The Treehouse and Bunkee
There are two hand-built structures on the Winterfield Pines property, the Treehouse and the Bunkee. Each provides a charming opportunity to step back in time for people interested in an experience with one foot in the 19th century and the other in the 21st century. Each provides a chance to understand the gratifying side of a manual lifestyle close to nature and requires a bit of participation to get through each day.
The Bunkee
Check Out What a Stay in the Bunkee is like Below!
(Created By Salem Woodworks - Judd Kaiser)
Where is the Bunkee?
Want to Know More About the Bunkee?
Pick up a copy of Dan's book, ​Building the Bunkee!
​
by Dan Ellens
The Bunkee is an off-grid, hand-built, electricity-free custom log cabin built between 2018 and 2020. It has woodstove heat, hand-pump water, and kerosene lamps. It was constructed using many materials taken directly from the property on which it sits.
The Bunkee offers is a peaceful connection with nature, unimpeded by the distractions of the modern world. When guests stay at the Bunkee for a few days, if they would like to enjoy an off-grid meal at the Treehouse, Dan is often able to make that part of their experience. Many guests say it was the best meal they ever had in a tree!
​
The Treehouse
The Treehouse is a much a lifestyle as a structure. It provides isolation with the peace of the forest and manual participation in the basic processes of daily life. Its open window format gives 360 degrees of elevated forest observation and a view of every sunrise. The structure is nested in branches of large white pines located at the edge of a white pine grove and a tag alder swamp. The Treehouses' covered porch overlooks a small clearing with a stream running through it.
After seventeen years of being supported by beams connected between three white pines, surviving countless storms and natural forces, Dan set the trees free. In 2023, He disconnected the Treehouse from the trees with the exception of a single brace that anchors a new supporting structure to the largest tree.
Want to Know More About the Treehouse?
Pick up a copy of Dan's book, ​Treehouse Letters!
​
by Dan Ellens
Who Calls the Treehouse Home?
Dan enjoys nearly half of his time each year in the Treehouse, tending to the annual and daily needs of Winterfield Pines Nature Sanctuary. For those staying in the Bunkee, the Treehouse is the front desk, and Dan makes himself available to them to ensure all guests have a memorable experience with nature.
The Treehouse is a much a home for Dan as it is for the forest's wildlife, with deer, coyotes, bears, squirrels, and countless other forest residents accepting it as part of their forest home.
