About this season
People who know and work with Pete Nelson describe him as a tree whisperer. For his part, Nelson lets the trees do the talking. He's a world-renowned treehouse designer and builder, and this series documents the work he and his team of craftsmen—including his son Charlie—do to create incredible homes and businesses in nature's canopy. Pete uses a combination of science and art to realize clients' sky-high aspirations of magnificent multi-bedroom treehouses with elaborate kitchens and bathrooms, or simpler, peaceful one-room escapes. Other backyard escapes featured in the series include a spa retreat, a brewery, and a honeymoon suite. "We awaken that inner child who dreams of living among the trees," Pete says.
Episodes (9)
1. Twenty Ton Texas Treehouse
Aired 31 May 2013 • 44 min
Tree-house designer Pete Nelson builds arboreal getaways that are large and ornate or small and simple in this series, which begins with a ranch-style structure in several hackberry trees on a property near Waco, Texas.
2. Luck o' the Irish Cottage
Aired 7 June 2013 • 44 min
A Celtic-theme cottage in an olive tree in California features a circular design that includes a fireplace and a rain-maker to mimic damp Irish weather.
3. Sky High Spa
0.5Aired 14 June 2013 • 44 min
A spa retreat on a ranch in Texas presents Pete with several plumbing challenges when he makes room for a steam shower and a Japanese soaking tub.
4. Treetop Taphouse
Aired 21 June 2013 • 44 min
A barn-theme tavern—complete with a brewing system—that's accessible by a rope bridge 25 feet high is constructed for a family in rural Ohio, and Pete gets help with the project from some Amish neighbors.
5. Spirit House Retreat
Aired 28 June 2013 • 44 min
In search of an inspiring space to begin her first novel, a writer in Rhinebeck, New York calls on Pete to build a hideaway to embrace her creativity but instantly feels blocked when she disagrees with Pete about the chosen tree. Once Pete wins her over, he transforms the tree into a gold-leafed “Spirit House” retreat filled with Buddhist artifacts and uplifting oddities and a loft to rest the brain between chapters.
6. Backyard Bungalow
Aired 5 July 2013 • 44 min
Episode Synopsis: A couple in Oregon need extra room when their daughter comes home from college, so Pete builds a guesthouse in a tree.
7. Canopy Clubhouse
Aired 12 July 2013 • 44 min
A family in Bedford, N.Y., spare no expense for a tree house that features a patio for barbecuing, a living room and a playroom with chalkboards.
8. Love Is in the Air
Aired 19 July 2013 • 44 min
In the Season 1 finale, Pete builds a honeymoon suite for a couple who want to get married at Treehouse Point, but all of the other accommodations are booked.
9. View from Above
Aired 26 July 2013 • 60 min
The “Treehouse Masters” team constructs a tree fort for a deserving family; Pete and the group recall their biggest challenges and most impressive builds.