Kids' playhouses that make your backyard the most coveted real estate on the block

This city mom has a dream, and it includes a second bathroom, a third bedroom, and some actual outdoor space that isn't owned by the city parks department. If I were to magically come across this dream townhouse (which also should, by the way, be precisely between 5th and 7th Avenues, 11th to 13th streets, and cost $4 a month) I would also equip its yard with the perfect custom kids' playhouse.

I think I may have found this very thing from Kids Crooked House.

These offbeat mini abodes are made by two cool Maine dads with a love of graphic design and a belief that kids should turn off the damn TV already and go play. The playhouses look cool as they are, in bright colors or more rustic natural finishes, but the team loves custom orders and can easily turn your kids' playouse into a castle, army barracks, or wacky train station.

At these prices the playhouses are more likely to be found at school playgrounds or the play space of your favorite family restaurant than in your neighbor's backyard. But hey, a mom has to dream. -Liz

[thanks lindsay]