Treehouses are experiencing a renaissance of late. While once thought to be nothing more than a fun hide-out for kids and their creative imaginations, adults now recognize treehouses as a place of tranquility – to be one with nature while suspended safely in the unique canopies of trees.
COVID has undoubtedly added to the popularity of treehouses as many of us have been drawn to the serenity of the outdoors like never before. Jeff Galak, associate professor of marketing at Carnegie Mellon University, says, “It’s an attempt to do something fun and interesting and away from other people.”
Travelers are now seeking this piece of nostalgia as they look for more unique vacations which focus more on their relationship with nature while limiting personal contact at overcrowded resorts and hotels.
According to Pete Nelson, star of Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, “A fully appointed treehouse with kitchen, bathroom, heat and air conditioning … we’re building those around $200,000.” And many are being offered to travelers for up to $300 a night – the price of a slightly upscale hotel.
The allure of treehouses over the traditional log cabin in the woods often has more to do with their childlike whimsy. For example, one tropical treehouse on Hawaii’s Big Island requires guests to climb up a ladder and through a trapdoor while their belongings (such as suitcases) are hoisted to their room with a pulley system. As if staying in a tree wasn’t exciting enough, you get to feel like a kid again!
Another treehouse in Crane Hill, Alabama, doesn’t allow children to stay, yet they still installed the kind of suspension bridges you’d find on a playground to allow access throughout the two parts of the treehouse, which will run you $350 a night.
Treehouses provide a rustic and unique way to experience nature – to become one with the trees we always look up to but never down from. Their modern amenities make for a relaxing, secluded retreat as we all search for ways to step away from reality safely.
