This is the best vacation spot in the area and the only treehouse that I know of in Illinois that you can rent. It can serve as a perfect romantic getaway or a get away from your romantic ones. The treehouse is located behind Bob Hopp's main estate and is 200 ft.² in size. It reminds me of a tumbleweed house if you are familiar with this particular brand that is made in California. In order to reach the Treehouse, you must follow a path located behind Bob's house that goes for about 8000 feet. Upon walking along it you will bump into a goat pen and meet the local residents Rango and Oreo. They are extremely friendly and curious about your presence, but I do not think they care to be pet. Shortly after passing the goat pen you will curve your way over to a large wooden bridge that is secured about 12 feet off the ground above a creek. The creek was frozen when we went in January but I imagine that there is a waterflow in spring. Once you make it across the bridge, you will encounter a steep gradient of hill that meanders its way to the front of the treehouse. Not to worry it is only about 100 feet of strenuous trudging. At the top you will find yourself at the front door. You may go along the platform to the right if you would prefer to enter through the rear entrance. Should you decide to walk your way to the back, you will find a bench that overlooks the side of the creek. if you continue walking you will stumble upon the shower which is operational during the warmer season. The rear of the house is also a great place to hang out at because it is the part that plateaus furthest from the hill. Once you enter the house either from the rear or the front, you will encounter the living room. Here you will find a leather couch and two reading chairs. The front of the living room hosts the microwave, flatscreen TV, space heater, granite countertop, audio receiver, And refrigerator. To the right of this entertainment area is where the bathroom can be found. There is a compost toilet available and a sink with running water during the warm season. During the cold season, Bob provides a 5 gallon jug of water for all of your needs. Above the living room and bathroom area, one will find a loft that is accessible by ladder. This is where the bedroom is located. The room provides a dim ambience or a brighter one should you care to differentiate. There is also a queen bed that is found here where one can take advantage of heated blankets. A couple of side notes, There are plenty of outlets to plug in electronic items. There is Wi-Fi in case you would like to surf the net. The space heater keeps you very warm throughout the day and evening. The refrigerator is stocked with bottled water, complements of the owner. There is dishes and silverware available next to the microwave. There are paper towels on the granite countertop. there is a garbage that is located next to the granite countertop. There are bathroom supplies like toothpaste in case you forget yours stacked away in the bathroom drawer. there is a DVD player in case you wanted to curl up with your honey and watch some movies together. I am sure I am probably forgetting to mention some of the other perks but for now this will have to do. Besides this being a beautiful and scenic area to spend a weekend at, the owner makes the experience even that much more wonderful. He is a very kind and generous man. He offered suggestions on places to eat, shared some of his personal brew with us, and welcomed us to help ourselves to his log pile in order to have firewood for the fire pit. Which by the way, Bob recently told us he has the intentions to redesign the fire pit and even more interestingly enough to design a completely new treehouse this one being much further off the ground. I can't wait to see it. More importantly I cant to cross paths with Bob again. He was a wonderful host and we couldn't have asked for more. Feel free to check out the website that I provided on this page to see more pictures and reviews. Also feel free to book a trip. From November 1 to March 31 the rates are $65 a night outside of that range rates are $95 a night. Either way both times of year is money well spent. read more

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