“Treehouse,” one of the crown jewels nestled within our sprawling 106-acre ranch, is a tale woven with serendipity and enchantment. What began as a 20-acre parcel housing a solitary log cabin near the hallowed grounds of Zion National Park has now expanded to 40 acres, harmoniously merged with our original untouched land. This cabin, dubbed “Treehouse” for its distinct and somewhat whimsical architecture, stands as the radiant gem of our ranch, famed for its panoramic vistas of the majestic Kolob Mountains.
The intriguing history of this place is as rich as the land itself. While details about its origins remain somewhat elusive, we’ve pieced together a fascinating narrative. The original owner, a sheep herder, sculpted this territory in 1994. He meticulously enclosed the entire 40-acre expanse with fencing, drilled a well, and installed a network of water access pipes, all while crafting the core of what we now know as Treehouse.
Initially, the structure bore the semblance of a rustic ranch house, even equipped with a wood elevator to transport firewood from the basement to the upper levels. The basement, back then, was a utilitarian concrete-floored workshop with raw, unfinished walls and a ceiling yet untouched by refinement. A nearby barn, positioned just to the north, was thought to have housed supplies or offered shelter to sheep during inclement weather.
The property transitioned hands to a subsequent owner, who undertook a dramatic transformation. The wood elevator was retired, and the basement was remodeled into cozy living quarters, complete with a full bath and bedroom. A new wing was constructed on the far left side, introducing a laundry room on the lower level and an additional bedroom on the main floor.
Our story with Treehouse began in 2015, when we first acquired the original 20 acres. While surveying the property, we couldn’t help but cast an appreciative eye on our neighbor’s log cabin. Treehouse, as it affectionately came to be known, held a place in our hearts. Positioned remarkably close to our northern property line, it became a familiar sight from every corner of our 20 acres. Dreams of owning this unique dwelling always lingered, and fate was kind when, in late 2021, Treehouse found itself on the market.
The path to ownership was not without its twists and turns, as negotiations with the previous owners proved to be quite the adventure. We had not yet been able to inspect the property thoroughly, relying on our realtor’s assistant to provide glimpses through short videos and reports. When we finally set foot on the grounds, our hearts brimmed with excitement. Treehouse was, undoubtedly, a hidden gem, albeit one in need of care after being somewhat neglected by its previous owners.
In hindsight, making an offer without a comprehensive in-person visit might seem unconventional, but it was a leap of faith guided by a vision. We were inspired to share this magical place with others, to extend the enchantment we had come to cherish so deeply. In the subsequent months, our time was devoted to the painstaking work of restoring, furnishing, and transforming Treehouse into a luxurious experience unmatched in the world of hospitality.
And then, as if scripted by destiny, the property just east of Treehouse entered the market, presenting us with an opportunity to broaden our vision. The adjacent property, which we now call “Lodge,” was owned by a neighbor who was impressed by our commitment to Treehouse. A text message from him one month later initiated the journey towards acquiring Lodge.
Lodge stands as a grand edifice, accommodating up to 21 guests, and is seated on its own pristine 46-acre parcel. When combined with our original 20 acres and Treehouse’s 40 acres, the result is a harmonious tapestry of 106 contiguous acres, christened as Kolob Canyons Ranch.
Lodge is ready and waiting, already available for those seeking a memorable escape, while Treehouse, as of September 20, 2022, is also open for reservations. The dreams that first took root in our hearts are now tangible, beckoning guests to share in the magic. Our journey doesn’t end here; stay tuned for new blogs and video content, as we unveil every facet of our vision, captured in glorious 4K. Follow our Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts for delightful 15-30 second insights into our properties, as we invite you to become a part of this incredible adventure.