Situated in the scenic Aska Adventure Area in Blue Ridge, a unique adventure awaits. Guests of Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals can enjoy birds-eye views from one of two treetop dwellings —Canopy Blue and Inn the Ravine, both of which provide a secluded retreat surrounded by nature. Despite their sheltered setting, the properties are conveniently located just a ten-minute drive from downtown Blue Ridge, making them an ideal destination for your next escape.
Sky High Dreams
The treehouses were a vision for Blue Ridge builder Junior Deal, who is a dear friend of owners Linda and Ken Roth.
“It wasn’t actually our idea as we had never even heard of treehouses,” Linda confessed. But the Roths trusted Deal and his partner Matthew Mealer as “the best craftsmen in the area,” Linda said, and agreed to fund the project if Deal could find the perfect property. Fannin County was a natural place to start the search for the Roths, who live in Tampa but call Blue Ridge a home away from home.
“We absolutely love Blue Ridge,” Linda said. “We find it to be the perfect balance of old main street, Hallmark-feel, with modern touches and new restaurants; a place that’s not too big or too small.”
It turns out that perfect property they were hunting for was just outside of town on a piece of land bordering the Chattahoochee National Forest on Spirit Mountain Road, where the couple purchased two adjacent lots for the construction of two treehouses. Once the property was secured and the trees were cleared, their trust in Deal’s vision was affirmed. “We saw the most beautiful views we didn’t even know existed,” Linda said.
Canopy Blue
The creation of the houses began with an exploration through the woods to identify trees that could be integrated into the project.
“In Georgia, the trees are typically not large enough to build traditional treehouses like those found in the western United States,” Linda explained. “So we decided to incorporate the trees into the design by integrating them into the decks, making it appear as though the trees were supporting the structures themselves.”
To address the layout, additions and safety concerns, the team developed a plan. “We all sat down together at a local diner, just before walking around the property, drawing out our ideas for design on napkins and slips of paper. We began with these one-dimensional drawings but progressed to an engineer’s drawing. The actual three-dimensional treehouse evolved,” Linda said.
Completed in 2015, the first treehouse, Canopy Blue, offers accommodations for six guests within 650 square feet of interior living space featuring lofted ceilings, a custom dining booth, and expansive mountain views. It also boasts 1,200 square feet of outdoor wrap-around decks, complete with a hot tub, propane grill, swings, and, of course, the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The success of Canopy Blue was evident with the launch of Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals’ website and the increasing rental demand. People clearly enjoyed the idea of retreating to the mountains and experiencing the unique charm of staying in a treehouse.
Inn the Ravine
Several years after Canopy Blue was built, Inn the Ravine was born, and Linda took a much more hands-on approach in the project, partnering with Deal and Mealer to provide creative ideas.
“They made the dream into reality and often times better than I had envisioned,” she said. Inn the Ravine is a little larger than Canopy Blue, sleeping five guests with 800 square feet of interior living space, an electric dumbwaiter from the kitchen to the loft, vaulted ceilings with skylights and 1000-square-foot, multi-level outdoor decks that also include a hot tub, propane grill and an outdoor shower.
The Roths desired to enhance their treehouses with the best amenities available, and their attention to detail is evident in every corner. The treehouses were even designed to sway with the wind, and the Roths make sure to let their guests know not to feel alarmed on an exceptionally gusty day. Both treehouses come with a kitchen fully stocked with pots, pans, plates and flatware, a built-in dining table and loveseat and coffee bar with Keurig & coffee pot and more.
“Nothing is plastic or cheap,” Linda added. The stairs were carefully crafted by Deal and Mealer, and the building materials include a variety of woods, paints and tiles to “keep them interesting,” Linda said. The Roths were adamant that the houses include only the best quality in everything from granite countertops to bedding and even luxurious bathrooms, which Linda says “come as a surprise to some of their guests.” It’s obvious from the comments left in the reviews on their website that guests are impressed.
“We tried to think of everything, like where to put suitcases, making sure the bathroom had all amenities like hairdryers and magnifying mirrors that you’d find in a luxury hotel, bunk beds with windows, rocking chairs, outdoor swing chairs, etc,” Linda said. “There’s even a bird feeder hanging below the kitchen table in Canopy Blue with a viewing hole from the table.”
“Canopy Blue is higher up in the trees with a long-range view that seems to go on forever, while Inn the Ravine is literally built into a ravine where you feel as though you’re tucked into the trees,” she continued.
As the property shares the forest with wildlife, there is no shortage of glimpses of deer, bear and even herds of hogs running through.
“We want to ensure that the treehouses are kept clean so there is a pet-free policy,” Linda said. “We also offer birthday and anniversary surprises, such as chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of your choice of beverage. But we can set up anything guests would like before arrival.”
Branching Out
The future of Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals brings an expansion of Canopy Blue that includes a large screened-in porch with a fireplace. Additionally, Ken, who has a background in landscaping, is developing trails and a park on the acre and a half of land above the treehouses for guests to enjoy. The Roths are also planning future surprises such as allowing guests to plant trees in honor of loved ones and providing opportunities for return visits.
The Aska Adventure Area surrounding the property includes attractions like the Benton McKay Trail, popular with hikers, and offers proximity to the town of Blue Ridge with its mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. Linda suggests the Visit Blue Ridge app to guests as a resource for local activities and events, underscoring their commitment to providing a remote, yet connected, getaway experience.
Rates start out at $365 a night for Canopy Blue and $395 per night for Inn the Ravine. All bookings are done via VRBO.
Blue Ridge Treehouse Rentals
14 & 20 Spirit Mountain Road
Blue Ridge
