The Mohicans: Luxury kid-friendly treehouse village in rural Ohio

My family’s stay in a treehouse at The Mohicans was complimentary. All opinions are 100% my own. Click here for full disclosure statement.

Isn’t it every kid’s dream to have his or her own treehouse? Just a small, personal space above the rest of the world where dreams take shape? I was one of those kids. I never did get my own treehouse (kind of hard to accomplish growing up in the middle of Chicago). You, too? Well, here’s the good news: there’s a whole treehouse village in Ohio for us. Luxury accommodations for us adults AND our children who may be dreaming of their very own treehouses. This magical place is called The Mohicans and it is located in Glenmont, Ohio.

The Mohicans’ Story

Owners Kevin and Laura Mooney built the place up – literally. Their original intent when they bought the land was to build cabins for families to enjoy the area as much as they do. The Mooneys did build some cabins but then they came across a book about treehouses. That was when they decided to shift their focus and invited Pete Nelson of “Treehouse Masters” fame to their property. Kevin Mooney also began to realize that other accommodation options in the area were slightly lacking. Mooney envisioned a sustainable woodland haven that emanated luxury and character. Soon, Nelson and the Mooneys were working together in designing treehouses and building began.

Speaking of building, Mooney had other very specific ideas about the workforce and materials he would employ. It all boiled down to one word: LOCAL. Mooney sought out highly skilled workers in the immediate vicinity. In fact, most of the laborers responsible for building the treehouses live no more than 8 miles from the property. And it doesn’t get any more “local” than wood being milled on-site.

In line with the focus on “local”, it was also important to Mooney to protect and respect the environment and to integrate sustainable design concepts. Many of the building materials – like metal roofs and barn beams – were recycled, repurposed, and reused items. The Mooneys take it a step further by opposing the use of toxic cleaning solvents and harmful detergents. It’s a win-win for guests and for the environment.

Along with luxury and sustainability, Kevin Mooney had another important concept in mind when he designed and built his treehouses: FAMILY. Well, more specifically, children. Of all the treehouse villages across the U.S., only two (TWO!) allow guests under the age of 12. The Mohicans is one of those two properties. As Mooney told me, “I built these for kids.” And, I’m sure, grown-up “kids” like myself who never did get their own treehouse as a child…

The Treehouses

Currently, there are six treehouses at The Mohicans with more under construction. Each of the treehouses is decidedly unique in atmosphere and decor, and each varies in size and design – and that includes the entryway for some of them!

White Oak

My family and I stayed in White Oak during our visit so that’s where I’ll start. White Oak is the first of The Mohicans’ treehouses to be designed by Pete Nelson. There is one bedroom with a queen bed on the first floor of White Oak, and two queen beds in the upstairs loft. White Oak comfortably sleeps up to 4 people. There is also a full bath inside the treehouse, as well as an outdoor shower. To access the 2-level treehouse, guests walk along a short trail to a bridge lined with grapevine railings. White Oak has two entrances: a gorgeous cedar double door at the end of the bridge, and a glass door on the other side, accessed by walking along the wraparound deck. Speaking of the deck, it’s an extraordinary place to sit and relax and look out over the sea of white oak and hickory trees.

White Oak was extremely comfortable for my family. The living room is super cozy with the L-shaped couch and doors that open out onto the deck. My favorite part of White Oak was how it allowed my kids’ imagination to run wild. They played together for hours, going back and forth across the deck and up and down “the secret trail” behind the treehouse. (Their “secret trail” was nothing more than a footpath up the hill, opposite the main entrance walkway. But to them, it was the path to fun and adventure.) My two kids were outdoors during our entire visit (except for when it rained) without straying too far from White Oak. It was perfect.

Little Red Treehouse

Also designed by Pete Nelson, Little Red Treehouse was originally built to serve as a tasting room for Treehouse Brewing Company, also owned by the Mooneys. In 2013, the “Brewhaus” was featured on Nelson’s television show “Treehouse Masters”. Shortly after, the Brewhaus was renovated to accommodate overnight guests and became known as Little Red Treehouse. It was occupied during our visit so we couldn’t see the interior. The exterior, however, is rather darling. Guests walk up a small staircase and across a 30-foot extension bridge to access the red treehouse, the color a nod to the bright barns dotting the rural Ohio countryside. The Little Red Treehouse sleeps 2 adults (1 queen bed in the loft), has an indoor bathroom and an outdoor shower (for use only during warm-weather months).

Tin Shed

This is a fun one! Tin Shed caught my eye upon our arrival at The Mohicans. It’s hard to miss with the 100-foot extension bridge spanning the road, a 25-foot spiral staircase on one end and the treehouse on the other. I thought to myself, “I need to cross that bridge before I leave.” Luckily, the kids and I had the chance to do just that on a walking tour of the grounds with Kevin Mooney. We had so much fun walking across the bridge, below the string of lights, as it gently swayed. The reward is access to the Tin Shed. The interior is furnished with mid-century modern pieces; the exterior featuring a wraparound deck and a full-size, roll-up garage door. There is one loft bedroom with two queen-size beds, a full bathroom, and an outdoor shower at the Tin Shed. When I return to The Mohicans, this is where I want to stay!

The Nest

Unlike the other treehouses at The Mohicans, The Nest is a single-room suite. The interior octagonal shape creates an intimate and enveloping atmosphere, so it’s no wonder The Nest is popular with couples, especially newlyweds. The Nest features a half-bath indoors and a shower outdoors, as well as a wraparound deck overlooking the woods.

Old Pine

Leave the modern world and cross the suspension bridge to Old Pine where, once you enter the treehouse, it’s as if you’ve been transported back a couple of hundred years. Everything about the treehouse is a throwback: the timeless decor, the vintage accessories, and even the 100-year-old barn wood it’s made from. Old Pine features a deluxe indoor bathroom, outdoor shower (warm weather only, of course), one bedroom on the first floor with a queen bed, and a queen bed in the upstairs loft overlooking the living room.

Moonlight

As the Old Pine is all about the throwbacks, the Moonlight Treehouse is all about merging the old with the new. This brand new treehouse is said to be the most romantic at The Mohicans. The soft colors and fabrics of the furniture exude romance, and the treehouse is hidden a bit away from the others. Despite the warm, plush bedding and luxury bathroom, it’s the kitchen at the Moonlight Treehouse that steals the show. It features an oversized stainless-steel farmhouse sink and granite countertops, and open-design shelving. The Moonlight also has a first-floor bedroom with a queen bed and an upstairs loft with another queen bed.

More treehouses to come

As if the above treehouses aren’t enough, there are three more amazing structures receiving finishing touches. They are El Castillo, The View, and Silver Bullet. I got to view El Castillo during my visit and all I can say is, WOW. The interior spiral staircase is somewhat of an engineering marvel and, overall, the treehouse is just gorgeous. The View reminds me of something you might find in a forest in Sweden or Norway; think sleek industrial design immersed in nature. And Silver Bullet… I can’t wait for this one to be ready. It’s a freakin’ Airstream! As of the date of publish, these 3 treehouses should be available to reserve by the end of 2019.

The Grand Barn Wedding Venue

As if The Mohicans isn’t remarkable enough, it is also the site of an elegantly rustic wedding venue known as The Grand Barn. I’m not a real big fan of weddings in general and I’m not overly romantic, but seeing The Grand Barn makes me want to get married again just to celebrate there! It’s got all the makings of a modern barn wedding with the twinkly lights and vintage decor. Then there are the sophisticated touches at the barn, matching the elegance of the treehouses, that make weddings at The Grand Barn one-of-a-kind. For one, the barn’s set-up and floorplans are completely customizable for each individual event. The Mohicans’ staff works with clients in designing seating plans and utilizing the various areas of the barn as they so desire. Couples truly get to plan the wedding of their dreams.

The barn itself is two stories with decks on both levels overlooking the scenic Mohican Valley. There is an outdoor area with a trellis framing the hills and hardwoods beyond where couples may exchange their vows. And then the newly-betrothed and their guests have the option of staying in the treehouses before and after the wedding. I honestly can’t think of anything more perfect.

When you go…

• Staying at a treehouse in the woods is meant to be a peaceful experience, one that allows guests to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with one another. That, along with some logistical challenges, explains why there is no cable television and no WiFi at The Mohicans. There are TVs with DVD players in the treehouses and guests are welcome to bring along their own movies. Cell phone service is also very spotty across the property, though I will say that, as a Verizon customer, I had no issues with coverage.
• Do your grocery shopping (and shopping for other necessities) prior to arrival at The Mohicans. The nearest store is in the town of Loudonville, about 20 minutes away by car. And, trust me: once you arrive at your treehouse, you’re not going to want to leave for ANYTHING (even toothpaste).
• Each treehouse has its own designated parking area. Depending on which treehouse you’re staying in, it can be a bit of a walk to the entrance. As outlined above, entry to some of the treehouses requires crossing suspension bridges. Therefore, you’ll want to consider ahead of time how best to carry your luggage and groceries from your vehicle to the treehouse. I recommend a wagon, perhaps, or even backpacks so as not to have to drag anything across uneven terrain.
• Roads into the property are not paved; therefore, a 4-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended, especially if there is rain or snow. If that is not a possibility, PLEASE use extreme caution on the gravel roads.

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