Imagine waking up to a breathtaking view of autumn’s vibrant palette without even leaving your home. For one family in Lancaster County’s Southern End, this dream is a reality. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: their modern treehouse, aptly named Treetops, isn’t just a home—it’s a masterpiece of design that seamlessly blends luxury with nature. As the county approaches its peak foliage season, let’s dive into what makes this $3 million, 4,900-square-foot residence so extraordinary.
Perched atop a hill overlooking Pequea Creek, Treetops offers panoramic views that make you feel like you’re floating above the treetops. Kyle Solyak, the project architect and operations director for TONO Group, explains, ‘The owner wanted to feel like a part of nature, so we built the home just off the edge of the hill.’ This bold design choice not only maximizes the stunning vistas but also creates a sense of harmony with the surrounding 22-acre wooded lot.
And this is the part most people miss: achieving this connection with nature wasn’t just about big windows—though there are plenty of those. Solyak and his team strategically designed the home to amplify natural light and airflow. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the open-concept living spaces stretch one and a half stories tall, giving the illusion of floating. Even private spaces like bedrooms feature oversized windows, ensuring every room feels immersed in the outdoors. To balance sunlight, large roof overhangs and automated shades adjust to the sun’s angle, preventing glare while maintaining warmth.
But Treetops isn’t just about views—it’s about experiencing nature. A wall in the living/dining room folds away to reveal a wall-sized door leading to a fire pit and pool. Here’s the controversial part: the indoor and outdoor flooring is nearly identical, using porcelain tiles that transition seamlessly from the house to the pool area. While some might argue it blurs the line between inside and outside too much, others will applaud the bold design choice that creates a cohesive, immersive experience.
The home’s smart features are equally impressive. From thermostats to refrigerators, everything is controlled through a single app, allowing homeowners to adjust lighting, HVAC, security, and even create mood scenes with the tap of a finger. But here’s a thought-provoking question: as homes become increasingly automated, are we losing the tactile experience of living, or are we simply evolving with technology?
Construction-wise, Treetops pushes the boundaries of conventional homebuilding. While the structure is primarily a wood frame, its unique roofline, massing, and oversized openings challenge traditional residential design. One standout feature is the gabion fence—a rare choice for residential properties. Made of galvanized steel baskets filled with landscape stone and interspersed with composite ‘wood,’ it provides privacy while retaining a natural aesthetic. Is this industrial-inspired fence a genius blend of form and function, or does it clash with the home’s organic vibe? Let us know in the comments.
Treetops took nearly a year to complete, and while TONO Group kept the homeowners’ identities private for security reasons, project manager Travis Dantinne shared that the build was surprisingly straightforward, with few challenges. The result? A home that not only celebrates nature but redefines what it means to live in harmony with it.
What do you think? Is Treetops the future of luxury living, or is it a step too far into the unconventional? Share your thoughts below, and if you’re inspired to bring a bit of nature into your own space, sign up for our weekly Gardening newsletter here for seasonal tips and ideas.
