When was the last time you’ve been in a treehouse? It’s been a few years? Welcome to The Treehouse at The Forgotten Cabins.

Kerri and Samuel made their way to visit on a snowy day in February. Only 20 minutes away from Park City, hidden in the hills, the drive itself was enchanting. Upon arrival, we made quick friends with the welcome committee, Archer & Nikita, who live on the property full-time. They gave us a quick tour around but encouraged us to discover the magic on our own.

Samuel quickly settled in to the cabin and began to explore. At only 400 sqft, the cabin itself is small but mighty. There were countless places to cozy up and enjoy a cup of tea or pages of your favorite book. The treehouse was consciously built using raw materials found on the property and from local recycling centers. Probably one of the most unique aspects of this cabin, is the 200 year old fir tree that you’ll be sharing digs with during your stay.

That’s right, theres a 100% living, and thriving, tree growing through the walls and interior of this cabin.

We connected with owners Gianni and Rocky to ask them a couple questions about their story.

Why did you buy/build this cabin? Like, what really sold you on it? We have always been outdoor lovers, but after a decade of hustling in San Francisco, we had forgotten how to relax and were jailed to our indoor offices. We were in desperate search of a new home that could integrate the wilderness into our everyday life. As luck would have it, we struck gold and happened upon a remote haven among the aspens at 8,000 feet outside of Park City; the property included a tiny (yet mighty) treehouse. Both of us shared childhood dreams of sleeping in tree forts and when we saw a living 200 year old evergreen winding its way through an empty children’s play space, we knew we’d found our magical escape. We quickly turned what was only beautiful bones into a romantic getaway with the best view from our property. The plan was that this was going to be our personal daily refuge and a guest house for loved ones, but after only a couple weeks, we remembered what it was like to be a young couple in search of unique, memorable adventures and we couldn’t keep the only real treehouse in the entire state to ourselves, so we opened The Treehouse up to the world so that those in search of solitude and a reprieve from the city could run away to the mountains, too.

Describe your cabin in one word: D.R.E.A.M.Y.

Best time of day in your cabin? And where should you be sitting for it? Given that we have 270-degrees of windows with endless views of the Uinta mountains, we’ve ensured that you won’t miss a breathtaking view from anywhere in the space, but we’d personally recommend waking up early and watching the warm glow of a sunrise spread across the landscape while you lounge in bed under a skylight; the slow fill of light from all directions is nothing less than pure bliss.

How about seasonally speaking…what time of year best suits this place? Whether you visit during our gorgeous green summers to escape the heat of the valley and watch moose roam freely in front of your desk or runaway to a winter wonderland that feels like living inside of a soundless snow globe, The Treehouse is an oasis that will be an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime adventure any time of year.

If your cabin were a celebrity, who would it be (and why)? Ha. We love this question, but that is TOUGH… maybe Zooey Deschanel? She has a whimsical and eclectic style that could be likened to the charm and uniqueness of a treehouse and we suppose her roles in quirky and whimsical projects often evoke a sense of childlike wonder, which parallels the adventurous and imaginative spirit of a treehouse… or if not her, maybe Woody Harrelson? He seems laid-back and exudes an earthy demeanor, which reflects the grounded and natural essence of a treehouse, but it’s probably clear that we don’t know enough celebrities and we’re just thinking of The Treehouse’s best characteristics. Come stay with us and answer that question in our guest book!

– A note from the owners –

We’d love for people to come stay with us and experience the magic of our mountain so that they can create unforgettable memories with their loved ones.

They can visit our website to learn more and book: The Forgotten Cabins

Enveloped by towering mountains that might be overlooked in our daily routine, Big Cottonwood Canyon provides a simple escape into nature. Whether we seek solitude or the company of our dearest friends, Cabin Life is ready to whisk us away to a whole new world. Just 30 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, rests the Cottonwood Chalet. Originally built in 1969, this A-frame cabin is the perfect retreat for a reset, something we all need every so often. It has everything we need, and nothing we don’t. What are we waiting for…

a change of scenery inspires days of dreamery. 

Slowing down, it’s more difficult than it sounds. In the world we live in, where we want everything quicker, everything with the touch of a screen, or where we spend hours scrolling. We forget the beauty in slowing down. Each ordinary task we rush to get through suddenly becomes brighter and lighter the slower we do it. The care and thought we put into every touch, breath, and action catapults us into the current moment. Our creativity begins to blossom.

Heating water for a cup of tea turns into a dance—skipping to the sink, filling the kettle a little too full, almost spilling, spinning back to the stove, placing the kettle down, and waiting to hear the kettle sing. Enjoying the time and silence as the water begins to boil. The slow rumble until the kettle sings its song. Boiling water flows atop the teabag in the cup, and the color starts to grow.

You’re transforming. You’re an artist.

Take a breath in. Let a slow breath out. We start to see more vividly.

Everything is more beautiful. The sky is bluer. The snow is brighter. The strings on your guitar are louder. The trees have knots that look like artwork carefully carved ages ago. The vaulted ceilings of the cabin embrace you with what feels like a hug and remind you to come again, soon. It’s always there when you need it and you make a promise that you’ll never forget about Cabin Life.

A 90’s masterpiece that’s full of style and unapologetically itself, this James Carroll and Associates home was designed intentionally to stand out from its neighbors and to go against the status quo of what an East Bench home should look like. 

A home like this is not a common sight in our Salt Lake Valley, and its presence here should be celebrated.

Organic and Emotional were the two words that inspired Carroll when designing it. The curved lines and architectural blocks create an enchanting appearance but also provide functional benefits. “Brise-Soleil,” a charming French expression signifying “sun-breaker,” represents an architectural approach that curbs heat accumulation through the skillful deflection of sunlight. Those glass blocks placed effortlessly around the home have the poetic effect of insulating more than your average window pane and radiating a striking visual appeal.

Function and Beauty? Yes, please.

Rachael and I were privileged enough to spend an evening within its alabaster walls. We marveled at the sweeping openness that greets you as you step through the front door. The exquisite and thoughtfully curated art pieces adorning its interior give the residence a gallery-like ambiance, and the natural light dances magically no matter what room you’re in. That has to be one of my favorite aspects of the home, that and those views of the valley. They are unmatched from any room on the main floor, but the best place to take them in, in my opinion, is on the balcony during golden hour with your loved ones.

This modern piece of architecture has had the good fortune of having owners who have embraced and meticulously maintained its beauty and original form. And now, they are prepared to hand over the keys. 

click here to see the full listing

This vintage-loving, Virginia-born entrepreneur comes to us with a finely tuned sense of style and a deep passion for home. Grace is that agent who will help make your real estate dreams come true and make you look good while doing it. She’s done a lot in her young life – snow and surf boarder, retro clothing store owner and now adept real estate agent who’s passion for detail is matched only by her enthusiasm for the outdoors. And coffee. A self-professed thrill seeker – ‘Ride or Die’, she likes to say – this daring dame’s also about as genuine and kind hearted as they come, making her our all-around badass with a softer side. No matter your real estate needs, Grace Mayernik’s expertise is perfectly suited to guide you through any transaction.

What is your definition of home? I moved around a lot in my childhood, so I don’t feel like I ever had a clear definition of home. This has changed since owning my own home and joining the collective. I’ve been embracing the sentiment that home is not defined by structural walls around you but what you make of it and who you invite in. Being happy where I am, with who I am, and with what surrounds me. I think home can be a physical place, but I also believe it’s that fuzzy feeling you get when you’re surrounded by friends, or cuddled up on the couch watching a movie, or cooking dinner with your partner. There are no other thoughts or feelings intruding on your space; you just feel happy and present.

You could be living anywhere, really. Why SLC? I’ve always admired Salt Lake as an amazing, central base – it being a short flight or drive from all my favorite places. It’s also the mecca for my favorite activity (snowboarding). I love that it’s a smaller city, but it’s really exciting to be in the front row for its growth. Salt Lake does a great job of supporting its local businesses, and I love contributing to that.

Why does practicing real estate resonate with you? I love problem-solving, curating, and being on the go. This tends to be the lifestyle of a real estate agent, so it’s a perfect fit. I love meeting new people, and it’s immensely rewarding to help people through this process of an incredible accomplishment that is owning a home.

Is there a promise that you’d like to make to your clients? Honesty is really important to me. I promise I will always have your best interest at heart. I pride myself on having great communication. Real estate transactions can have their ups and downs, but I promise there’s always a solution to be found and you can be confident in me to help get you through to the finish line.

How do you take care of your home and how do you take care of the house that is you? Creating within my home and making beautiful spaces is my favorite way to honor it. I want my home to look and feel like a direct representation of me, which means it’s always changing, but it’s fun, colorful, and makes you smile. I love keeping fresh flowers around and would love to start growing them in my garden for an endless supply. I’ve been more intentional about taking care of my homebody by slowing down -doing Qigong at the office on Thursdays and running around Liberty Park with the only goal being to move my body at whatever speed or distance makes sense for me that day.