Adulthood may toss a few favorite childhood staples: bubblegum flavored ice cream, monkey bars and Pop Rocks.
But there is a quintessential childhood fantasy that follows many into double digits, and is classic and timeless as Peter Pan — treehouses.
Growing up, I always wanted a treehouse.
The closest I came was my grandparent’s concrete storm cellar. When I wanted to hide from the world, my refuge was on top of its concrete domed roof.
With the assistance of a neighboring kumquat tree, I would climb its branches, step onto the cellar’s roof.
The world never bothered me up there. Time was still and allowed me to get lost in an imaginative world.
Life was easy when my feet were 30 feet off the ground.
Sleep among fireflies
For anyone who cherishes the memory of childhood whimsies as well as solitude and fresh air, welcome to Cypress Valley Canopy Tours in Spicewood, Texas.
In addition to offering zipline adventures, this Hill Country retreat has four beautiful nature inspired treehouses: The Nest, Lofthaven II, Willow and Juniper. Each is available year-round for overnight stays — zip lining is optional (and seasonal).
Pack up a deck of cards, board games and if inclined, a musical instrument.
It’s time to leave electronics home. You won’t find wifi in these forest bungalows.
The only tweets you’ll hear are from neighboring feathered friends.
The Nest: A family escape
The largest treehouse, The Nest, includes a kitchen, living area, two bedrooms, multiple viewing decks and can accommodate up to six.
Nestled 45 feet above a limestone ravine and gurgling creek, be prepared to be lulled to sleep by the gentle sound of the stream below and the soft hoot of gray horned owls.
The Nest lives up to its name, the space exudes warmth.
You’ll enter through a kitchen that’s rustic and chic. Families will love the large repurposed cypress table and upholstered seating for six. Nothing is left wanting with modern day conveniences like a refrigerator, toaster oven, electric skillet, and coffee maker (tea, coffee, creamer, and sugar provided).
Continuing outside towards your living and resting quarters, you’ll first pass an outdoor shower and deck offering a table and chairs to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Continuing on, the circular living room with weathered cypress floors is flanked by two sun-filled bedrooms; one has two twin beds and a colorful wall showcasing an assortment of fantasy books, the other room offers a plush queen size bed.
Mimicking the Swiss Family Robinson, this treehouse is on multiple levels, giving it a touch of whimsy; one level even has a circular butterfly hatchery and a ladder leading up to a crow’s nest offering panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.
With the exception of The Nest, the treehouses accommodate two. The interior colors mirror nature. Muted shades of green, cream, gray, rust and blue are soothing on the eyes and offer a seamless transition from outdoors to indoors. Each bungalow has easy access to indoor plumbing.
The architect, Will Beilharz, of ArtisTree chose to keep the restroom facilities of each treehouse grounded, so before walking the bridge or plank to your abode, you’ll have access to a lovely washroom.
Serene landscape
The property rests on 88 acres and contains a scenic pond complete with a rowboat, a sprinkling of picnic tables and grills for barbecuing, a sand volleyball court and basketball court.
When the temperatures begin to rise, the outdoor pool overlooking the pond becomes a refreshing refuge.
Your forest retreat wouldn’t be complete without squirrels, birds, foxes, the occasional red tailed cat, and five burly bisons.
If you’re staying during the spring, summer or fall you’ll have the option to purchase a Cypress Valley Canopy Tour excursion.
There’s a good reason why four of The 10 Most Desirable Airbnb Rentals in the World included treehouses.
Back to nature
Mother Nature’s soundtrack is a siren. Tugging and pulling at inner child heartstrings. Re-aligning an interior compass that’s been temporarily misguided while trying to navigate the perils of adulthood.
The kumquat tree I thought was a giant when I was knee high looks small today, but the dreams I encountered and the scrapes I endured climbing my way to the top made me feel big and wondrous.
Be fair warned, the roots of these treehouses are planted firmly, likely to re-kindle dreams you thought lost and awaken others yet discovered.
