Tiny treehouse with a rooftop view made from reclaimed materials blends charm and creativity

On the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, a tiny treehouse rises atop a red cedar stump, overlooking the ocean.

Built from the very trees it stands on, the main floor spans 97 square feet with a loft above. A rooftop deck 27 feet above the ground completes the magical space.

Almost all materials were reclaimed or secondhand, making the project sustainable and cost-effective.

Kassandra Parker, a mother, teacher, and life coach, designed the treehouse in her backyard.

“This is my treehouse. It’s this tiny little treehouse on top of a stump overlooking the ocean… It’s almost completely built from two red cedars from my yard and mostly with all repurposed or reclaimed items,” she says.

From garden problem to tiny treehouse dream

The treehouse began as a solution to Kassandra’s garden problem. Two large red cedars blocked the sunlight needed for vegetables.

“I love growing food that I can eat and I love for my kids to be able to walk around to see that and pick food and eat it,” she explains.

Instead of chopping the trees for firewood, a friend suggested a creative project.

Kassandra, who had long dreamed of building a tiny house, seized the opportunity. With plans in hand, she flew to Quebec, where friends agreed to help.

“If you fly us down, feed us, give us beer, we’ll build it in 9 days based on your designs,” her friends told her.

The team worked from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., laughing and building in French.

“If I didn’t have all that help, there’s no way this ever would have happened,” she adds.

Over the following year, Kassandra completed the interior herself, sanding shelves and adding personal touches.

Design, structure, and sustainability

The tiny treehouse stands 26 to 27 feet above the ground, starting six feet above the cedar stump, with a 16-foot structure above that and a rooftop deck.

Its 10-by-10-foot base (one corner cut off) totals 97 square feet. The loft bedroom fits a queen-size bed, creating a cozy retreat.

“I think what I love most about the treehouse is it’s kind of like nature meets creativity. It’s a place to come and disconnect from the busyness that our lives are often. And even though it’s in my backyard, when I go in there, I feel like I’m totally disconnected,” Kassandra says.

Nearly all materials were reclaimed or repurposed, including items from Restore, friends, and movie sets (Aquaman and Mad Men).

The only new piece is the front door, keeping costs low and environmental impact minimal.

The treehouse rests on the original cedar stump with three additional support pillars in cinder blocks and concrete.

Pink fiberglass insulation keeps it cozy, while baseboard heaters provide warmth.

A small insulated door at the base conceals a hot water tank that activates automatically when temperatures drop below -6°C.

Outdoor features and rooftop deck of the tiny treehouse

The stairs, built from heavy cedar rounds and concrete blocks, weigh hundreds of pounds. Each step is decorated with stones and small images, adding charm.

Driftwood collected from local beaches forms the rooftop railings, offering natural curves and textures.

A covered deck provides a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the garden while listening to the rain.

Stairs lead to the rooftop deck, offering a magical ocean view, though Kassandra keeps it private for safety.

Meanwhile, she painted the front door a calming sea-inspired color, her favorite.

Living space and bedrooms

Inside, natural cedar dominates, showing off its grains and knots. The open-plan layout emphasizes simplicity and calm.

A small dining area features a round table from Mad Men, where two people can enjoy breakfast, snacks, or work while overlooking the garden.

Clever storage is built into the stairs, hiding blankets, books, and games. The loft bedroom accommodates a queen-size bed and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding trees.

The ceiling rises to 16 feet, slightly arched for rain runoff. A fan circulates air in the tall space.

Two tall church windows from West Vancouver let in light and create an airy atmosphere. “This room is very minimal.

It’s just meant to create a chance for calm. Hopefully, if attention goes anywhere, it’s out the window looking out at the trees,” Kassandra says.

Kitchen, bathroom, and clever spaces

The kitchenette is small but practical, with a tiny fridge, toaster oven, and French press for coffee.

The counter uses reclaimed tiles, and every shelf is handcrafted from leftover cedar. Kassandra maximized every inch without compromising the look.

The bathroom is equally creative. A small fan keeps the space ventilated, while the sink sits in a repurposed antique dresser.

The restored toilet and 3-by-3-foot shower fit the compact space perfectly.

Exposed cedar beams support the second floor, adding visual interest, and a locally sourced barn door completes the design.

Community, creativity, and gratitude

Kassandra credits her friends and community for the treehouse.

From the nine-day frame built in Quebec to donated and reclaimed materials, the project reflects collaboration and care.

“When I look at the treehouse from out here, I still feel surprised that it even happened. Everything kind of fell into place and it kind of blows my mind that there’s a treehouse in my backyard. That’s a really lovely place to stay,” she says.

Airbnb: Sharing the tiny treehouse experience

Now listed on Airbnb as “Ocean View Treehouse Gibsons BC,” the tiny treehouse allows visitors to experience Kassandra’s blend of simplicity, creativity, and nature.

Every detail—from reclaimed cedar wood to the stone-decorated stairs—tells a story of thoughtfulness and resourcefulness.

Kassandra’s project proves that careful planning, sustainability, and passion can turn a backyard into a magical retreat.

Guests leave inspired by the peaceful space, the creative reuse of materials, and the unobstructed ocean views, showing that even a tiny treehouse can create big memories.

Watch Kassandra step inside her tiny treehouse and share how she turned reclaimed wood and creativity into a peaceful retreat above the ground.

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