David Bangs built two tree houses in the yard outside his home on a high bank above Hood Canal near Hansville. The first one (at right) was practice for the second attempt, which he rents out through Airbnb. (STEVE ZUGSCHWERDT / SPECIAL TO THE KITSAP SUN)

SHARE The interior of the treehouse is a cozy 10 feet by 10 feet and accommodates a queen-size bed, desk and chair. photos by (STEVE ZUGSCHWERDT / SPECIAL TO THE KITSAP SUN) Bangs designed his first treehouse with the trees going through the house. After struggling with bugs, sap and water, he built the second treehouse resting on topped trees. (STEVE ZUGSCHWERDT / SPECIAL TO THE KITSAP SUN) A sky bridge leads from the treehouse to a viewing deck, perfect for lounging in the open air with views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains. (STEVE ZUGSCHWERDT / SPECIAL TO THE KITSAP SUN) David Bangs' treehouse features a spiral staircase that leads to the main treehouse that is connected to a viewing deck by a skybridge. (STEVE ZUGSCHWERDT / SPECIAL TO THE KITSAP SUN)

By Terri Gleich, Special to the Kitsap Sun

KINGSTON — If you ever had a childhood dream of sleeping in a treehouse, David Bangs can make it come true.

Since January, the Kingston architect and builder has been renting out his backyard treehouse on Airbnb, earning rave reviews from two dozen overnight guests.

"Everybody loves it," said Bangs, whose guests often book for special occasions or as a surprise for their partners. One couple celebrated their fifth anniversary there in a fun nod to the traditional gift of wood.

Perched 20 feet off the ground amid the branches of Douglas firs, the snug one-room house has stunning views of the Hood Canal and Port Gamble. Waves lap at an accessible beach 100 feet below, where guests can explore or launch Bangs' two kayaks.

According to Airbnb, its members love tree houses. The online home rental site lists two million properties in 190 countries and tree houses are the most desired, including a three-room beauty in Atlanta that rents for $350 a night and books up months in advance.

Bangs was inspired by the abundant trees on his property to build the structure he calls Eagles Perch. When people asked him what he was going to do with it, he said maybe he would put it on Airbnb.

Listing the space has been easy, Bangs said. He charges $150 a night and the booking site keeps $5 to cover credit card processing. Airbnb provides hosts insurance against damages. Homeowners and guests review each other on the site, so prospective guests can see how Eagles Perch is rated and Bangs can research guests before accepting booking requests.

The thing that's surprised him about the experience is how social it is. "It's not just about renting space. You're meeting a community of like-minded people and they want to learn about you. They want to hear your story."

In lodgers' reviews of Eagles Perch, many comment on the story behind the treehouse, as well as the accommodations.

"David handcrafted the tree house himself and the charm is much appreciated, especially with the grand view of the water on the upper porch," said Austin in a review. (Reviewers are not identified by last names on the site.)

"David is awesome. He was helpful and told us all about his tree house, which he built all be himself," said a review by Andrew.

A queen-sized bed dominates the space with enough room left over for two chairs and a tiny desk. The treehouse has electricity, but no running water, and the bathroom is down 25 winding steps and across the lawn in Bangs's Cape Cod-style bungalow, which he also built.

Surrounded by a quiet neighborhood, it's peaceful in the treehouse and on an observation deck that's linked by a bridge. The deck faces the Hood Canal bridge and on sunny days, light dances on the rippling water.

But even on cold and rainy days, staying in the treehouse is a treat, according to Dinora Hernandez. The Washington, D.C., attorney and her girlfriend were Bangs' inaugural guests in January, attracted by the scenery and location.

The duo had never stayed in a treehouse before, but Hernandez said they liked Eagles Perch so much they're researching others.

Bangs designed the treehouse and did all the work himself, including pushing the queen-sized mattress up an extension ladder and over the railing to furnish the house. To keep the structure as light as possible, he used Plexiglas for the windows and corrugated plastic for the roof.

He learned from an earlier attempt that having a tree trunk go through the roof brought water, sap, dirt and bugs into the space. So for his second try, he cut the tops off two trees, leaving tall stumps to support the new house. The result is dry and sturdy, he said. "It's gone through a lot of heavy winds with no problem."

Despite its popularity, guests will likely only have a few more months to stay at Eagles Perch. Bangs, whose wife of 31 years died two years ago, has put his house on the market and is looking for a fresh start.

He plans to build a new smaller house for himself. Then he'll once again tackle the challenge of building structures in trees. "I plan to do it again, only better," he said. "I want to do a Swiss Family Robinson-style. I could charge more."