Perched 12 feet above the ground on San Juan Island, this charming three-season treehouse was built for Pete’s friend, Nancy. Tucked beneath the canopy of a magnificent Douglas fir, it looks west across the Salish Sea with nearly 180-degree views of the islands and surrounding coastline.
A meandering walkway winds through the landscape before the first flight of stairs, which is attached to a neighboring Douglas fir using one of our Paddle TABs.
From there, the path continues up the stairs to the treehouse, where a classic single-tree platform is supported by our Standard Limb Hardware and Wood Yoke system.
This setup allows for a wider platform.
Wrapped in salvaged western red cedar and topped with a cedar shake roof, the treehouse feels as though it has always belonged beneath the branches.
Inside, the space is intentionally simple. Measuring approximately 9 by 12 feet, it’s designed as a quiet refuge, a place to spend the night, read a book, write, or simply watch storms roll in.
Two built-in beds, open shelving for favorite treasures, and a small seating area create everything you need without feeling crowded.
One of the most remarkable features is the Douglas fir itself. The trunk passes directly through the corner of the interior, becoming part of the space. It’s a detail we rarely incorporate because of the challenge of keeping the building weather-tight while allowing the tree to continue growing and moving.
Repurposed fir flooring brings warmth underfoot, while the custom windows were handcrafted in our shop by Geoff using standing-dead yellow cedar from Ketchikan, Alaska.
Large windows frame sea view, keeping the connection to the outdoors present from every corner of the room.
Step out onto the expansive deck framed by our classic hog wire railing. Positioned beneath the sprawling limbs of the Douglas fir, it’s the perfect place for a morning cup of coffee, an afternoon with a good book, or an evening watching the sun settle over the Salish Sea.
Not every treehouse needs multiple bedrooms or a full kitchen. Sometimes all you need is a beautiful tree, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a quiet place to simply be in a tree. That’s exactly what this little San Juan Island retreat was built to do.
Curious how this treehouse came together? Follow the project from the first pieces of hardware installed in the Douglas fir to the finished retreat overlooking the Salish Sea.
First, watch the complete build process to see how our crew brought Nancy’s treehouse to life. Then, join Pete for a final walkthrough of the completed treehouse and take in the sweeping island views from the deck.
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