The Moonlight Treehouse
Sometimes you have to tell people of ones good fortune. A stay at the Treehouses of The Mohicans near Loudonville, Ohio is a good fortune worth talking about. Located in Holmes County where stellar scenery –from forests to small town quaintness create a winning combo, the Treehouses of The Mohicans are a stand out. Or perhaps a stand-up–as in way up is a better descriptor.
Situated among the trees of The Mohicans, Laura and Kevin Mooney’s unique resort property that’s also a booming wedding venue, six unique treehouses are an upscale version of a Swiss Family Robinson adventure. Located near Mohican State Park and the Mohican River, extensive hiking, canoeing and rafting experiences are close by to this wooded paradise. For those who like boutique shopping, the picturesque town of Loudonville is about a 20 minute drive.
Moonlight’s living area
I stayed in the Moonlight Treehouse for a night with a friend who I brought along for the adventure and some company. A place as terrific as this should be shared. According to the guest book where people gushed about their experience, families with kids, couples and friends have enjoyed Moonlight’s splendor.
Of the six treehouses throughout the extensive property that includes a barn-like venue where weddings take place, Moonlight is one of the more secluded.
We could see two of the property’s deluxe cabins from the front of our treehouse, but they were far enough away that we felt like we were on our own. This was particularly true when we enjoyed meals on the porch at the back of the treehouse. Thick stands of trees that capture sunbeams between their leaves and offer habitat for birds trilling their calls surround the Moonlight on three sides.
The galley kitchen
Although a treehouse sounds like exercise as in a steep climb, the Moonlight is easily accessible. We parked right at the bottom of the stairs of the suspension bridge walkway that leads to the front door. Like the other treehouses, this one is situated high above the ground with two massive trees acting as an anchor. The trees don’t bear the weight however. Metal platforms set up on posts do. These are extremely sturdy structures in addition to being a testament to creative genius.
The property’s first treehouse White Oak was designed by Pete Nelson in 2012. Nelson of the Discovery Channel’s “Treehouse Masters” is an expert at using the topography of the land and the placement of trees to figure out how to make a dream of a treehouse come true. His treehouses are spectacular.
Unlike the Swiss Family Robinson experience, a stay in a treehouse included deluxe amenities. A galley-style, well-appointed kitchen and a bathroom are part of each treehouse. The Moonlight’s flavor is upscale rustic with re-purposed barn wood fashioning the shelves, doors and paneled walls.
The main bedroom
All we needed for cooking: pots, pans, utensils, plates, bowls and silverware were on hand. A toaster, coffee pot and coffee are also included, but you will need to bring sugar and creamer with you. Also on the suggested bring with you list are: spices besides salt and pepper, aluminum foil, sandwich bags, extra garbage bags, paper towels and napkins. Sponges, dish soap and cloth dish towels are provided.
Like the kitchen, the bedrooms–the main bedroom and the loft bedroom had deluxe bedding. Guests do need to bring shampoo, conditioner and bath soap. Bath towels are on hand. The Moonlight also had a hair dryer.
As stay here is a chance to unwind. There are books to read and a small TV with a DVD player, but no cable. I rented a movie from Redbox to bring with us.
Here are suggestions:
The breakfast we brought with us with the provided coffee
- Bring food. Either prepare food yourself there or stop at a gourmet grocery on the way for terrific food to heat up. Do not wait to go to Loudonville for food. We went to Loudonville for Half and Half which sidetracked us to Pizza Hut for dinner to bring back with us which meant we missed out of a couple hours of our deluxe stay. I wished I had paid attention to my first suggestion.
- Do print off the map The directions on how to get to the treehouses come in handy. When you make a reservation, you’ll get a link to the map. You may need it. GPS is unreliable and this is a rural area. When we were on the Half and Half run it got dark so we wondered at what point we’d figure out how to get back. We missed the road once and turned around.
Another Pete Nelson designed treehouse big enough for two
- Take time to enjoy the property. After check out, stay to enjoy the time in the woods. We took in the other treehouses and savored the ambiance of such a wonderful place.
- Do use the outdoor shower. Even though its outdoors, its private. There is an indoor shower as well, but outdoors is magic somehow.
Each treehouse has a private parking space and is easily accessible but does require a climb up stairs. The one that takes a bit of a hike is the red house which is situated uphill from its parking space. Treehouses have room for two to four people and can be booked online. The online booking includes the cabins.
- Plan ahead. There are more treehouses under construction but there is high demand. Rates vary depending upon the season and whether booking during the week or a weekend. Rates for a treehouse stay go from $260 to $330. When you book a reservation, you’ll get detailed descriptions about what to bring with you as well as details about your stay including a code for the lock on your treehouse’s door.
Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein.
My stay was courtesy of The Mohicans but all opinions are my own.
