Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Learn more about our editorial policies here.
In the eclectic Texas neighborhood of Little Forest Hills, you’ll find a wooded retreat that just so happens to be one of the most wish-listed Airbnbs in Dallas.
In any good adventure, the hero crosses a threshold in which he or she moves courageously from the comfortable to the uncharted and unexpected. At the Treehouse, that moment occurs on a low, wooden footbridge spanning shallow Ash Creek in the middle of a zen-like garden.
On one side of the bridge you have the energy and urbanity of Dallas, but the bridge’s other side crosses toward a whimsical home surrounded by more than 40 Japanese maple, bald cypress, and bamboo trees. Even in a community defined by its architecture and greenery, the home stands out as an exceptional urban oasis.
Here, the neighborhood’s motto is “Keep Little Forest Hills funky,” and that’s not hyperbole. Thanks to plenty of artistically inclined residents — and no homeowner’s association — the mantra is alive and well.
“The most highly coveted neighborhood status symbol is most definitely not a black BMW — it’s the fantastic garden in the deep yard,” said one resident of Little Forest Hills.
And that’s exactly what drew owners Danielle and Scott Kaserman to the treehouse home back in 2013.
“My favorite part is the ever-changing palette that nature provides by looking out the expansive two-story windows in the living room,” Danielle said. “If you need to find peace, tranquility, and connection, the Treehouse is an amazing place to unplug from the city.”
Others agreed; within a year of listing their home on Airbnb in 2017, Danielle and Scott’s place became the most wish-listed Airbnb in Dallas. The home struck a cord with busy travelers from Dallas staycationers to international tourists looking to reconnect to nature without leaving the confines of the city.
Now, it’s the backdrop to marriage proposals, honeymoon getaways, anniversaries, and everything in between. And there’s no shortage of guests coming back for more.
“Our second time to stay here! Why? Because this place is pure magic. A charm and serenity that only comes from a highly intentional and thoughtful owner and previous owners.”
For owner Danielle, seeing guests embrace the home and its unique spaces is a rewarding part of the rental process.
“I have multiple stories of people connecting with the home through a nostalgic moment in their life that the house reminded them of,” said Danielle. “We’ve enjoyed being able to share it with people who are loving the design, architecture, and garden like we do.”
As impressive as the grounds are, the home’s interior spaces are just as inspiring. High windows bathe the living room in natural light throughout the day, and brilliant views of the trees blend the boundary between indoors and out.
The home’s use of various woods and stone feels both modern and timeless to both comfort and arouse curiosity. The designers used reclaimed materials throughout the home, including the wood around the doorways, taken from old bleachers at Southern Methodist University.
As the third owners of the home, Danielle and Scott have enjoyed watching the Treehouse’s past, present, and future shape guests’ experiences. Each owner left their mark on the home, and that’s a tradition Danielle is honored to continue carrying out.
“The main structure of the home — the living room and guest room — was originally an artist’s studio,” Danielle said. “The rest of the home was added and constructed with thoughtful intention and reclaimed materials over the course of 13 years by the second owner who we purchased the Treehouse from.”
The adventure starts Treehouse’s bridge crossing, but reviewers say the memories made here over the years last long after they return home.
“So much character,” said guest Jonathan. “So many unique little things. It’s nice little escape from the city while still being in the city. We’ll certainly come back again.”
Related read: The Ultimate Dallas to San Antonio Road Trip
Plan Your Trip to Dallas
- The Treehouse is in the Little Forest Hills neighborhood in the Lake & Garden District of East Dallas. Rates start at $265 per night, with a two-night minimum.
- It’s only 15 minutes from downtown Dallas and the Arts District, home to the Dallas Museum of Art (one of the biggest art museums in the country) and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, an impressive museum with roots dating back to the 1930s.
- You’ll find plenty to explore off Garland Road near White Rock Lake, one of Dallas’s busiest city parks. Take in views of the lake from Winfrey Point, or hike and bike the nine-mile waterfront trail to parks on the north end of the lake for more scenery.
- The hosts’ favorite restaurants include Lounge Here, a throwback joint owned by Tim DeLaughter and Julie Doyle of The Polyphonic Spree. Nearby, you’ll find delicious slow-cooked BBQ with an amazing outdoor seating area at Smoky Rose, and the nearby Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden also offers great dining options in their world-class gardens.
- Get out into nature at one of the numerous state parks just outside of Dallas.
Find Your Next Adventure
Get epic travel ideas delivered to your inbox with Weekend Wanderer, our newsletter inspiring more than 10,000 readers every week.
Seen in: Texas, Where to Stay
