Experience Adventure in a Romantic Treehouse Getaway

We often see girls planning for their weddings long before they fall in love. But for couple Seth and Tori Bolt, owners of Bolt Farm Treehouse, it was Seth who did the dreaming. “As a kid, Seth had always wanted a treehouse, and he accomplished that dream as an adult,” says Tori. “He wanted it to be a place worthy of his wedding day.”

**Using every space to advantage,** Seth hung a bed swing under the treehouse so it’s protected from poor weather and created a relaxing ambience, using twinkle lights and a chandelier. “It’s a great place to post up with a book or relax,” says Tori.

With the help of his father, Larry Bolt, a licensed custom home builder, they created an enchanting getaway in Walhalla, South Carolina, designed to give each guest a rejuvenating experience and a renewed relationship with nature.

The antique turquoise bed makes the treehouse getaway a romantic place to stay — The dramatic pitch of the roof makes this side of the room appear like a small, cozy cottage. A beautifully detailed antique bed frame is the focal point of the room, while large windows let in plenty of natural light to keep the room open and spacious.

The Dream

While Seth kept his future wife in mind when designing his treehouse, the project was completed before he even met her. As a musician, he had traveled the world and experienced every kind of accommodation, and what he found was a “lack of thoughtfulness and intentionality,” Tori says. “He wanted a place where he could disconnect and be immersed in nature and truly rest.”
In 2015, they completed Bolt Farm Treehouse on 40 acres of land, and though they had originally planned on keeping it among family and friends, they decided it was too special not to share with everybody, and opened it to the public that same year. “We were shocked at how well people responded to it,” says Tori. “People travel here from all over the world just to stay a few nights.”

A vintage-style record player and album collection will keep you entertained in this romantic treehouse rental — As part of the relaxing experience, the treehouse is equipped with vintage board games and a vinyl record player to encourage lodgers to spend their time in ways that don’t involve Wi-Fi. There is even a “5-Star Phone Resort” box to house your phones to help resist temptation.

The Result

The couple married one year later at the treehouse and remained there for their honeymoon. Ensuring comfort for all who stay at the treehouse, they included amenities such as a fireplace, heaters, air conditioning and an outdoor fire pit, so the treehouse would be pleasant no matter the weather. “We’ve stayed there in every season, and it’s enjoyable year round,” she says.

“Eat good food and relax. That’s the best way to enjoy a vacation.”

Though the treehouse is always open, its increasing popularity makes it imperative to plan ahead for bookings. To keep things fair, the couple came up with a Treehouse Release Day on the 15th of each month, which reveals the dates available for booking four months in advance.

A treehouse rental with an ornate antique phone — Antique touches from a local vintage shop give the bedroom a charming and personalized feel. Though the phone is purely for decoration, it adds a touch of glamour to the space with its ornate design.

The Look

The treehouse consists of one spacious bedroom, a bathroom and two outdoor decks. Wherever possible, Seth sourced his materials locally to support the surrounding businesses. “He sourced timber from a local Amish company and used reclaimed wood in some areas for its patina,” says Tori. The furnishings were also found at a local antiques store, giving the treehouse a touch of elegance mixed with casual comfort.

“It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s a full experience. You’ll come back truly rested and reconnected to the person you traveled with.”

Romantic treehouse rental with antique furniture and retro-style appliances — To save on space, Tori created a little breakfast nook on the dresser that provides amenities for making a simple meal in the morning. The retro breakfast maker can prepare coffee, cook eggs and make toast, while other meals can be cooked outside at the grill or acquired in town.

What to do without wi-fi

Board games: Bring back your inner child by enjoying the vintage board games provided.

Outdoor activities: The treehouse is surrounded by water and mountains, so there are plenty of activities to keep you going should you choose an adventurous vacation. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, diving, ziplines and cycling are just some of the options in the surrounding area.

Fire pit: If you order the VIP Treehouse Experience, you’ll have access to the fire pit, complete with a S’mores kit for two. Storytelling and star gazing are recommended to accompany the gooey treats.

Town: Despite being secluded in the woods, the treehouse is only a 10- to 15-minute drive to the nearest town for a night of dining out or some light shopping.

Relax: Most important, there are several ways to sit back and relax in this treehouse haven. Whether it’s the bed swing, the outdoor decks or sitting inside by the fireplace, there’s no better way to spend time with a loved one. “Eat good food and relax. That’s the best way to enjoy a vacation,” says Tori.

The outdoor dining area offers a covered space to enjoy your meal while experiencing the beauty of nature. It’s also used as a hangout spot, complete with tree stump stools and a log table Seth made from the surrounding trees, as well as a grill in the corner for cooking your own food.

The Future

To share this unique experience with as many people as possible, Tori and Seth have recently announced that they’re building four new treehouses in Charleston, South Carolina, that will be available for booking this fall. “They’ll be similar to the original but with more amenities,” says Tori. “They’ll have a mini fridge, a proper kitchen with a stove top, a clawfoot tub, a Jacuzzi on the top deck and a pizza oven, and they can accommodate more people.”

A wall of windows allows for stunning views of the wooded surroundings and plenty of natural light. The treehouse's height ensures privacy. — A wall of windows allows for stunning views of the wooded surroundings and plenty of natural light. The treehouse’s height ensures privacy.

**The top deck offers another relaxation spot,** complete with lounge chairs and a checkerboard painted on a tree stump.

While they share the common foundation of comfort and relaxation, each treehouse will have a different theme, including the Honeymoon Suite, the Charleston, the Living Room and the Wild Flower. “It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s a full experience. You’ll come back truly rested and reconnected to the person you traveled with.” boltfarmtreehouse.com.