Stone City Treehouse

For those seeking "Hotels Near Of Me" with an adventurous and deeply immersive nature experience in Vermont, the Stone City Treehouse stands as an extraordinary option. Located at 1120 Nichols Pond Rd, Hardwick, VT 05843, USA, this unique accommodation is far more than a typical hotel; it's a meticulously crafted retreat designed to connect guests with the serene beauty of the northern Vermont woods. It’s a place that guests remember long after their stay, often reflecting on the peace and tranquility it offers.

The Stone City Treehouse operates on a self-check-in model, providing a private and independent experience. Guests receive specific instructions for access, ensuring a seamless arrival to their elevated sanctuary in the trees. This approach fosters a sense of seclusion and uninterrupted relaxation, making it perfect for those looking to truly disconnect and unwind.

Nestled high among the trees on 20 acres of primarily maple woods, the Stone City Treehouse offers an unparalleled connection to nature. A beautiful, year-round stream flows just feet from the treehouse deck, providing a constant, calming soundtrack. This idyllic setting allows guests to sway gently with the trees, listen to the sounds of the forest, and potentially spot local wildlife like chipmunks, owls, loons, and even larger animals like moose and bears (though less common). The property emphasizes environmental consciousness, with solar electricity, composting, recycling, and the use of eco-friendly cleaning products and recycled materials in its construction, including windows salvaged from an old schoolhouse.

While offering a secluded feel, the Treehouse is conveniently located just three miles from Hardwick Village. This allows guests to easily access the town's amenities, including local markets, charming shops, and its renowned farm-to-table dining scene. The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with direct access to extensive trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, particularly along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Nichols Pond, a beautiful gem where motorized boats are not allowed, is about a mile up the road, perfect for kayaking (kayaks provided by the property) and fishing. Other nearby natural attractions include Barr Hill, Greensboro, and Cheever's Falls, offering ample opportunities for exploration.

The Stone City Treehouse is thoughtfully equipped to provide a comfortable and memorable glamping experience. It’s designed as a private tiny house in the trees, typically accommodating two guests with a double bed in a cozy loft ("The Nest") accessible by a ladder. Key amenities include:

• Sleeping Comfort: A comfortable bed with quality linens and soft lighting in the loft, allowing guests to hear the sounds of the stream and forest at night.
• Living Space: A curated interior design with a living room space, featuring large, recycled windows that offer panoramic forest views. A sweet sitting area, hammock, and campfire space are available just below the treehouse, right on the stream, with a dramatic view of the structure. There's also a hanging bed underneath for ultimate relaxation.
• Cooking Facilities: A mini-fridge with a separate freezer, a propane campstove (with a griddle option), a small charcoal grill, and a toaster oven. Basic cooking supplies, essential condiments (like olive oil, salt, and pepper), coffee, hot chocolate, and lemonade are provided. A primitive (and limited) water system is available for washing dishes, and guests are provided with at least two gallons of drinking/washing water, with the option to refill at the main house.
• Bathroom Access: A basic composting toilet is located within the treehouse for convenience. Additionally, guests have access to a full, modern bathroom with a beautiful shower, washer, and dryer located at the shared main house, approximately 200 feet away. During warmer months, an outdoor tub and shower are also available in the "forest spa" area.
• Sauna: A beautiful wood-fired sauna is tucked into the woods, available for guest use (reservations required). This "forest spa" experience is a significant highlight, offering a perfect way to warm up after exploring the snowy forest or simply to unwind.
• Outdoor Gear: The property provides complimentary use of kayaks, bikes, and snowshoes, encouraging guests to explore the surrounding trails and Nichols Pond.
• Connectivity: While cell phone reception might be scanty at the treehouse itself, Wi-Fi is available at the main house, and a landline is provided inside the treehouse, allowing for a digital detox while still offering a connection when needed.
• Pet-Friendly: The Stone City Treehouse is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their dogs to enjoy the snowy forest or nature romps. A fee may apply.

The Stone City Treehouse is not just an accommodation; it's a meticulously thought-out experience. The owner, Heather, has poured significant love and intention into every detail, as highlighted by guest reviews. The construction prioritizes local, natural, and recycled materials, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and a connection to the Vermont landscape. This ethos is evident in the curated interior design, which blends comfort with rustic charm.

The property is designed to be a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection, a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the healing power of the natural world. It encourages guests to embrace the quiet, disconnect from daily stresses, and reconnect with themselves and nature. The layout, with the sleeping loft, mini-kitchen, and outdoor spaces like the deck and stream-side sitting area, maximizes the feeling of being nestled within the forest canopy.

This distinctiveness sets it apart from traditional hotels, offering a truly unique stay that leans into the glamping trend while maintaining a high level of comfort and thoughtful amenities. The presence of a wood-fired sauna and access to outdoor equipment further elevates the experience beyond simple lodging.

The Stone City Treehouse has garnered significant attention, even being recognized as one of Vermont's most popular Airbnbs and a recipient of the Hospitality Awards 2024 for "Best Solar Powered Treehouse Stay." Guest reviews consistently praise the unique experience, the peaceful environment, the thoughtful amenities (especially the homemade syrups and the sauna), and the responsiveness of the host. The price point reflects the specialized and intimate nature of this unique stay, offering excellent value for a truly memorable retreat.

Promotional information emphasizes the opportunity for a "perfect winter retreat" with activities like romping with a dog in the snowy forest and warming up in the sauna, as well as the calming and peaceful atmosphere by the river in warmer months. The offering of complimentary outdoor equipment like kayaks, bikes, and snowshoes adds considerable value and encourages guests to fully explore the surrounding natural beauty. The Stone City Treehouse is not just a place to sleep; it’s an invitation to embark on an adventure, to relax deeply, and to create lasting memories in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. For those seeking "Hotels Near Of Me" that offer a unique, eco-conscious, and nature-immersed experience, the Stone City Treehouse is a premier choice.