05.16.2011 | by: Meghan
Inns & Hotels

Stay: Wandawega Treehouse

Elkhorn, Wisconsin

My friends Tereasa Surratt and David Hernandez are the super-creative, handy and beyond-generous folks behind Camp Wandawega (Tereasa’s getting ready to release her second book, Found Flea & Free–follow all her projects on her blog). We had a giveaway last fall to stay at their amazing spread in Wisconsin. This year, the flood gates are officially open. They started taking reservations this spring, just in time for the unveiling of the latest Wandawega addition: a modern, vaulted-ceiling treehouse built by a handful of Chicago’s most talented woodworkers, including Tyler Peterson and Shaun Owens-Agase of Stone Blitzer, Bladon Connor and Steven Teichelman. And her creative partner-in-crime Angela Finney-Hoffman (owner of Post 27) helped with every design/interiors decision along the way. “They built this for us for free,” says Tereasa. “Who does that? It’s unheard of. They’re so dedicated to their craft and the challenge of making something out of nothing, they did this for nothing.”

Named after Tereasa’s father (who passed away just a year after hanging a rope swing on this big, old elm), Tom’s Treehouse gives the beloved tree, which later came down with Dutch Elm disease, an inspiring second life as once-in-a-lifetime dream project. Every little detail–from the building materials used (salvaged from dairy barns and a condemned bungalow) to the showstopping antler chandelier (made by Tereasa with antlers gathered from the Wandawega woods and her hometown in rural Illinois) and handmade pillows created from old feed sacks–has been carefully, tediously, lovingly considered. And the design is all about reuse. Even stumps coming through the bottom get new functionality: side tables! Some of the furniture was handmade, the rest has been repurposed from thrift store and flea market finds. As a result, the interior, like the tree itself, reads like the ultimate ode to creative reinvention.

[Photos by Jacob Hand; Read more about the design process in Chicago Home & Garden.]
Category: Inns & Hotels, Wisconsin
21 Comments

21 Comments on “Stay: Wandawega Treehouse”

  1. 16 May 2011 | camp Said:

    what lovely write up! thanks again to post27store, stoneblitzler, threefold (steven teichelman), bladon conner & everyone who built us this little castle in the sky!!

     

  2. 16 May 2011 | Beth Said:

    This is on of the most beautiful spaces I have ever seen. Wonderful job!

     

  3. 16 May 2011 | Joanna Said:

    Ladders are just what I need. Where, pls?

     

  4. 16 May 2011 | Joanna Said:

    Ladders are just what I need. Where to find?

     

  5. 16 May 2011 | tereasa Said:

    ladder sourcing… all of them are vintage. one of these came from the walworth county flea market, another from the camp property, another from an wisconsin barn, another from a dumpster on spring clean up day.

     

  6. 16 May 2011 | TRAVEL DESIGNERY Said:

    THIS IS JUST PLAIN BEAUTIFUL!..THANK YOU FOR INTRODUCING ME TO THESE TALENTED ARTISTS…

    –LORENA
    TravelDesignery.com

    .

     

  7. 17 May 2011 | Joe Said:

    I was shocked by my visceral and enthusiastic response to the greige Eames shell chair in that first picture. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one work so well.

     

  8. 17 May 2011 | Atelier Turner Said:

    This space is so “treehouse chic”. It’s an adult’s fantasy come true…well mine as least (as I was always fascinated by treehouses as a kid)!

     

  9. 19 May 2011 | janis - pinecone camp Said:

    I really want to see this in person, one of these days. I love it!

     

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  11. 09 June 2011 | Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Camp Wandawega Tree House in Wisconsin | theUmall,color your life! Said:

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  12. 09 June 2011 | Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Camp Wandawega Tree House in Wisconsin | Decorating with KBR Contemporary Said:

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  13. 10 June 2011 | Hotels, Lodging & Restaurants: Camp Wandawega Tree House in Wisconsin « DIGS Said:

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  21. 13 April 2014 | Impressive 3-Storey Treehouse Built as a Labor of Love – Art London Said:

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