There is something magical about a treehouse. The proximity to something as stalwart as a tree, one’s ability to remain close by, yet simultaneously tucked away, and the unique view provided by higher ground are just the beginnings of the irresistible mystique of spending time in a tree.
As less-traditional options in vacation rentals become more widespread, property owners, builders and architects are using nature’s charms to create novelty venues for short or long getaways. Several proprietors in North Georgia have tapped into this treehouse niche to create an opportunity for visitors and locals to enjoy a unique Appalachian mountain experience.
Perfect Time and Place
The current treehouse rental explosion is a result of the serendipitous collision of natural and global events. First, the geography of the North Georgia mountains that includes several areas of dense forest canopy provides a plethora of trees for housing. The proximity of North Georgia to Atlanta, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Greenville, South Carolina, make heading to the hills incredibly manageable for the perfect weekend getaway.
The staycation concept that grew out of economic circumstances in the early 2000s was only underscored by the global impact of COVID-19 in 2020, making seclusion in nature all the more appealing as an option for private stays.
Likewise, the power of social media and the “viral stay” category of treehouses enhanced the unique, photogenic and romantic notion of arboreal vacationing. As a result, the modern treehouse maintains a measure of the rustic while incorporating the luxurious features of hot tubs, glass walls, spectacular views, outdoor decks and various fire features. These treehouses are glamorously next level compared to those of our childhood.
Treehouses Redefined
Due to the challenge of building “in-the-tree” houses, the treehouse market has extended its definition to include structures that are built near trees, on stilts circling trees and cabins surrounded by trees, giving more leeway for novelty and nuance in their design. Further, the treehouse of today is more than a meeting place for a childhood club. Establishing houses that provide both quality and serenity creates a variety of opportunities for couples’ trips, family gatherings, celebrations and solo retreats.
Opening in 2017, Stay Dahlonega features a curated collection of vacation rentals and treehouses. Owned by “superhost” Debra Stipe, these vacation options specialize in high design and the unique features found in the popular Nature’s Nook and Magic Treehouse.
Dr. Whittney McPherson, chief financial officer of Lumpkin County Schools, chose Stay Dahlonega’sMagic Treehouse as a place for solitude as she approached the completion of her doctoral dissertation.
“Staying in a treehouse gave me the rare opportunity to fully disconnect and immerse myself in an important milestone,” she describes. “The peaceful, natural setting created the perfect environment for deep focus and reflection, allowing me to approach my final edits with clarity and intention.”
The Daybreak treehouse was the chosen spot for one of sophomore Violet Greene’s friends’ birthday parties in their tween years. This choice elevated the slumber-party concept while featuring a full-size bed swing under the porch, a loft and beautiful views.
“The treehouse had this amazing swing bed underneath that we spent hours on until we went up to the loft to experience a decadent night of sleep,” Violet recalls.
In, beside or around a tree, North Georgia’s treehouse popularity continues to thrive as the redefined concept allows guests to customize the vacation purpose and focus of their stay.
Bringing the Outside (Stories) In
Treehouse and cabin guests appreciate quality designs as well as a location that comes with a story.
Lauren and Matt Stephenson, owners of Queen of the Mountainsjust outside Dahlonega, found names for their business and their cabins from area stories.
“In the late 1800s, a Civil War veteran, Col. Farrow, sought the healing powers of Porter Springs,” Lauren shares. “Eventually, he bought land and built a local hotel and called it The Queen of the Mountains.
“The queen is supposedly Trahlyta, a Cherokee princess, who is buried at Stone Pile Gap under a pile of rocks. Legend says she drank of the springs and maintained eternal beauty, causing Chief Wahsega to fall in love with her.”
Enchanted by this bit of local lore, the Stephensons named their cabins Wahsega and Trahlyta. Both cabins feature various ways of bringing the outside in.
“Wahsega was designed with special European tilt-turn windows that allow the windows to be vented or completely opened up,” Lauren explains. “This provides guests with fresh air inside the cabin. Wahsega also features a pass-through window in the kitchen with two chairs inside and two outside. A group of four can dine comfortably while both spaces feel like inside and outside.”
The personal preferences of the couple are apparent throughout their cabins as “we want to be outside as much as possible. We love to be in creation and get great joy from experiencing nature up close and personally. We want our guests, who are often retreating from the city or suburban areas, to have a peaceful, natural and comfortable retreat,” Lauren says.
Something for Everyone
A variety of treehouses continue to dominate the North Georgia mountains as part of local and tourist attractions, and guests have enough options to find the perfect spot to meet their needs.
Located throughout Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Ellijay, Helen, Cherry Log, Tallulah Falls and other areas, patrons will delight in the variety available. With nightly rates ranging from $250-$600, visitors will return time and again to enjoy the unique getaway experience of sleeping in the trees.
