In the middle of a 40-acre meadow surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, Oregon, there’s a two-storey tower some 40 feet off the ground. Built in 2009, it was modelled after the fire lookout towers from the early 1900s, when US Forest Service workers lived in the sky-high structures to watch for wildfires. This newest incarnation, however, features a full kitchen, cozy living space, and enough beds for four people. On the main land, there’s a shower, a spring-fed hot tub, vegetable garden, and a fire pit. The best part of the house is the view from the wrap-around deck. During the day, guests can see deer grazing in the meadow or birdwatch with binoculars, and at night, stargaze without the distraction of light pollution.
Enjoy a unique vacation at this old-fashioned fire lookout tower
The tower is available to rent on Airbnb for around $200 a night. Located about 40 feet off the ground, the homeowners are happy to help guests bring their luggage up the four flights of stairs.
The main room of the tower is cozy with honey-hued wooden floors and large windows that wrap around the entire space. The kitchen, located to the left of the dining table, contains a full-size oven, a refrigerator, and a double sink with hot and cold water. The pull-down stairs lead to the principal bedroom located in the cupola.
Here is one of the two twin beds located in the main room. Underneath each bed, there are a couple drawers to store clothes, extra blankets, and other essentials. Meanwhile, books, boardgames, and glassware are located atop a wooden shelf that runs along the perimeter of the ceiling.
In the upper cupola, it’s all bed! The tiny space just barely fits a queen size mattress, but who needs extra floor space when you have a view like that?
Imagine having your morning coffee out here on the porch! If you’re hosting a mini soiree, guests can bring out the wooden lounge chairs from the main room for additional seating. On the other side of the porch, there is a shower with hot water.
While the tower may have running water and even a MacBook Pro, the space still has its rustic charm. This pit toilet is located about 200 feet from the base of the tower.
And here’s the secluded wood-fired hot tub filled with spring-fed water. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long hike in the Umpqua National Forest.
Not surprisingly, this tower is a big hit on Airbnb. It’s completely booked for the 2016 season, and the homeowners are already taking reservations for 2017!
Related Articles
Ontario real estate market forecast: cottage-country realtors predict more options for buyers
This Kahshe Lake cottage is framed by towering pines on a quiet Muskoka inlet
Private mortgages have risen 72 per cent in Ontario, and they could have an increased default risk
