Unique Stay: The Squirrel's Nest. Add This Washington Treehouse Airbnb to Your Wanderlist
Sitting pretty at 15' above the ground, the 280-foot Squirrel's Nest Treehouse not only looks like something out of a fairytale, but it's also incredibly cozy, comfortable, and spacious too! It has everything you need for a cozy weekend getaway just 30 minutes outside of Seattle.
Native Lands: Duwamish
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Table of Contents
Getting There:
It couldn't be easier. A paved road leads you all the way to the Squirrel's Nest's driveway in Redmond's Broadhurst community– all types of cars are welcome! Because this is also the owner's home, I'm omitting the actual address for safety, but not to worry! If you do decide to book, the tree house's lovely owners, Mark and Michelle, will reach out with detailed arrival instructions.
The Tree House
Driving through the gate, Boomer greeted us full smile and ready for all the pets. Even though pets aren't allowed, you'll get your fill of Mark and Michelle's two adorable pups and super friendly pigs! Don't forget to close the gate! We don't want our new friends escaping.
You'll see a sign just past the gate that says "Guest Parking," and to the left, The Squirrel's Nest peeked through the trees, blending into the canopy. WE HAVE ARRIVED!
I basically ran up the steps, pausing to take in the craftsmanship that went into each and every one. Mark and his daughter, Alamea, built this beaut with their own two hands (and a little help from friends here and there).
If you're interested in the build, there's a book inside the tree house that walks you through the entire process. Definitely worth a read! Their story is inspiring, and made me want to give it a go someday. Keyword: someday. That did NOT look easy. Maybe I'll just enjoy the fruits of their labor for now ;)
Branches make the railings into masterpieces of their own. There's a small perch as you near the top before the stairs take a steep turn (almost ladder-steep), before you reach the deck with a massive fir tree as the main attraction.
Pro tip:
Bring luggage that's small, lightweight, and easy to carry. You'll be lugging this up 15' of stairs so make sure you can carry it! If you have a backpack, that'll work best.
There are two super comfortable, east-facing swinging chairs for you and your bestie, mom, partner, you name it to sit and enjoy coffee, wine, a cocktail, you get the gist! Grab a blanket from inside and get cozy! A little fresh air is amazing any time of the day.
CHALLENGE:
Notice the speakeasy peephole in the front door? Alamea created a secret password when she was 12 that's written all over it, plain as day. Can you figure out what it is?
Once inside, you'll find an electric fireplace, a Keurig, cups, plates, and utensils, a TV with Cable, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, and a DVD player with a great movie collection.
Wifi is available, but it's spotty! I wouldn't rely too heavily on it.
The tree house offers two beds: one queen on the main floor and a twin in the loft.
The electric fireplace heats the tree house, and Mark and Michelle put an extra space heater up there for extra warmth, so you should stay toasty all night. There are also plenty of blankets for you to use either on your bed or out on the deck if you get a little chilly!
There's also a glorious little window seat nook where I easily spent most of my time.
Pull up the carpet's southeast corner to discover a trapdoor full of fun games! Whip out the fold-up table and chairs next to the window seat, or play right on the bed.
Pro tip: Don't attempt a game of mastermind two glasses of wine in. It's harder than you think.
If you like tree houses, there are more unique vacation rentals where that came from!
What About the Restroom?
The restroom is located just below the tree house–it's a simple outhouse complete with a toilet and a sink. It does the job with a few thoughtful touches like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and feminine products in case you forgot! I literally ALWAYS forget my toothbrush (except for this time, of course), and they really went the extra mile with this one. There's also a mirror and air fresheners, which might seem silly to note, but if you've been in plenty of outhouses, you know this is a luxury!
Out back, find horseshoes and a couple of small walking trails for top-notch forest bathing.
Does this tree house look familiar? If you know Pacific Northwest treehouses, you might be familiar with "tree whisperer" Pete Nelson and his show the Treehouse Guys. Yep, Mark actually learned his treehouse design skills from the whisperer himself! He and Pete are good friends, and Mark even appeared in a Treehouse Guys episode!
Booking the Squirrel's Nest Treehouse Airbnb in Redmond
This tree house is only available April - October and tends to get booked up fast–it's best to plan well in advance. Mark just released additional days in August in September, so get 'em while you can!
Book the Squirrel's Nest Treehouse in Redmond Here.
Know Before You Go:
Sleeps: 4
No Pets
Limited cell service and wifi available but not super reliable
Paved road for easy – all cars are welcome
$317 for 1 night (includes Airbnb taxes and fees)
Check out their website HERE
Find them on Facebook HERE
Packing List
Sweaters
Leggings
Jeans
Cozy socks
Slip-on shoes for out on the deck and quick trips below to the restroom
A beanie
A rainproof coat for exploring
Camera
Unique vacation rentals are kind of my thing! Check out some of the best Airbnbs here!
If you love Mark's work (how can you not), you can hire him to do your woodworking for you!
Check out his website and Facebook for a peek into his past projects.
What's that about Costa Rica?
If you're ever in Costa Rica, don't miss your chance to stay at Mark's second tree house, La Fila del Mono Cariblanco, in Costa Rica's famed Finca Bellavista tree house community!
See you in the trees!
