Inside the ‘Adults Only’ Tree House That Costs $275 a Night on Airbnb

December 3, 2015

If San Francisco’s rental homes, hotels and hostels aren’t offering something different enough for your accommodation tastes, one Bay Area couple may have the place for you.

Linda and Doug Studebaker from Burlingame, California — 15 minutes away from San Francisco — are offering their kids’ treehouse up as a “special retreat” to adults — no children allowed — for $275 a night.

“Suitable for candle-light dinners, relaxing, reflecting, rejuvenating & simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature – birds singing, a squirrel scampering across the roof! Enjoy the sunset or sunrise with a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay from the wrap-around deck similar to the ones you see at this decking company catalog,” the couple writes in their Airbnb listing of their arboreal property.

The treehouse, built on a 150-year-old live oak, consists of a bedroom, a “lower level chaise/reading nook,” and a separate kitchenette and bathroom located in the Studebakers’ log home. It is located

Amenities include cable TV, Wi-Fi, a space heater, a single parking space and a “light” continental breakfast.

In their listing, the couple warns guests who are expecting luxury to look elsewhere: “Remember, this is a TREEHOUSE, a wee house in our big 150 year old oak tree – -we built with love for our own growing family nearly 18 years ago. We are so happy to share this experience with you and we take great care in making your stay comfortable, inviting and private. However, If you are expecting the Ritz, you may want to reconsider!”

The treehouse thus far has more than 700 mostly positive reviews even though stays there are on the disproportionately expensive side — in addition to the $275-a-night fee, there is a cleaning fee of $45 and a service fee of $42, bringing the total to $362 for a single night.

The high price point for the small treehouse could earn the couple over $100,00 a year when booked solid.

Share this Article