Some of my favorite places to stay in Vermont aren’t necessarily the fanciest. I love finding accommodations that offer something different, especially when the setting is beautiful enough that you don’t feel the need to leave.
Stone City Treehouse Local favorite: Stone City Treehouse in Hardwick is just that. Tucked into the woods of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, this rustic treehouse offers a peaceful escape with a wood-fired sauna, river access and even an outdoor bed where you can spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing. I’ve stayed three times, and it’s a place I recommend regularly for unique accommodations.
It’s off-grid, a little rugged and certainly not for everyone. You’ll climb a ladder to reach your bed, and there’s only a composting toilet – no shower. But if you’re looking for a place to unplug, slow down and reset, I can’t think of many better settings.
What Is Stone City Treehouse?
Stone City Treehouse is a unique overnight accommodation in Hardwick, Vermont, designed for two guests who don’t mind sacrificing a few modern conveniences for a beautiful setting.
The treehouse is nestled among the trees, with a sleeping loft accessed by a ladder and a hanging outdoor daybed beneath the structure. There’s electricity, but no running water inside the treehouse, and guests utilize a shared bathroom at the main house, approximately 200 feet away.
The property doesn’t try to disguise its rustic nature. You’re staying in a treehouse in the woods – that happens to be super cozy, warm, and aesthetically decorated.
That said, I’d definitely read through the amenities before booking. The ladder alone could be a dealbreaker for anyone with mobility limitations, and getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night requires a little more effort than usual.
Pack lightly, bring practical shoes and be prepared to spend most of your time outdoors.
An Outdoor Bed Made for Doing Absolutely Nothing
One of my favorite features of Stone City Treehouse is the hanging daybed beneath the treehouse.
I love accommodations with comfortable outdoor spaces, especially when there’s no real reason to rush off to the next activity. Give me a good book, a cozy blanket and the sounds of the woods, and I could happily spend hours here.
The outdoor bed is also a great place to enjoy the property without committing to a hike or excursion. Take an afternoon nap, listen to the birds or simply appreciate being somewhere that feels removed from everyday responsibilities.
Of course, this is Vermont, so the weather doesn’t always cooperate. I’d plan to spend time outside when conditions allow and pack an extra layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
A Wood-Fired Sauna in the Vermont Woods
The wood-fired sauna is another reason Stone City Treehouse caught my attention.
I’m a big fan of saunas, particularly when they’re tucked into a natural setting rather than a crowded spa. There’s something wonderful about warming up in a sauna and stepping outside into the cool Vermont air afterward.
The sauna is included with an overnight stay, although guests need to reserve a session. I’d confirm the details when booking, including how much time to allow for heating and using it.
Personally, I think a sauna is especially appealing during Vermont’s shoulder seasons, when the mornings and evenings are chilly but it’s still comfortable enough to spend time outdoors. Between the sauna, river access, and the hanging daybed, I wouldn’t feel particularly motivated to leave the property.
River Access and a Peaceful Forest Setting
Stone City Treehouse also offers access to the nearby river, adding another element to an already beautiful setting.
I’ve always found moving water incredibly relaxing, and there’s something about sitting beside a Vermont river or stream that makes it easier to forget about everything else for a while.
During warmer months, it’s another place to spend time outdoors, although I’d use caution around the water. Vermont rivers can rise quickly after heavy rainfall, and slippery rocks and changing currents deserve respect.
What appeals to me most about this property is how little entertainment you actually need. Between the trees, water, sauna and outdoor bed, there’s plenty to enjoy without planning an elaborate itinerary.
When Is the Best Time to Stay at Stone City Treehouse?
Stone City Treehouse is available year-round, although the experience will be quite different depending on when you visit.
Summer is ideal for spending long afternoons outside, relaxing on the daybed and enjoying the nearby water. I’d bring bug spray, comfortable clothes and a good book.
Fall is particularly stunning, with colorful foliage surrounding the treehouse and cooler temperatures making the sauna even more appealing. Hardwick and the surrounding Northeast Kingdom also have some spectacular backroads for foliage drives.
Winter offers an entirely different experience, with snow-covered woods and the contrast of a warm sauna against the cold air. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the property’s off-grid accommodations in colder weather.
Spring can be peaceful, although I’d be prepared for mud, wet trails and unpredictable temperatures. This is Vermont, after all! The river should be raging!
Exploring Hardwick and the Northeast Kingdom
While I’d be tempted to spend most of my visit relaxing at the treehouse, Hardwick is worth exploring if you have extra time.
The town has a fascinating granite history and a strong local food community, with independent businesses and agricultural producers throughout the surrounding area.
I’d recommend stopping at Front Seat Coffee Local favorite: Front Seat Coffee in downtown Hardwick, where I’ve found some of my favorite croissants in Vermont. It’s a great place to grab coffee and breakfast before heading out for the day.
Nearby Greensboro is another worthwhile destination, particularly during warmer months when Caspian Lake is beautiful. You can also spend an afternoon exploring the backroads and small towns of the Northeast Kingdom.
But I’d resist the temptation to schedule too much. The whole point of staying somewhere like Stone City Treehouse is having time to enjoy where you are.
What to Know Before Booking Stone City Treehouse
- Location
- Hardwick, Vermont, in the Northeast Kingdom.
- Accommodations
- Rustic, off-grid treehouse for two guests.
- Sleeping arrangements
- Loft bed accessed by a ladder.
Full Bathroom: Located at the main house, approximately 200 feet from the treehouse.
- Utilities
- Electricity is available, but there’s no running water inside the treehouse.
- Outdoor amenities
- Hanging daybed, wood-fired sauna and access to nearby river.
- Sauna
- Included with an overnight stay; reservations are required.
- Season
- Available year-round.
- What to pack
- Comfortable layers, practical footwear, a flashlight, bug spray during warmer months and a small overnight bag.
- Reservations
- Stone City Treehouse.
Is Stone City Treehouse Worth Staying At?
I love the idea of a getaway where the biggest decision of the day is whether to spend another hour on the outdoor bed or head to the sauna.
For anyone who appreciates solitude, doesn’t mind roughing it and wants a few days surrounded by nature, it’s a wonderful place to reset.
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