Tree houses, once a dream for many children, are becoming an increasingly popular reality for adults as well. This phenomenon is spreading globally and has also found increasing popularity in Italy, especially in the area of eco-tourism. The possibility of living in direct contact with nature and experiencing a unique living experience, suspended among the branches, has won over many sustainable travel and adventure enthusiasts.

Tree houses are not a recent innovation. As early as Roman times and the Renaissance, there is evidence of similar constructions, although the real boom began in the 20th century, when the idea of using suspended structures became popular for recreational, rather than practical, purposes.

In recent decades, however, interest in these constructions has exploded, thanks largely to growing environmental awareness and the search for a lifestyle more in harmony with nature. Living, even for short periods, in a tree house represents a return to a primordial dimension, but without sacrificing modern comforts.

The construction of a tree house requires specific skills, both in terms of technique and respect for the environment. The most commonly used materials, such as wood and steel, must be chosen in such a way as to ensure the safety of the structure and, at the same time, preserve the health of the tree that supports it. Construction techniques vary, with some houses taking advantage of strut and pillar systems to take some of the weight off the ground, while others opt for tie-downs or anchors that damage the tree as little as possible. A key aspect of more environmentally friendly designs is theuse of sustainable and certified materials, such as wood from responsibly managed forests or recycled materials.

In Italy, tree houses are becoming an increasingly sought-after solution for those looking for a vacation dedicated to sustainability and contact with nature. In our country there are already numerous examples of tree houses open to the public. In Piedmont, for example, the Giardino dei Semplici in Manta offers tourists the chance to stay in two tree houses set in a forest of maple and oak trees. In Monferrato, the Aroma(n)tica house offers a more “shabby chic” experience, integrated into a country estate.

Moving northeast, in Trentino Alto Adie, Caravan Park Sexten offers a tree house built according to modern green building principles.Also in the north, in the Julian Alps, Malga Priù in Ugovizza has created original habitable “pine cones,” built on three levels, completely eco-sustainable and powered by renewable sources.In the province of Pordenone, the Tree Village in Claut is considered the world's largest tree house village, offering a more spartan experience, with no electricity and communal facilities.

The success of treehouses in Italy is part of a larger context, that of sustainable tourism. Airbnb, Booking.com and other booking portals offer dozens of options for stays in tree houses, signaling the exponential growth of this form of accommodation. Many of these dwellings are not limited to being simple shelters, but become true immersive experiences in the heart of nature, with luxury facilities and all the amenities, such as Wi-Fi, hot tubs, and modern kitchens.

This trend is not isolated, but part of a larger movement that also includes other forms of “alternative” housing, such as “tiny houses” and glamping, or luxury camping. Tree houses respond to the growing desire for travel experiences that allow one to “disconnect” from everyday life while maintaining a level of comfort and modernity.

The appeal of tree houses shows no signs of waning. On the contrary, their success looks set to grow, fueled by interest in sustainable tourism and the need to escape from the daily grind.Italy, with its rich natural heritage and increasing focus on sustainability, offers fertile ground for the spread of this phenomenon. Whether it's a vacation or a childhood dream come true, tree houses are poised to gain an increasingly prominent place in the tourism and architectural landscape of the Bel Paese, even if we're not always talking about inexpensive solutions both in terms of design and construction costs and in terms of staying there... but it might be worth it.