Article

Are Treehouse Airbnbs the Next Big Thing in Short-Term Rentals?

June 6, 2025

The Airbnb playbook is changing. Fast.

In 2025, it’s not just about linen counts and prime zip codes. It’s about vibe, experience and share-worthiness.

And the data backs it up:

Unique stays are dominating on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

From A-frames and domes to cabins and treehouses, guests want a stay that feels like an adventure. And the Airbnb hosts who deliver are cashing in.

Just ask Tori and Seth Bolt, founders of Bolt Farm Treehouse. What started as a handcrafted honeymoon cabin grew into a $30 million luxury nature escape brand.

Featured in Insider Travel, National Geographic, BuzzFeed, and across travel wishlists everywhere.

Let’s break down why unique listings are winning in 2025, and how you can cash in on this growing movement. We’ll also look at lessons we can learn from Bolt Farm’s journey to STR success.

Why the Unique Stay Trend Isn’t a Fad

Airbnb said it:Guests want unique.

In their 2025 Most Wishlisted Homes list, the vast majority weren’t apartments or mansions in big cities. In fact, almost none of them were. They were:

Tiny houses and cabins
Modular homes and A-frames
Domes and yurts
Some truly bizarre stays like a train caboose and helicopter
And so many treehouses!

Unique builds are where the growth is.

And no one has capitalized on that quite like Seth and Tori Bolt.

They chose:

✅ Remote, natural locations with endless outdoor activities and experiences for guests

✅ A mix of immersive design and luxe comfort

✅ Premium pricing for a premium experience

They scaled from a single treehouse to a fully booked resort of domes, mirror cabins and sky-high suites in the Tennessee mountains. Want to book? Join the waitlist…

Here's what we can learn from their unbelievable Airbnb journey.

How to Build a High-Profit Unique Airbnb

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The best part about unique stays is you don’t need millions to get started. Unique builds give you the power to start small and scale up.

Tori and Seth’s first build? A $55,000 treehouse.

Here is a unique stay checklist to help you get started:

✅ Design for experience, not just function - How will guests make memories in your space? At Bolt Farm it’s river kayaking, hiking, spa services and more.

✅ Go rustic outside, luxe inside – Think natural exteriors + spa-like interiors

✅ Pick the right location – Remote doesn’t mean risk (more on that below)

✅ Make it photo-worthy – Every angle should be camera-ready, that’s how you stop the scroll.

✅ Charge based on value, not square footage - And ramp up the value with the best amenities.

✅ Tell a story with your space – Make it unique and memorable. Create a brand that stands out.

✅Design for a specific guest avatar – Couples? Outdoor lovers? Not everyone, just the right one. Bolt Farm goes all in on romance catering for couples, weddings and honeymoons.

✅Go eco-friendly – For bonus points (and bonus bookings). Eco-friendly stays are trending on Airbnb and VRBO.

This strategy helped Seth and Tori generate over $ 150,000 in their second year. That’s the power of building a stay that’s not just a pit stop—but something worth traveling for.

‍The Data: Why Treehouses & Unique Stays Are Crushing It

Let’s look at the numbers. According to AirDNA and STR market data:

Unique listings earn 20–30% more per night on average
Occupancy in remote markets is growing faster than in urban areas
Small-town STRs saw higher year-over-year growth than urban markets
Guests are craving disconnection, nature, and novelty.
Drive-to destinations are outperforming fly-to markets.

And treehouses? They’re one of the most profitable stay types on Airbnb—if designed well.

According to AirDNA, the most in-demand unique stays pair bold architecture with modern design and comfort. Treehouses fit this description perfectly and make a great Airbnb investment.

Treehouse Airbnb perks:

Hard to find with growing demand
Easy to market and perfectly suited to go viral online
Higher daily rates
Bucket list and wishlist worthy

They already feel like a one-of-a-kind holiday destination. And location matters just as much as the build.

Bolt Farm Treehouse isn’t in New York, LA, or even Nashville. It’s in Whitwell, Tennessee. And it’s booked out months in advance with daily rates of $400–$800+ depending on the unit. Perfectly located, well-designed treehouses crush the competition.

Need help analyzing a property deal for your next treehouse project? Use our FREE Airbnb Analysis Calculator.

So…you’ve got the vision for a scroll-stopping treehouse short-term rental. How do you secure funding?

Funding a Unique Stay (When the Bank Says “No”)

Here’s the catch, most banks won't love your treehouse or tiny home idea.

They want comps, predictability and track records—which mostly don't apply to glamping sites.

When Seth and Tori tried to scale Bolt Farm, they struggled to get traditional funding.

So they got creative:

Used community + PR to build trust and social proof
Raised funds through pre-bookings and generated $1 million
Used that traction (and revenue potential) to land bank financing later.

Alternative Funding for Unconventional Real Estate Projects

Pre-booking with refundable deposits or VIP early access waitlists
Friends and family capital
STR-friendly private lenders or creative loan brokers
Finding partners in spaces like the Host Camp community
Partnering with landowners (Bolt Farm does this too!)

Creative financing is the model for unique stays in 2025.

Zoning, Permits, and the Reality of Unique Builds

One of Bolt Farm’s biggest headaches? Zoning, permits and neighbors.

Their first expansion attempt hit a massive wall: The area banned short-term rentals. And when they tried to fight back, the neighbors opposed it and the county rejected it.

Counties and neighbors are unpredictable. But there are some steps you can take to stack the odds in your favor.

Before you buy any property or land:

✅ Call the county yourself and ask about:

STR and zoning regulations
Special use permits
Septic/sewer + fire codes

✅ Don’t rely on the seller or listing agent.

Your agent won't always know the full picture, especially in rural areas. Drive there and do your own research.

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✅Choose STR-Friendly Counties

Look for areas that already allow glamping, treehouses, domes, or yurts.

✅ Get to know your community and neighbors

Introduce yourself and share your plans. Even if you’re within code, vocal neighbors can get you shut down by filing complaints. Find out how your neighbors feel about your project.

Social Media Is Your Airbnb Secret Weapon

When your stay is shareable, your guests do your marketing for you.

Bolt Farm Treehouse has over 600K Instagram followers. They get massive exposure thanks to a solid and consistent Airbnb social media strategy.

Their posts include:

Guest photos and reviews
Influencer collaborations
Lifestyle shots and location highlights
Launch teasers, giveaways and season-specific content.

They built a direct booking machine powered by content and brand. Now they can easily upsell clients with exclusive VIP, proposal, birthday and wedding packages.

Social media demands consistency. Keep posting and engaging with your community, whether you have 5,000 followers or 5.