
But the Las Vegas Country Club Master Association has since told the family to leave.
They say that because the tree house is about 25 feet off the ground, it doesn’t meet their 6 foot maximum height requirement.
Now Phil appeals to the board to see the value in the treehouse – after failing to appeal to their humanity.
“I would really like to settle this amicably. I’m trying to get clarity on exactly what rules we’re breaking.
“They say it should be invisible from the outside and it usually is. We return to a golf course and they don’t mind – they’re fine with it.
The stylish tree house is next to the family pool and tucked behind a tree – but the HOA says it’s against their rules
The treehouse is barely visible from the golf course it overlooks
An aerial view of the backyard and tree where the structure was built for 12-year-old Claire
Claire’s mother Lily designed the tree house for her when the family was renovating
The cute interiors, where Claire, who has autism, likes to play on her own
The treehouse overlooks the pool and family backyard. It is adjacent to a golf course, but the family says the course has no problem with it
The structure is about 10 feet above the ground and disguised among trees in the family garden
Their house is adjacent to a golf course, but the owners there say they have no problem with it
The family’s stylish home, in the gated community of Las Vegas
Phil Edgar with his wife Lily and their autistic daughter Claire, who loves the tree house
“I’m trying to get a blanket statement that it’s not in line where I have something.
When DailyMail.com contacted him, board chairman Alan Stamm declined to comment, claiming it would be “illegal” for him to talk about it
“I don’t know where it will land.”
He has even commissioned a report from an arborist to prove that the structure is not harming the tree.
‘There are about six people on the board of directors, who meet monthly and jointly take a board decision.
“I don’t know them personally, I assume they live in the community,” he added.
He said the board was “very neutral” and listened to his requests but did not immediately give in.
When DailyMail.com contacted him, board chairman Alan Stamm declined to comment, claiming it would be “illegal” for him to talk about it.
The board will meet again next month.
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