This California Home Could Truly Be Described as an Actual Treehouse

Treehouses will always have a whimsical appeal, but one California property for sale is truly taking the concept to new heights. First spotted on (where else?) Zillow Gone Wild, this $3.8 million estate in Pismo Beach includes five different dwelling units on the property, and one of which was built around a coastal live oak tree.

And yes, that means the entire tree — from roots to limbs and leaves — lives in and around the structure.

With 5,000 square feet of living space, the 6.69 acre canyon retreat includes so many amenities that may make it worth its hefty price tag for some. It has an actual treehouse with one bedroom and one bathroom, a large museum encompassing a studio and one-bedroom apartment, a carriage house with a two-bedroom apartment, a studio apartment with a two-car garage, and a two-bedroom main house. The property is located a mile from the beach, to top things off.

Other features include a parking lot for at least a dozen cars, two RV sites, an outdoor yoga platform, and a 60-foot-deep cave that’s perfect for storing wine.

Naturally, the fully renovated property has tons to offer, but it’s the unique indoor/outdoor tree that has the internet talking. Former resident Christopher Petro lived in the apartment from 2008 to 2019, telling the San Luis Obispo Tribune that he knew it would eventually go viral online. 

Dubbing the one-of-a-kind apartment the “treehaus,” Petro said, “It always felt like this rustic, highly inspiring place to be.” The photographer found the listing on Craigslist, moving in just days later, and stayed for over a decade. “It felt like you were always amid nature,” adding, “There were cinematic elements to living there.” He even noticed wildlife, including birds, owls, and raccoons.

Although undeniably distinctive, Petro also noted problems with the home, such as an inescapable chill due to the inability to properly insulate around the growing limbs. Of course, insects were also a problem, and Petro noted that while he loved to entertain in the house, his pals’ cats would climb on the limbs and dogs would mark their territory on the tree. Mold and fungus were issues, too.

Zillow Gone Wild commenters seemingly have mixed feelings about this literal treehouse. One wrote: “I stubbed my toe and bumped my head looking at these pics.” Another added: “Wood I buy it? Absolutely knot.” Over on Twitter, one user summed it up perfectly, writing: “I mean I guess they’re trying to sell it for tree million dollars.”