A couple has made nearly $56,000 after turning their garden tree into an Airbnb.
Will Sutherland and his wife, Sabrina, started the project in March 2021.
They spent the next eight months using second-hand material to create the property, pulling on their previous DIY experience and turning to online forums for extra help.
Having made $36,482 last year alone, Sutherland has been able to give up his job as an audio-visual technician to become a full-time host.
“The thing is I’ve always had an interest in treehouses,” Sutherland, 38, from Shepherdstown, West Virginia, said. "When I bought my house I found a spot between two big trees above a rock outcropping and had a dream of building a treehouse there.
“I walked around the site for the first time, I saw two trees sitting over a rock ledge and thought that’s where I’m going to put it.
“The trickiest part was getting the heavy materials, like the windows and roof trussing up into the structure.
“But once it was all built I couldn’t wait to get my first visitors in.”
Guests can stay in the treehouse for $160-$250 a night, depending on the time of year.
The treehouse measures 163 square feet—and although small, it has a lofted bedroom to add room.
Although it has no running water, it does boast a five-gallon water tank for hand washing and brushing teeth.
But the treehouse is still in keeping with modern-day necessities and provides wi-fi, air conditioning, and an electric heater.
And there’s no risk of bumping into guests in their main house as Sutherland built a shower-toilet bathhouse outside.
He said: “When I told Sabrina about the idea she was all for it so long as there was a separate bathroom outside.
“So it had to be done.”
And it’s proving a hit around the globe, getting thousands of views per month on Airbnb and booked out months in advance.
Sutherland said: “It’s been a great decision, I’m so happy I did it.
“It cost around $15,000 to build but I’ve happily made that back now.
Breakdown
- Materials including lumber, siding, roofing, electrical wiring, and hardware: $10,000
- Windows and doors: $2,500
- Bolts and slider brackets (allowing for tree movement): $600
- Furnishings: $1,500
- Misc.: $900
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