Sonoma Tree House

What began as an idea to create an intimate folly in a magnificent pair of ancient fir trees became rather grand when the arborists revealed how large a platform the trees could support. On nearly a twenty by twenty foot platform we were able to create a rather substantial, fully plumbed and wired structure that could function as both guest cottage and art studio. The main living space sits within a “U” shaped porch that offers views in three directions. On the fourth side of the structure we located utilities, which include — to the dazzling surprise of visitors — a flush toilet. As the structure was going up we found two pairs of vintage Indian doors, one rustic and the other fanciful Victorian with a lacy transom, and decided to use these doors as focal points of the construction. The unusual height of the doors with the Victorian transom mandated the dramatic height of the tree house walls. We further exaggerated the height by incorporating a windowed cupola that vents hot air out in the summer months. The structure is a whimsical exercise in surprise and contrast; we clad the exterior in rustic redwood so that it would blend into the natural setting of the trees over time, but created a jewel box interior using glittering finishes and fabrics together with luscious silk velvets on the walls, windows and furnishings. To further the sense of amusement, a zip line off one side provides for a quick escape.