Exploring holiday accommodation options available on international platforms such as Airbnb can produce surprise results that steer clear of conventional accommodation, including treehouses.

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This article looks into locations offering treehouse options, their cost, and problems that could be encountered by guests.

Our treehouse online search, internationally, through short-term rental platforms came up with ten such spots in Greece, in Zakynthos, Corfu, Crete and the Peloponnese. Prices, per night, ranged between 80 and 180 euros, while, in most cases, the owners set a minimum stay of three nights.

Great experience, at times dampened by unwanted nighttime visitors

According to reviews posted by guests, treehouses offer an unrivalled accommodation experience, but this option can result in issues, such as needing to co-exist with various insects and rodents, up on the trees, their habitat. Also, temperature levels inside many tree houses can get uncomfortably hot, especially on hot summer nights, making sleeping a challenge.

The sense of freedom offered by nature, unique views, as well as the fairytale aspect of staying at a house on a tree were the most often cited pleasures.

Treehouses now also covering luxury needs

In other parts of the world, treehouse living has developed into an established holiday let option. The US, including Hawaii, the UK, Germany, France and Brazil are the countries offering the biggest number of treehouses. Some choices offer luxury, too.

In the US, for example, short-term rental platform searches resulted in the discovery of over 40 luxury treehouses with prices reaching as high as 320 euros per night for a double-bed treehouse plus a fixed cleaning charge of 105 euros, paid upon departure. Demand is extremely high. At present, the earliest vacancies for luxury treehouses in the US are more than a year ahead, in November, 2022.

How treehouses were developed into holiday lets

Traditionally, treehouses were built by parents for their children in home gardens. Countless American films have featured scenes of children spending the night in a treehouse, stocked up on chocolate and equipped with torches, or preparing the details of innocent plans under the torch light.

By the mid-90s, conditions began to change in the US as well as a number of European countries. An increase in disposable incomes, improved building technology, as well as greater interest in environmental issues, especially sustainable living, have helped increase the popularity of treehouses, including as holiday lets. This rise has been reflected by greater treehouse-themed exposure on social media, the internet, as well as TV shows showcasing special treehouses around the world.

The rise in popularity of treehouse living also led to an increase in demand for building companies covering all treehouse construction and design needs, from A to Z. At present, over 30 companies in Europe and the US offer specialised treehouse construction services. The options they offer vary in terms of style and complexity, ranging from simple garden treehouses for children to fully functional treehouses, including luxury versions.

Longest treehouse stay in history

Treehouses have also played a key role in environmental protests staged by communities and activists around the world, hosting tree-sitting protests. The longest ever tree-sitting protest on record was staged by Julia Butterfly Hill, an American environmental activist, who occupied a California redwood tree for 738 days, saving it as well as other trees in the area from being cut down. Her treehouse accommodation for this extended period, just over two years, consisted of two small platforms, each measuring less than three square metres, 55 metres above ground level.

Building regulation ambiguity

Many parts of the world have not established specific regulations concerning treehouse design and construction, so legal aspects can get confusing, both for builders and local building authorities. Depending on respective local building regulations, treehouse plans can be fully exempted from building regulations, or may need to partially or fully comply. Regulations tend to be more flexible in remote or non-urban areas. In some places, treehouse building activities must meet regulations that apply for garden sheds, often officially categorised as temporary constructions. Also, restrictions can be encountered on matters concerning treehouse heights and distance from adjacent homes.

Cuckoo’s nest

Cuckoo’s Nest in Preveza, northwestern Greece, is a unique treehouse for nature-loving travellers keen on alternative holidaying. It is situated at a quiet spot filled with greenery, a few kilometres from the heart of Preveza. The treehouse is equipped with a solar energy system producing sufficient electricity to charge small appliances such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Use of irons and hairdryers is forbidden. The treehouse also has a mini bar.

Stolidi Mou

Stolidi Mou Treehouse, situated in the Cretan Rethymno prefecture’s Atsipopoulo area, offers a luxury accommodation experience. It features a bar, garden, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, veranda, one bedroom, bathroom with a jacuzzi and flat-screen TV, as well as a private parking space – a complete package for guests. The treehouse is 2.3 kilometres from Koumbes beach.

Kotsifas Estate Treehouse

Hidden within a farmland with olive trees and organic fruit and vegetable gardens, this incredible treehouse has been described as a fairytale experience by guests. Breakfast in bed is offered, while meals are served at a table set in the garden, their ingredients coming straight from the garden. This treehouse has a double bed, living room with a sofa-bed, bathroom and refrigerator.

It is located 5 kilometres from Amaliada, western Peloponnese.

Margariti’s Treehouse

This treehouse, located at Skala-Paramonas, on Corfu’s west coast, is ideal for nature lovers seeking a serene spot for relaxation. It is on land surrounded by olive groves and combines a sensational sea view, from the treehouse’s front, with a mountain view at the back. The treehouse is built on a seven-metre olive tree. It features a double bed, hammock, bathroom and a balcony.

Treehouse in Ano Korakiana

The treehouse is located on a property named Ktima Vradi (Vradi Estate) at the foot of Ano Korakiana, an old mountain-slope village in Corfu. It is literally surrounded by forest, creating a romantic setting. The treehouse is flooded with natural light and offers a marvellous view of the lush landscape, a Corfu trademark. Its details and tasteful fabrics create a unique atmosphere. This is an ideal option for nature and animal lovers. A large number of lovely cats and dogs live freely on the property.