Cozy Cabins – Built From the Land

In recent years, the Pacific Northwest has witnessed a rise in eco-conscious, self-built vacation rentals driven by travelers’ growing desire for unique, nature-immersed escapes. Many of these properties are built with locally sourced, renewable materials, reflecting the owners’ connection to the surrounding landscape.

Heartland Treehouse in Langlois, Oregon, and Blueberry Hill Hideaway in Springfield, Oregon, are prime examples of this trend, focusing on sustainability through materials harvested locally. Both properties are Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG) members who participate in the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) group certification, through which they have demonstrated a commitment to responsible forestry practices.

Using locally sourced materials reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports sustainable resource management. The process of selective harvesting encourages forest health, preserves biodiversity, and prevents the over-exploitation of ecosystems. In addition, by sourcing materials locally, these projects contribute to the regional economy, supporting jobs in forestry, milling, and craftsmanship. Ultimately, using local materials helps maintain ecosystem resilience, ensuring that the building practices align with conservation principles and community development.

For this month’s feature, we spoke with Heartland Treehouse and Blueberry Hill Hideaway owners to explore how their commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship shapes their unique retreat.

Heartland Treehouse

The Origins of the Space 

Heartland Treehouse, nestled in the heart of Oregon, represents more than just a unique Airbnb experience; it embodies the passion and creativity of the Fleming family. The Flemings, who have cultivated a deep connection to their land over the past 45 years, drew inspiration from their son’s youthful adventures building treehouses with friends. The idea of constructing treehouses from their forest materials emerged organically. “It took us 2.5 years, working on it as a labor of love on weekends,” George Fleming recalls. His vision materialized on the family’s expansive 120 acres, a piece of land steeped in history and memories, which his grandmother once cherished. 

George’s son, Kean, played a pivotal role in this project. Growing up surrounded by nature, he has been building treehouses since his youth. Kean can tell you where each tree that makes up the treehouse came from. With their collective experience, they are now completing their second treehouse, poised to welcome guests soon.

Sourcing Local Timber 

The construction of Heartland Treehouse relies heavily on local resources. Most of the wood used is Douglas fir, with additional Port-Orford-cedar sourced from neighboring properties. This project not only showcases the beauty of the local landscape but also demonstrates sustainable building practices. “We utilized a portable sawmill, which made this vision possible without breaking the bank,” George explains. Their approach reflects a commitment to managing their forest responsibly, using lumber from their land while promoting sustainability and preserving the environment. They had previously explored commercial logging, but that model didn’t align with their vision for the property. Instead, they were able to harvest and mill wood in the area, making it more accessible for their projects. 

Challenges Faced Along the Way

Despite their enthusiasm, the journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Navigating county regulations posed a significant challenge, particularly with permitting. With limited funding for such projects, George and Kean have had to be resourceful. They have talked with county officials to understand better how to integrate their unique structures into the regulatory framework. “It was a steep learning curve,” George admits. 

Guest Experience – Connection to the Forest

The design of Heartland Treehouse enhances guests’ connection to nature. Features such as side-by-side soaking tubs and a carefully constructed substructure allow visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings.

Travel influencers on social media helped spread the word, and the treehouse gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when travelers sought out safe, nature-centric retreats. They say the best time of year to visit is between May and August, but it’s still easily accessible all year round, sitting just off Highway 101 along the Oregon coast. Heartland Treehouse offers guests an opportunity to unwind amidst the beauty of Oregon’s forests while enjoying the fruits of sustainable craftsmanship by a family dedicated to their land and its legacy.

Blueberry Hill Hideaway

The Origins of the Space

The hideaway is owned by NNRG members Art and Edana Paz of Paz Forestry, who decided to create their own after years of travel and using Airbnb. Formerly, their architectural office space, the 600 sq ft space, had been transformed into a forest getaway. Nestled on 40 acres of lush, 70+-year-old forest, the accommodations offer a peaceful, nature-filled escape with easy access to Eugene, OR, and the scenic McKenzie River. Like Heartland, they started the space at the beginning of the pandemic and have been well-booked ever since. 

Sourcing Local Timber

The Airbnb’s main structural beams are crafted from repurposed wood salvaged from a local mill torn down in 1968. Every surface has been whitewashed, giving it a bright, clean look, while the beams are set four feet on center and inverted, creating a unique architectural detail that enhances the rustic yet modern charm of the space. Art and Edana chose black walnut and oak on doors and other details in the house to give the forest feel inside and out. 

The owners’ favorite feature is the double wall, which creates an impressively thick structure. Art and Edana settled the structure 1.5 feet below grade to provide a line of sight to the plants and trees outside, with a view of the surrounding rhododendrons and cedar. Their guest journal is full of mentions of new friendships created with their dog, Cork. With its commitment to sustainability and stunning forest setting, Blueberry Hill Hideaway provides guests with a perfect getaway highlighting the beauty of local resources and the tranquility of the Pacific Northwest landscape. Art says it’s beautiful all year, but suggests spring as the best time to stay. 

Both Heartland Treehouse and Blueberry Hill Hideaway exemplify the growing movement of eco-conscious travel in the Pacific Northwest, where sustainable design and local craftsmanship come together to create unique, nature-immersed escapes. By prioritizing responsible resource management and fostering a deeper connection to the land, these retreats offer peaceful getaways and inspire a more sustainable way of experiencing the world. Ready for your own peaceful retreat? Book your stay at Heartland Treehouse or Blueberry Hill Hideaway and experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest firsthand!