Couple reveals how a 200-year-old tree defines the space and structure of their tiny luxury treehouse

High in the mountains of Utah, a tiny luxury treehouse perches among the trees, captivating children and adults alike.

This unique home, the only one of its kind in the state, is built around a living 200-year-old tree that forms the heart of the house.

Rocky and Gianni, a husband-and-wife team, turned their lifelong dream into a home that guests can now visit.

From childhood dream to treehouse reality

Both Rocky and Gianni grew up wishing they had a place in the trees.

While they never had one as kids, they decided to make that dream come true as adults. Rocky said, “I’ve always wanted a fire tower house.”

When the couple found a property with a small tree structure already in place, they knew it was special.

“It was an awesome bonus for us to then go and build what we wanted. Yeah, basically made our childhood dreams come true as adults, which is pretty sick,” Rocky noted.

The original structure was built by a previous owner who cared about the earth.

Aspen and fir trees from the land were used for the walls, while old railroad ties were saved and repurposed for the base.

Rocky and Gianni took this foundation and turned it into a tiny luxury treehouse for guests, making sure the house felt part of the surrounding forest.

“Every piece of it is as connected as it possibly could be and that’s one of the special things is again bringing nature outside into the inside,” Gianni explained.

Living in the tiny luxury treehouse was a challenge

The journey was not always easy. When the couple moved in six years ago, they had to remodel the home while living inside it.

They slept in sleeping bags during the cold winter months and faced frozen pipes and broken plumbing.

Yet, they fixed every issue, making the tiny luxury treehouse a safe and comfortable place.

Built to last: Design and structure

The tiny luxury treehouse stands 12 to 13 feet above the forest floor.

Its main support is a 200-year-old subalpine Utah fur tree, reinforced with railroad ties, spaced 14 inches by 14 inches, and buried 6 to 7 feet deep. From bottom to top, the house is about 30 feet tall.

The exterior features cedar shingles and trim from local furwood. A large 10-by-20-foot deck offers expansive forest views.

In winter, snow piles up, but Gianni designed the deck with an open space beneath to make shoveling easier.

“Even though it’s a big deck to shovel, it actually is really easy,” said Gianni.

Inside, the treehouse holds a lantern valued between $10,000 and $15,000. Originally made for a Park City home, the weight was too much for that house—but the strength of the treehouse allows it to fit perfectly.

Guests enter via a staircase and immediately see the massive tree growing through the center of the room.

Inside the tiny luxury treehouse

The main living area measures 10 by 20 feet and features a small couch and TV. Windows wrap around the room, offering a 270-degree view of the forest.

Gianni said, “Even though you’re inside, you feel outside.” Summers bring greenery, while winters at 8,000 feet feel like a snow globe.

Original wooden floors creak with each step, adding charm. Windows salvaged from old cabins open with special handles, letting in fresh air.

Rocky and Gianni wanted guests to experience the history of the materials.

Wood is everywhere—from walls and stairs to kitchen counters—all sourced from the property.

Kitchen tiles complement the giant tree. The dining area features a glass table and chairs to make the space feel larger.

The bedroom loft wraps around the tree.

“It’s not every day there is a tree above your stairs and in your bedroom,” says Gianni as she climbs up the ladder.

Fairy lights create a soft glow, and the loft bed was installed by removing and then replacing part of the floor around the tree. Loft windows let guests gaze at the stars.

Cooking, cleaning, and living with a tree

The kitchen is small but functional, with a stove, a tiny fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, and a full-size sink.

“I can’t ever remodel anything without a giant sink. You need to stack those dishes on vacation. Don’t actually wash them,” Gianni explained.

The bathroom has everything needed: a sink, toilet, and shower. Rocky, 5’4″, fits comfortably.

She said, “I sit just fine, but my husband, who’s all legs, no torso, and about 6’2, those knees go right up against it, but everything’s still doable.”

Caring for the living tree takes effort. Rocky and Gianni vacuum the bark, collect fallen pieces, and trim branches to prevent contact with walls.

They used foam, steel wool, and insulation where the tree meets the roof, keeping bugs out while allowing the tree to grow.

Guests experience nature in the tiny luxury treehouse

For nearly ten years, Rocky and Gianni have welcomed thousands of guests to their tiny luxury treehouse.

They keep photo books where visitors leave notes. Seeing families and couples enjoy the natural surroundings brings them joy.

The house blends old wood, a historic tree, and modern design.

Gianni said, “Every piece of it is as connected as it possibly could be.”

The tiny luxury treehouse shows that with a dream and respect for nature, it is possible to create something extraordinary.

For anyone who loves trees or small homes, this Utah retreat offers a chance to escape the busy world and sleep under the stars.

Watch Rocky and Gianni give a warm tour of their tiny luxury treehouse and see how their dream came to life among the trees.

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