Treehouse at Swallowtail Studio

I don’t typically use the word “magical,” but there’s no better word to describe this property. It’s only an hour drive from downtown San Francisco (the latter of which is like touring through Microsoft’s “Bliss” desktop), yet it feels completely remote. This treehouse is perched on a lush lawn overlooking rolling hills sprinkled with cattle and eucalyptus trees, soaking up 100% of the setting sun. (Though one of the two decks face east, so you’ll get a nice glimpse of the sun rise if you’re up that early.) There’s a cute lil toilet in the treehouse, as well as tons of games, books, battery-powered lights, and interesting trinkets. If it’s warm out, crack a window, and you’ll hear the soothing creak of the gigantic eucalyptus you’re sleeping in as well as a symphony of tree frogs and crickets. In the communal barn—where the Grateful Dead used to hang out(!!!)—you’ll find another toilet, plus a shower, as well as a charging station for your gadgets. In the morning, Shelly and Bill offer delicious, fairy-like breakfast options in their kitchen. But before you chow down you MUST hike the hilltop at Helen Putnam Regional Park for sunrise—it’s only a 2-minute drive down the road and will provide a serious massage for your eyeballs.

Bill and Michelle have unlocked a slice of something very special. My girlfriend and I stayed in one of the tree houses for our anniversary and had a very unique, memorable, and magical experience. The attention to detail on the whole property makes you feel very welcomed and at home, and staying in the tree you really have a chance to disconnect from the outside world and connect with the person you're with (or with yourself).

Bill gave us a great tour when we arrived and was very helpful getting us settled in. In the morning, Michelle greeted us with delicious french toast, coffee, and fun conversation after we took a hike in the park.

The home is also really close to town in case you want to go out for a nice dinner. There are lots of lovely little spots to check out.

Thanks Bill and Michelle for making this such an amazing weekend! Can't wait to come back.

Bill and Michelle are such lovely Hosts! I've been fortunate to stay in both of their treehouses now and love them both. The Treehouse at Swallowtail Studio has pretty spectacular views of the surrounding hills that glow at sunset. It also has a lofted bed which not only frees up space but also makes for a super cozy night of sleep. The Treehouse Magic Grove is equally as enjoyable and feels as if it was decorated by fairies!

There are toilets in both treehouses but there is also a communal bathroom with a lovely shower. After a day of mountain biking near by in Fairfax, we were both in need of a shower and felt very refreshed after!

If you're at all on the fence about visiting - go!

A magical and unique experience that I would totally recommend to everyone. The countryside is beautiful and the grounds that the treehouse is set in is rustic and relaxing. The treehouse has been set up so well. You literally are sleeping in the tree, it's high up! There's attention to detail with so many things. You feel very well looked after and the breakast with Michelle and Bill in the morning tops off an adventurous and wonderful stay! We loved it.

Find adulting tough? Need peace? Want to play hangman and eat cherries? Want to swing on a tree and think about your biggest dream? Or sleep on a loft bed while smelling Eucalyptus? Book swallowtail. LIVE IT.

Last tip if you can't deal with delicious breakfast skip swallowtail.

I am definitely going back!

As others have said, staying at the treehouse was completely magical. The experience was just the right mix of rustic and luxury, adventure and comfort. Bill and Michelle have gone above and beyond to make sure that the guest's experience is not only unique, as you might expect from a treehouse stay, but also delightful. The Belle Notte linens, in Country French style are luxurious, and at the same time "homey" and cozy. The sweet old-fashioned games and tree-swing brought us back to happy childhood memories. Sleeping up in the loft under the layers of quilts was also like a sweet childhood dream, and my husband's favorite part of our week in San Francisco and Sonoma, far outweighing our Fairmont stay! Breakfast the next morning with Bill and Michelle and another couple had the same tone - relaxed and casual, yet special. Bill and Michelle have succeeded in creating a very special experience for guests, enhanced by their warm and welcoming personalities. An experience we won't forget.

Bill and Michelle were wonderful hosts. The treehouse was absolutely magical, and the area is wonderful.

There is no electricity in the treehouse. There is no running water in the treehouse. There is no cell phone service or wi fi in the treehouse. Thus, the treehouse is a perfect little getaway for people like me who are looking to unplug and go to sleep to the sound of crickets, cows, coyote and owls and not much else (except occasional car noise from the nearby road). I also loved the sound of the giant eucalyptus tree making its own rain from the fog overnight. I noted the curious rainfall, then drifted back to sleep tucked into a cozy and well-appointed queen-sized loft bed, under the tented arch of a canopy. Hosts are pleasant, attentive and thorough without being overbearing. We enjoyed chatting with them over the fine coffee and breakfast that somehow, we didn't realized would be included. I will particularly miss the wry rodent theme in the loft area. Now I'm on the lookout for a small chipmunk painting that I hadn't yet realized I wanted.