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Treehouse in Celeste
Exterior and walkway
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Scenic Hanging Bench
Outdoor areas to visit
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Outdoor Jacuzzi and Pool
Outdoor areas to visit
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The Kitchen
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The View
Outdoor areas to visit
It was during lunch with a friend when I first learned about the treehouses.
“Have you ever watched the moon from the top of a tree?” she asked.
Early one Tuesday, the morning sun still low, I left Fort Worth and drove about 90 miles northeast, meandering through the little towns of Caddo Mills and Floyd, on up to Farm to Market Road 903. It was off this two-lane road that I almost drove past a tucked-away oasis in the woods — Savannah’s Meadow.
Ron and Susan Van Volkenburgh bought the treehouse retreat in April 2016 with the goal of making it a bed-and-breakfast.
“We stumbled upon Savannah’s Meadow and fell in love with the 18 acres of wooden wonderland — including the treehouses. This meadow is the perfect place to be camp counselors without ever having to leave the spot,” Susan says.
The Van Volkenburghs grew up on separate coasts, Ron on the West and Susan on the East. After living in Keller for a number of years — Ron, running his own business, and Susan, working as an oncology nurse — they tired of city life and purchased Savannah’s Meadow from a couple who had started it in 2012 and whose daughter was named Savannah.
Just past the entrance, a winding path led me to the end of a circle drive to the Van Volkenburghs’ home, where both Ron and Susan greeted me warmly. Over the next several hours, the three of us strolled the meadow, and I received a first-class tour. Two overnight accommodations, each unique in design, are snuggled into mature trees. The third, more modest in style, is a vintage trailer.
The Majestic Oaks Treehouse is named for the large oak tree that graces the center of a rustic living area. Patrons reach the master bedroom by crossing an open-air patio with see-through metal flooring about 20 feet above the ground.
“Some of our guests get a little unnerved by the height at first, but soon they adjust and enjoy the surroundings,” Susan says.
Ron rolled up the glass walls and retractable roof, exposing the room to nature for those lodgers who might enjoy the openness. And, for those with insect phobias, the bed is encased in mosquito netting.
Returning to the main room, we crossed to the opposite side where Ron invited me to step out onto the Sky Lounge, a suspension perched high above the ground — similar to how a trampoline might feel underfoot. Hesitant, I removed my shoes, took a breath and stepped out, a little wobbly at first. Susan threw me a pillow and soon joined me.
The Bare Creek Hollow Treehouse is a two-story structure nested on six trees. The main living area offers a large gathering place and is designed for guests who desire more separation from nature than the Majestic Oaks provides. The master bedroom is upstairs where French doors open onto a balcony, providing a view of the surrounding woods. A ladder leads to a loft bedroom.
The Gypsy’s Grotto Trailer is the third overnight accommodation and the only one on the ground. The Grotto is a quirky, seasoned travel trailer, painted psychedelic colors — perhaps something one might have seen on a road trip to California back in hippie days. Lore has it that Roma once lived here but disappeared long ago. The room includes a bed, kitchenette and a dining area, as well as access to a grilling area and public bathrooms.
After the Grotto, Susan guided me down a path to a shaded area behind the trailer. There sat a classic claw-foot bathtub, inviting an adventurous patron to experience what one guest described as a blissful outdoor bath.
A lavender field resides at one end of the meadow — the plants typically in full bloom by June of each year, bringing with them lush color and scent. Both a wedding chapel and an events area are adjacent to the lavender field, the chapel providing a romantic backdrop for weddings and marriage renewals.
Families hike through the woods, bicycle on the trails and fish in the catch-and-release pond. Adults savor the tranquil surroundings while the kids hang out with an ensemble of animals — including Simon the donkey, Henry the goat, Max the goose and an assortment of chickens enjoying their newly built coop, also perched in a tree. Sam, a rescued guard dog, follows Ron around the property, although the word “guard” is used loosely. Cell service and internet are scarce — disappointing a few, delighting most.
Savannah’s Meadow hosts people from other states, as well as across the globe — including families from Australia, China and France. Previous occupants leave notes telling future guests what captivated them the most.
Open months are April 1 – Oct. 31. Winter months are busy with maintenance and improvements for the following season. I asked the Van Volkenburghs if they ever feel the need to get away, do something different.
“Occasionally we do venture back to the city,” Susan says. “But not for long. This property is our sanctuary.”
When night falls on a calm evening and the stars align just right, you may find Savannah’s Meadow is your rhapsody in the woods, where time — for just a moment — stands still.
To book a stay, visit savannahsmeadow.com or call 214.668.4299.
