Treehouses have a long and illustrious history in the American imagination as the classic playground that every child begs their parents for. But treehouses aren’t just for kids anymore -- they are increasingly becoming a desired vacation home for adults too. John Lennon had a 960 square-foot treehouse in the Hollywood Hills (which could have been yours for a million dollars in 2013). Winston Churchill’s famous Chartwell estate had a treehouse that was designed for his five children. Sting hired famous treehouse designer Roderick Romero to build a one on his property in Tuscany, Italy.

But treehouse living isn’t just for the rich and famous. Free Spirit Spheres, located near Vancouver, offers rental treehouses for a truly unique getaway. Sweden’s Treehoteloffers multiple treehouse styles, while Los Angeles’ Banyan Drive Treehouse is a textbook example of efficient use of paltry square footage.

The Cabin Treehouse in Sweden.
The Cabin by Treehotel / photo by Peter Lundström / WDO

Treehouses weren’t always the sole domain of nature enthusiasts and children. Although written evidence is scant, it is known that early jungle-based humans lived in treehouses -- less for the views and more for the assurance that they wouldn’t get mauled by a jaguar while sleeping soundly on the ground. The Italian Renaissance introduced the idea of the treehouse as a leisurely retreat. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th century that the treehouse became what it is today: a playground for children and elaborate retreat for adults.

What is the appeal of treehouses? Treehouses are so much a part of their surroundings that they do not upset the delicate balance of nature, yet they utilize modern construction techniques to expand the home into a permanent living space that rivals other modern homes. These are also the areas of the country where building contractors have innovated treehouse designs and their methods of construction, allowing them to be used for permanent residency or as vacation homes. One’s imagination and the local planning commission are all that define the limits of a treehouse home.

Free Spirit Spheres in Vancouver.
Free Spirit Spheres / photo by Adam Clarke

One of the most appealing attributes of a treehouse home is that its construction depends on a tree as part of its foundation, so less material is used for the home. A treehouse home, by its very nature, must be designed according to the site, which gives each home a custom design that is truly unique. Usually built in more rural areas, treehouse homes also offer peace and solitude for homeowners.

Most homeowners’ associations (HOAs) would frown upon a treehouse home being built in a traditional neighborhood, so finding a location for a treehouse home may require the purchase of a tract of land, which can be costly. Most treehouse homes are built on large pieces of private property without the onerous restrictions of planned developments.

Banyan Treehouse in Los Angeles, CA
Banyan Treehouse / photo by Eric Staudenmaire

Even if you have a large tract of unrestricted property, there is always the local planning board and, in many cities, getting around them may be very difficult, if not impossible. It is a good idea to check local ordinances before you begin your build -- just as it would be when performing conventional construction.

The resale value of a treehouse home may not be as high as that of a conventional home because of its uniqueness and the smaller pool of interested buyers. If this is a consideration for you when building a custom home, something more conventional may be better for your needs. However, if you have a desire to fulfill your personal whimsy, treehouse home designed and built for you could become the home of your dreams.