July 13, 2018Treehouse Masters, Season 1, Episode 1: Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse

For today’s photo tour, we’re stepping back in time to the treehouse that starred in our first-ever episode of Treehouse Masters. This colossal treehouse pushed us to dream and build big!

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse facade

They say everything is bigger in Texas, which stands true for this 20-ton treehouse. It serves as a guesthouse and game-day party pad, thanks to the widescreen TV installed in the living room.

With its spacious deck, kitchen, dining table, shower, queen-sized bed, loft, and deck-side dog house, this treehouse is paradise for kids, grownups, and pooches alike!

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse back

A split-level staircase leads to the deck, which is bordered by classic Nelson Treehouse hog wire railing.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse below deck

This 750-square-foot treehouse roots nine feet off the ground in a grove of hackberry trees. A couple sturdy posts help to shoulder the prodigious platform.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse deck

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse dog house

Pete and Charlie Nelson built this dog house off the side of the deck, so that pooches can enjoy the treetop palace too!

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse seating on deck

Hog wire railing is a great option for treehouse decks, as it secures the edge without blocking views. You can watch our video tutorial on building hog wire railing, below.


 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse hog wire railing

It’s the small details that add character.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse entrance

Classic board and batten siding covers the exterior. In total, this colossal treehouse contains nearly 5,000 board feet of lumber!

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse living room

Inside the doors lies a comfy seating room with a dining table, couch, and kitchen. The widescreen TV makes this room perfect for football-game watch parties.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse inisde

Electric lighting and hot and cold running water make this treehouse a luxurious retreat.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse kithcen

With this kitchen, the family doesn’t need to descend from the trees to cook up game-day bites.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse seating area

Plentiful windows frame sweepings views of the surrounding fields. This property had been in the owners’ family for generations, but being up in the trees gave them a fresh perspective on the land they love so much.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse bedroom

This bedroom looks like it would be at home in a spacious cabin—but one glimpse out the windows would remind you that you’re up in the trees!

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse shower

What’s a Texas-sized treehouse without a roomy bathroom, complete with a shower and toilet?

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse bathroom

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse loft

The loft is the perfect zone for kids, with tons of plush seating and open play space.

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse base

 Nelson Treehouse - Twenty-Ton Texas Treehouse at sunset

We hope you’ve enjoyed taking a look back at our first televised treehouse! It’s been such a fun ride since that inaugural episode.

You can see all our photo tours of treehouses from episodes of Treehouse Masters, here.

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To the trees!

@nelsontreehouse