Table of Contents
What is a Treehouse?
Treehouses are above-ground structures that are built around, next to, or within the branches or trunk of a tree. They can be used for a variety of purposes including a temporary shelter, play areas, full-time residences, or luxury vacation rentals. Treehouses date back centuries to the ancient Romans and Egyptians as a form of basic shelter, while in the modern era, treehouses have now become a core component of the U.S. counterculture movement and a staple of the glamping ecosystem.
Where did Treehouses Originate?
Treehouses go back centuries with the earliest historical records of treehouses found all across the world, from ancient Egypt and Rome to Indonesia.
Treehouses served the purpose of shelters and lookout posts, as their above-ground position enabled a broader scope of view and provided protection from potential dangers on the ground. These primitive treehouses were built with natural resources, such as mud and straw.
In Roman culture and later during the Renaissance, treehouses were much more extravagant and fashionable, as they were seen as a symbol of wealth. Many treehouses were built by the rich and powerful. One of the earliest examples of a treehouse is in Ancient Rome by the Roman Emperor Caligula when he decided to build a dining room in a tree for a banquet. Another example is with the wealthy Medici Family in which they constructed treehouses as part of their grand Medici Family Gardens in the Tuscan Countryside.
What are some popular types of treehouses?
There are many different styles of treehouses that suit a variety of different tastes. Many modern treehouse designs take inspiration from other glamping accommodations, such as a-frame cabins, tiny houses, and pod homes. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the common styles, and thrown in some unique findings as well.
A Frame Treehouse
An a-frame treehouse is similar to an a-frame tiny house; however, it is nestled in the trees. An a-frame gets its name from the shape that the two steep walls form to make out the letter “A.” It is best suited for northern, snowy climates, as the design allows for snow to easily slide off the edges of the steep roof, preventing collection of snow or other precipitation.
Suspended Treehouse
A suspended treehouse is built amongst the trees, however, is not directly supported by the ground, relying instead on cables or ropes to hang from a tree’s branches instead. Suspended treehouses are best suited for small temporary treehouses used as play areas, as they are more susceptible to damage by the tree during its growth.
Multi-Level Treehouse
Multi-level treehouses, as its name implies, feature multiple platforms or levels, often connected by ladders, slides or rope bridges. They offer more flexibility in the design as different levels can be used to serve different purposes, for instance, the bedroom can be located on one level, while the kitchen and living spaces can be located on a different level.
Spherical Treehouse
The treehouse depicted above is the Free Spirit Spheres located in British Columbia, Canada. The design of this unique treehouse follows the principles of Biomimicry, in which humans mimic the strategies used by living organisms to solve problems sustainably. The nut-shape of this treehouse mimics that of nuts and fruits found in nature, the reasoning being that the nut-shape is well-adapted to the environment of being suspended in the trees. The spherical shape also distributes the stress from the web of suspension ropes, and the web tethers the sphere both laterally and horizontally, which mimics that of a spider web.
Luxury Treehouses in the Smoky Mountains
Treehouse Grove
475 Norton Creek Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
This cluster of 16 custom-built luxury treehouses is designed by Pete Nelson, the host of the hit TV show Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet. The amenities on-site include private in-unit amenities, such as fire pits, kitchenettes, lofts, spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers, and pet-friendly accommodations, alongside community amenities, such as communal hot tubs, grill and BBQ facilities, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Treehouse Grove is a great option for families looking for a unique treehouse experience, as they offer larger, more spacious units of up to 4 bedrooms, sleeping up to 10 guests.
TreEscape
TreEscape was designed by the Treehouse Guys on the DIY Network, a team of skilled treehouse builders who have built over 30 treehouses, primarily catering to luxury clientele who appreciate a unique twist. It is located conveniently 10 minutes from the Pigeon Forge strip and 15 minutes from Gatlinburg Downtown. This treehouse has two trees growing through the interior, and another two through the main deck. Some of the premium amenities include full size kitchen and bathroom, covered hot tub, firepit, and charcoal grill. TreEscape is a great option for couples looking for a private, romantic getaway, while being close to attractions in the area.
Sanctuary Treehouse Resort
163 Pheasant Ridge Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
The Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is located on 40 acres of Smoky Mountain property, above two championship golf courses, providing guests panoramic views of the Little Pigeon River. It is on course to become the world’s largest treehouses resort, comprising 130 treehouses in total. They offering 3 distinctive styles: the Tree Gort, perfect for smaller families of up to 6 guests, the Tree Fort Double, best suited for larger families or groups of up to 12 guests, and the Luxe, their premier option for couples and honeymooners with top-tier amenities of outdoor tubs, indoor copper slipper tub, suspended outdoor day bed, among others.
The Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is a great option for couples and families alike looking for a sense of adventure. Their mission is to transport their guests back to their childhood treehouse adventures with unique amenities similar to that of a playground, including 20-foot slides, rope swings, escape hatches, concealed ladders, custom furniture and roll-out beds.
Stellara
1708 Minty Way, Sevierville, TN 37876
Stellara is a celestial-inspired mirror cabin and treehouse experience located in Sevierville, TN. Their treehouse sky decks are 25 feet in the air on a private 85 acre plot of land. They put a lot of emphasis on the astronomy theme in their accommodations, offering amenities such as celestial guides, telescopes, astrology packages, and stargazing beds. The resort goes as far as to offer complementary Zodiac tea based on the sun season of the stay, as well as bath salts customized to the moon phase of the stay. Stellara is a great option for couples looking for a private, romantic getaway under the stars with premium amenities, like luxury sheets, treetop views, soaking tub, bath robes, private hot tub, deck, and romance packages.
Skywalk Treehouse
East Tennessee, Tennessee, United States
The Skywalk Treehouse is a community of 4 luxury treehouses, The Nest, The Perch, Everest, and The Cloud, connected by bridges suspended 40 feet above the ground. The community is located 15 minutes from Dollywood, providing privacy but also easy access to main attractions. Between the 4 units, they have a combined area of 5,000 square feet of space including decks, 2 full kitchens, and can accommodate up to 16 guests. This treehouse community boasts amenities such as corn hole, a Dynasty Spa, high-tech updates like HomePods, large glass windows to soak in the view, free parking for 8 cars, 6 TVs, and 2 freestanding tubs. Skywalk treehouse is a great option for families and larger groups looking to share a unique treehouse lodging experience
How are treehouses built?
Please note that in this article, we are focusing on treehouses that will be used for vacation rentals or a permanent living space, not temporary treehouses that are used as play areas by kids and young adults. While smaller, temporary treehouses can be safely fastened directly to trees using bolts, screws, cuffs, or clamps, livable treehouses require a more substantial foundation. This is to accommodate the weight and long-term use of the structure, prevent damage from tree growth over time, and minimize movement caused by wind sway. A proper foundation with support from posts ensures that the treehouse is stable, durable, and comfortable for guests or residents.
Choosing the Right Tree
Treehouses start with finding the right kind of tree, one that has a large canopy and is well-established with strong branches. Particular hardwood varieties of trees, such as oak, maple, and hickory, are ideal.
Laying the Platform
Construction begins with a platform, one that is sturdy and balanced. Once a blueprint is established, the platform is laid out, and floor joists are attached to a freestanding platform. Joist hangers are then installed to provide support for the floor joists. Deck boards are laid on top to create the floor.
Securing the Foundation
Then, concrete footings are poured to lay the foundation for the posts that will support the main platform. Tension rods can be used to help balance loads at higher elevations, while different fasteners or screws are selected depending on the total size of the treehouse. Lag bolts are best suited for small builds while treehouse attachment bolts (TABs) are best for heavier builds.
Finishing Touches
Once the platform is attached to the tree, the walls and roof are added, similar to the build of a house, and additional features, such as windows, doors, railing, and ladders, are finalized.
How did Treehouses Become Popular?
Treehouses became popular during the 1960s and 1970s within the counterculture and sustainable living movement, as many people enjoyed treehouses as a way to escape from their daily lives to connect with nature, while being an accommodation that is simple and sustainable. Media outlets pushed the treehouse movement into the mainstream with television shows like Treehouse Masters on Animal Planet, The Treehouse Guys on DIY Network, Building Off the Grid on Discovery Channel, among others. Airbnb now lists over 500 treehouses on their rental platform, and these properties do exceptionally well, with a treehouse called The Mushroom Dome being the most popular Airbnb in the world, viewed over three million times per year.
