Perched around trunks or suspended in mid-air, treehouses are great lofty escapes for kids and young-at-heart adults. Nashville, Tennessee-based blogger and mother of two boys ModFruGal built this modernist but down-to-earth little house among the trees for less than $1,500.

© ModFruGal

ModFruGal says modestly that she's "not a writer, photographer, or designer... just a gal with a vision who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty," and that she and her "Crafty Counterpart" husband worked together to build this gorgeous little retreat:

It is technically not a treehouse, but rather a house up in the trees given we did not use a tree as a support, BUT, we still call it the treehouse; one word. I know, we are annoying that way.

The platform is 8 x 12 and the house part is 8 x 8 feet – We chose these dimensions to minimize waste by using standard, big box lumber lengths.



After clambering up the ladder and standing on the lookout porch, you are confronted with a barn-style sliding door (that looks a bit like a hidden door), which helps to maximize interior space. On the outside, the treehouse has been painted in minimalist dark tones on to blend in with the trees, while the interior itself is a soothing neutral colour, save one wall that's been painted with chalkboard paint that kids can happily draw on.

© ModFruGal

© ModFruGal

The angled roof has a skylight, covered with polycarbonate sheeting, to let more natural light in. All the openings and joins have been carefully screened and caulked (wow) to keep out any pesky buggies. There's either two hammocks or air mattresses to use, so the treehouse provides a bit of comfort and an airy view while sleeping out in the forest.

© ModFruGal

© ModFruGal

We like how the treehouse has been kitted out with repurposed flea market finds or crafty little touches like the paper circle-covered lantern.

© ModFruGal

© ModFruGal

This restful retreat is a good excuse to get lost in the woods; for more info on the interior see here, and check out more construction photos over at ModFruGal.