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Kansas City-area treehouse is one of Airbnb’s top destinations

If this Airbnb in suburban Leavenworth is any indication, the love for treehouses won’t wane into adulthood.

The front door is Graham’s Treehouse Tree Cabin Accessible only by steep stairs. Guests must meander through the branches before entering a space filled with wood paneling and countertops.

A tree trunk protrudes through the wraparound deck of the treehouse. Once inside, a wall of windows offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush tree tops.

A screened porch in Graham’s Treehouse overlooks the property’s paths and streams.Airbnb

The sky cottage in the woods is so popular that Airbnb has taken notice of it. This month, the short-term rental company named Graham’s Treehouse owners Stan Wood and Dennis Wood (perhaps because of their surname) the most “hospitable hosts” in Kansas. This honor is given to the vacation owner who earns his 100% 5 star rating (minimum of 100) on cleanliness, check-in and communication of his rental.

Graham’s Treehouse is one of only three treehouses in the world. Hidden Valley Wilderness Retreat Site Located at 19190 Logan Road in Easton, northwest of Kansas City, 15 minutes from Leavenworth.

surrounded by dripping stream With two miles of hiking trails, this place was the brainchild of a nature-loving monk. Reverend Edward HayesHe discovered the 32-acre property in the 80’s and wanted it to be a spiritual retreat for the clergy.

Hayes built a sanctuary with three units for other clergy to stay. There he entertained guests, pondered spiritual concepts, and wrote several books on his own musings.

When the Woods family purchased the property in 2016, they had a vision to elevate Hayes’ retreat, allowing visitors to be more immersed in nature.

“This is a place to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with loved ones,” Stan said. “Nearly every guest experiences that renewal when they come here.”

The Serenity Creek Treehouse was Hidden Valley's first, followed a year later by Graham's Treehouse.Airbnb

The Serenity Creek Treehouse was Hidden Valley’s first, followed a year later by Graham’s Treehouse.Airbnb

built by a couple Serenity Creek Treehouse Graham’s Treehouse opened in 2017 and Graham’s Treehouse in 2018. Both are one-bedroom suites and can accommodate up to two people. Visitor he must be 18 years of age or older.

In 2021 they are the biggest project whispering elm A tree house that sleeps 4 people. Each room is fully equipped with bathroom, kitchen, heating and Wi-Fi (sometimes limited).

The Whispering Elm Treehouse is the largest of the three treehouses.  It will open in 2021.  Airbnbs

The Whispering Elm Treehouse is the largest of the three treehouses. It will open in 2021. Airbnbs

Stan joked that he built three treehouses for each of his three children, one of whom was named Graham.

“This is the only one named after our children,” he said. “But I couldn’t come up with any other names and kind of got stuck.”

Hayes’ envisioned retreat suite still stands on the property, though Woods has renovated it.

The Whispering Elm Treehouse sleeps four and has a winding staircase near the kitchen.Airbnb

The Whispering Elm Treehouse sleeps four and has a winding staircase near the kitchen.Airbnb

Stan said he was overwhelmed by the positive comments from guests. People tell him how refreshed they are after leaving. On Airbnb, he said, all three treehouses have earned ratings close to his five-star rating, and customers rave about them in reviews.

“Graham’s Treehouse exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect place to rest, connect and recharge,” wrote one guest.

“We had breakfast on the back porch and loved hearing the birds, the fountains and the wind rustling the leaves on the trees,” said another.

Host of red mule ranchThis town northwest of St. Louis has been voted Missouri’s friendliest town. This rental property features a one bedroom bunkhouse on an 85 acre horse ranch.

The treehouse will book up quickly. To stay, find Woods listings at: airbnb.com or visit hiddenvalleywilderness.com. Graham’s Treehouse and Serenity Creek Treehouse cost approximately $199 per night, while Whispering Elm costs $299.

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