Treehouses: The #1 Airbnb Category
Carlee and Mark's journey to build a short-term rental treehouse
When Carlee and Mark Thorrington purchased a beautiful wooded lot by Lake Sammish near Bellingham, WA, they had a dream of creating something unique—a space that would not only blend seamlessly into nature but also offer a one-of-a-kind experience for short-term renters. Little did they know, this dream would turn into a stunning treehouse that has quickly become a sought-after destination on Airbnb. We caught up with Carlee and Mark at their family home in Seattle to hear their story of bringing their treehouse vision to life with the help of Wild Tree Woodworks.
The Idea Takes Root
Carlee and Mark's journey started with the purchase of their dream lot—an untouched, wooded property that connected them to a lake they loved. "When we found the lot, we definitely wanted it. It's a beautiful, wooded lot," says Mark. At first, building a treehouse felt like a "hairbrained idea." They weren’t sure if zoning would allow it or if it would even be possible to build a treehouse on the land. But the idea stuck.
What really pushed them towards the treehouse concept was advice from a friend working at Airbnb. "They told us that treehouses are the top category on the platform," Carlee shares. The idea of creating something that could stand out in the short-term rental market was exciting. A treehouse seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a memorable, unique experience for guests.
Turning the Vision Into Reality
Carlee and Mark knew they needed an expert to guide them through the treehouse-building process, especially since they wanted to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible. That's when they found David and the team at Wild Tree Woodworks. "I was old-school Google searching for someone who could tell me if this would work," Mark laughs. From the first conversation, David assured them it was possible. Carlee and Mark appreciated Wild Tree's commitment to minimal environmental impact.
"We didn't want to cut down many of the trees," says Carlee.
David helped them find the perfect spot where the treehouse could be built without major disruptions to the landscape.
A Treehouse Built for Guests
From the start, Carlee and Mark envisioned the treehouse as a short-term rental. "We knew we wanted to do something different and creative," Carlee explains. They worked closely with Wild Tree Woodworks to ensure the treehouse would not only be a cozy, comfortable space for guests but also a luxurious one. "We wanted something that felt like you were at a luxury hotel, but in the trees," Carlee says.
The treehouse ended up featuring two bedrooms and a loft, which was a game-changer for accommodating more guests. "You could fit two families in there pretty comfortably," says Mark. The design also included thoughtful touches like a functional kitchen, cozy reading nooks, and even a spa-like bathroom.
"We didn’t want people to feel like they were roughing it. We wanted them to have all the amenities they'd expect in any short-term rental," Carlee notes.
Creating an Experience
Beyond just providing a place to stay, Carlee and Mark wanted to create an experience that would "surprise and delight" guests. The treehouse is full of small touches that make it feel special, from the hanging egg chairs underneath to the warm, light-filled interior.
"It's surprising when people walk in—they think it's going to be dark because it's under the trees, but it's actually light and bright inside," Mark says.
★★★★★ Airbnb Superhosts
“We've had all five-star reviews, and people always say that no detail was missed”
-Carlee Thorrington
Guests have been loving it so far. "We've had all five-star reviews, and people always say that no detail was missed," Carlee says. The treehouse even rents for about 30-40% more than a traditional home in the same area, thanks to its unique appeal. "People are willing to pay for something special," Carlee notes.
A Dream Come True
See photos of Carlee and Mark’s Treehouse
Advice for Future Treehouse Builders
For those thinking about building a treehouse, either for personal use or as a short-term rental, Carlee and Mark highly recommend working with Wild Tree Woodworks. "David and his team made the process fun and easy. They listened to our vision and made it happen," Carlee says.
Their advice? "If you have a property and you want to do something cool and unconventional, go for it. It’s going to cost a bit more, but it’s so worth it," Mark adds. For Carlee and Mark, the treehouse has been a dream come true—a place where guests can experience the magic of being in the trees, while still enjoying all the comforts of home.
Thinking About Building Your Own Treehouse Rental?
If you’re considering building a treehouse as a short-term rental, Carlee and Mark’s story is a testament to how a unique space can stand out in the market and create unforgettable experiences for guests. With Wild Tree Woodworks, your vision can become a reality—one that blends seamlessly with nature and offers a truly memorable stay. Contact us today to start your treehouse journey!
