Rustic treehouses have always been great playrooms for the kids, but the old scrap-lumber platform construction just won’t do for adults. When it comes to grown-up getaways, it has to be luxe. Running water, fairytale views, and Swiss Family Robinson architecture are practically required.
To show you what we mean, This Old House has assembled a few outdoor escapes that prove that when your home among the limbs is this fancy, climbing up a tree doesn’t have to mean roughing it.
Cozy Shingled Escape — Washington State
Nestled 15 feet above the ground in a grove of majestic Douglas firs, this Washington state treehouse offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The structure’s shingled exterior blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, while the mostly wood interior provides a warm and cozy spot for reading or relaxation. Inside, large windows flood the space with natural light, bringing the beauty of the forest indoors.
While this treehouse may lack some modern conveniences like running water, it compensates with charm and tranquility. Using an incinerating toilet is a small price to pay for the privilege of waking up to panoramic views of the lush Washington landscape.
The Treehouse a Duchess Built — Alnwick, United Kingdom
On the grounds of Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, stands a treehouse that defies conventional expectations.
Commissioned by the Duchess herself, this whimsical structure opened in 2004 with a noble purpose: to provide a magical space for all the kids who “aren’t allowed to climb trees.” The quirky angles and eclectic mix of materials evoke the enchanting world of Harry Potter—which is fitting, as Alnwick Castle served as a filming location for Hogwarts in the first two films.
The Alnwick Garden treehouse is a tribute to imagination, environmental responsibility, and inclusive design. As one of the world’s largest treehouses, it houses educational facilities, restaurants, and a network of rope bridges and walkways. It serves as both an educational tool and a fantastical playground, encouraging visitors of all ages to reconnect with nature and their inner child.
To The Next Level — Kingston, Tennessee
This multi-level treehouse in Kingston, Tennessee, demonstrates the power of family bonding and DIY spirit.
This Old House reader Matt Pavel and his father incorporated elements that make climbing up feel like an Indiana Jones expedition—minus the perilous boulders, of course. Their design not only adds an element of excitement but also maximizes the use of vertical space, a key consideration in treehouse design.
The collaborative effort between father and son in constructing this treehouse adds an invaluable layer of sentimental value to the project.
Extreme Nesting — Harads, Sweden
In the forests of Sweden, architect Bertil Harstrom has created a treehouse that takes camouflage to the extreme.
This bird’s nest-inspired dwelling, part of the renowned Treehotel, blends seamlessly with its surroundings. It offers guests a chance to experience life from a bird’s perspective—albeit with significantly more comfort and amenities.
What set this treehouse apart are its cleverly disguised windows and a retractable staircase. These features provide an unparalleled sense of privacy and seclusion, allowing occupants to truly “nest” in their arboreal abode.
Unidentified Flying Treehouse — Harads, Sweden
Continuing the theme of unique treehouse designs at the Treehotel, we encounter a structure that seems to have descended from the stars rather than grown from the earth.
This UFO-shaped treehouse emerged as a creative counterpoint to the “bird’s nest” design. While the bird’s nest was designed to blend in with its environment, this otherworldly orb deliberately stands out.
The structure was built using sustainable composite materials, aligning with modern eco-conscious building practices. Inside, the two-floor layout offers ample space for guests to enjoy their extraterrestrial experience.
Eye in the Sky — Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
The Free Spirit Spheres in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, feature modern designs that harmonize with their natural surroundings.
These suspended dwellings, reminiscent of oversized Christmas ornaments, provide a distinctive and intimate forest experience. The spherical design maximizes interior space while minimizing the structure’s footprint on the forest floor.
Free Spirit’s “Treesort” on Vancouver Island showcases both wood and fiberglass spheres. These treehouses can be rented on a nightly basis, or you can purchase a bespoke sphere for your own treehouse retreat.
Divine Blueprints — Crossville, Tennessee
In Crossville, Tennessee, stands a treehouse that blurs the line between architecture and divine inspiration.
Landscape architect and self-taught carpenter Horace Burgess embarked on this ambitious project after “receiving a revelation from God.” The result is a staggering 100-foot-tall, ten-story structure that earned the Guinness World Record for the largest treehouse in 2012.
This treehouse includes a third-story sanctuary that doubles as a basketball court, adding an unexpected element of recreation to this spiritual retreat. The use of reclaimed materials and the organic, almost haphazard growth of the structure contrasts charmingly with other, more polished treehouse designs.
78 Birds and One Human — Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
In Komoro City, Japan, the Nendo-designed treehouse at the Ando Momofuku Center offers a unique cohabitation opportunity.
This innovative structure houses one human alongside 78 birds, creating an immersive experience that aligns perfectly with the center’s goal of promoting access to nature. Though a wall separates the human and bird sections, peepholes allow human occupants to observe their feathered neighbors without disturbing them.
This design provides a rare opportunity for up-close bird watching, turning the treehouse into an educational tool. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of local bird species and their habitats in a non-intrusive way.
Completely Ecological — Pedra Salgadas, Portugal
The Tree Snake Houses in Pedra Salgadas, Portugal, represent a perfect fusion of innovative design and environmental consciousness.
Created by Luis and Tiago Rebelo de Andrade, these structures take their name from the long, sinuous access ramps—not any reptilian inhabitants. They were prefabricated off-site using local, natural materials with the goal of minimizing their environmental impact. This approach allowed for faster, less disruptive installation in sensitive forest environments.
The success of this treehouse design has inspired the creators to adapt it to other environments, including river banks, mountains, and even urban centers.
Deck-to-Garden Pinecone — Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
In Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, O2 Treehouse has designed a masterful blend of form and function.
This pinecone-shaped treehouse seamlessly integrates into its densely wooded surroundings, offering a retreat that feels like a natural extension of the forest itself. The structure’s overlapping “scales” offer natural protection from the elements while allowing filtered light to enter, creating a cozy interior bathed in dappled sunlight.
The designers started with one of their prefab geodesic models and customized it with steel awnings to achieve the distinctive pinecone effect. This approach combines the efficiency of prefabrication with the uniqueness of custom design, resulting in a treehouse that is both practical and visually striking.
Elevated Tea House — Chino City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
In Chino City, Japan, architect Terunobu Fujimori has taken tea house design to new heights—literally.
Named Takasugi-an, which translates to “a tea house [built] too high,” this elevated structure maintains the spirit of tranquility and mindfulness associated with the tea ceremony. Its height not only provides breathtaking views but also creates a sense of separation from the world below, enhancing the meditative atmosphere of the tea ceremony.
Access to this lofty retreat is gained via two movable ladders propped against a supporting tree, adding an element of adventure to the tea-drinking experience. This unconventional approach to entry ensures that visitors are fully present and mindful as they ascend to the tea house, preparing them mentally for the ceremony ahead.
Keep-It-Local Treehouse — Chester County, Pennsylvania
In Chester County, Pennsylvania, Hugh Lofting Timber Framing has created a treehouse that embodies the spirit of sustainable, local construction.
This Swiss Family Robinson-style treehouse features rustic, irregular handrails and balusters crafted from wood sourced directly from the surrounding landscape. This approach not only reduces transportation costs and environmental impact but also ensures that the structure harmonizes perfectly with its environment.
To further reduce costs and environmental impact, the builders incorporated salvaged materials such as rafters and deck boards. The structure is securely anchored to the trees using a slotted stainless-steel plate, a method that allows for tree growth while maintaining structural integrity.
Welcome Garden for a Multilevel Treehouse — United Kingdom
This charming multilevel treehouse in the United Kingdom, designed by Harrison Barnes Limited, proves that how even a small footprint can yield a rich and varied living space.
The structure’s multiple levels make efficient use of vertical space, providing distinct areas for different activities within a compact overall design. The rustic metal roof adds character to the structure while providing protection from the elements.
One of the most striking features of this treehouse is its welcome garden. This ground-level plot adds a touch of curb appeal to the elevated structure, creating a seamless transition between the earth and the treetops.
Subtly Luxurious Treehouse — North Devon, United Kingdom
The Treetops Treehouse at the Fox & Hounds Country Hotel in North Devon, UK, redefines the concept of “roughing it” in the woods.
Built by Bower House Construction, this treehouse combines rustic charm with subtle luxury, creating a romantic retreat that’s far from primitive. One of the highlights is the copper soaker tub, perfectly positioned for a view through the Douglas fir treetops and down to a nearby lake.
The treehouse’s exterior features a mix of materials and shingle styles, giving it a whimsical, storybook appearance. Inside, guests will find accommodations rivaling many single-family homes, including a master bedroom, a bathroom, a spare bedroom, a kitchen, and a living room. For those seeking additional amenities, the hotel’s bar and spa are just a short distance away.
Sleepy Hollow-Inspired Treehouse — Surrey, United Kingdom
In Surrey, UK, Blue Forest has created a treehouse that brings the gothic charm of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to life.
This design captures the eerie yet enchanting atmosphere of the classic American tale, with a design that wouldn’t look out of place in a Tim Burton film. The treehouse’s mixed-material siding and precarious perch atop poles and stumps create an off-kilter effect that adds to its storybook appeal. Three distinct roof shapes further enhance the whimsical aesthetic.
While the exterior may evoke a haunting tale, the interior is designed for comfort and play. An outdoor play area keeps children entertained, while adults can relax inside, surrounded by playful design elements that continue the fantastical theme.
