Established in 2018
Darryl and I have lived in Union, Missouri for the last 26 years. We started developing the treehouse bed and breakfast in 2018. I had read the book “Be in a Treehouse” by Pete Nelson of Treehouse Masters and knew that a treehouse was in our destiny. I am currently retired from a 40-plus-year career as a surgical assistant and have dabbled in art all my life. Darryl is my husband, recently retired, and our amazing carpenter. With the help of Charles Greenwood, our engineer, we have created a magical treehouse in an enchanted forest to share with our guests.
Along the construction journey, we developed lasting friendships and partnered with amazing artists and talented craftsmen! Kellie and Lee Pettijohn owners of the cottage treehouses have been amazing mentors and friends. Pat McCarty, blacksmith owner of Washington Forge has contributed his craft in fire-holding dragons, table bases, broomsticks, and fairy holders. his signature leaf can be seen in most of his work. He has added art and function with forged steel plus his passion for design and whimsey! Catherine Daniels’ glasswork is displayed in the burls and windows. Dragons, phoenixes, fairies, mermaids, and moons are fashioned from glass rods into magical creatures. Tim and Curtis owners of the Green Earth Art Company are the creators of the plaster art found in the clearstory, kitchenette, and tub room. From the phases of the moon to the backsplash tiles, to the fairy figurines, it is hard to pick a favorite. The last two artists I encountered at the Renaissance Festival and formed lasting connections with. Paul Clip and Tyler from Clip Construction and metal fabricators became great friends and blessed us with artistic copper tile siding, metal roofs, and all exterior metal fabrication. The talents of designers on the CNC machine cut the ivy in the front door frame and copper dragons. Pure fairy magic brought Paul to me, and I can’t be more thankful! Pottery plates, trees, and a welcome sign were made by Cindy Frick. She also gifted us the “Lady of the Woods” and a supportive friendship. For all their contributions, I could not be more thankful or honored.
We have visited several “treehouses”, clubhouses, and river houses. There are very few structures that I can call a true treehouse… those that are built in, and supported by trees. The reason I point this out is the healing effect trees have and the connection to the forest one gets when in it. Spending a lot of time in these two living organisms made me get to know the trees in ways I never thought of! I looked into forest bathing and ancient meditation practices to educate myself. what I walked away with was a gift from the trees themselves. The feeling of being safe and protected. A lot of the forest doesn’t recognize that you are there, you get to be up close with the birds, tree frogs, and squirrels. It is an intimacy with them you don’t get to experience any other way. The forest brings with it a sense of peacefulness. I hope you are able to let go of the stress of everyday life and allow the calm in.
It all came with hard work and determination. The four acres of land required extensive clearing and the creation of driveway access. The challenge first presented to us was the construction of a retaining wall. We had to get advice from an environmental engineer to tell us how to handle the water drainage and old pond and the large ravine that is now our parking lot. Over the next 4 years, we stacked stone with wheelbarrows of mortar by hand! This labor of love created one of the features of the property! It took us 4 years of sweat and tears and hard labor, worth every moment!
We work side by side with our arborist, Craig Small. owner of Craig’s Tree Service. He helped select and inspect the trees and has the trees on a maintenance schedule every 6 months. We do deep root feedings, hormone treatments, and vascular flushing to keep them healthy. Prevention of damage to their root systems was paramount during construction. Delivery of Lumber and construction supplies had to come by boom trucks. Cranes and equipment had to operate outside of tree drip lines. All our plumbing and electricity were dug by a hydro-vac. The subcontractors were challenged to think outside the usual box! A lot of learning was done on both sides. Ed and Scott of Hess Electric designed and installed the most beautiful lighting system! It will create whatever mood you want!
The treehouse is ever-changing like the seasons. Each experience is completely different… but, it will be what you dream it to be! We have given this project our best and we hope you enjoy the creation!
We are here to give our guests a positive, soul-warming experience. We all need a break from everyday stress and challenges. It is important to take a break and keep yourself mentally healthy. Wellness should be a goal for all of us so we can be our best. You will be welcomed, pampered, and given the opportunity to heal and find peacefulness. We will greet you as guests but hopefully, you will leave as friends!
We look forward to your stay.