This Southern Tree House Is Built Around a Real Tree—and It Has Blue Ridge Mountain Views and a Resident Owl Named Betty

Finding some peace and well-deserved rest in nature shouldn’t be hard. In fact, one easy way to get some time in nature is to book a tree-top getaway for the weekend, like this luxurious tree house near the small town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina.

Known as the Forestry House, this striking rental vacation home is located on a 16-ace spread and is built on a platform around a living tree. The property has beautiful minimalist, modern design with pops of natural wood accents and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.

Guests can choose to relax in the house, or they can take a short stroll across a bridge to access a wooden deck, where they can enjoy a cozy evening under the stars, huddled around a fire pit. There’s also a back porch with comfortable seats, if you want more places to while away the day.

Inside, the open concept layout of the Airbnb makes the space feel delightfully airy and breezy. The home has a comfortable, king-sized bed and a private bathroom, too.

If you feel like whipping up something during your forest retreat, there’s a kitchen with an induction cooktop, a toaster oven, an air fryer, a retro-style refrigerator, and a Nespresso coffee machine.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s an on-site outdoor shower where you can freshen up to the sound of songbirds. In fact, there’s plenty of wildlife to observe: deer, foxes, flying squirrels, turkeys, and even a resident owl named Betty. To help guests truly unplug and connect with their surroundings, the tree house intentionally doesn’t have a TV or Wi-Fi.

There’s a lot to do nearby as well. It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown Travelers Rest, where you can find the History Museum of Travelers Rest, a farmer’s market, as well as the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail that connects to the nearby town of Greenville, South Carolina—perfect for a long walk or bike ride. But if you’re looking for a taste of “big” city life, Asheville, North Carolina, is about an hour away and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. For more nature-focused adventures, head to Jones Gap State Park, where gorgeous hiking opportunities abound. There are also barbecue trails for meat-loving foodies, as well as some wineries and breweries close by that are worth a visit.

Nightly rates start at $285.