Treebones: A “Yurtnique” Coastal Adventure A Meeting of Extremes in Big Sur The Yurts | Photo Credit: Madison Siegel Nestled between Los Padres National Forest and
Just off Highway 1, north of Hearst Castle, on a discreet
National Forest and is set at the edge of the property,
name Treebones came about and learned how he and
fills that desire. We hoped for success but couldn’t have
Being off the grid is a challenge. We are responsible for
California’s rugged Pacific Coast is a bohemian luxury
dirt road, marked only with a small sign shaped like what
boasting stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the
his family are living in true California style.
predicted this level. We feel very blessed.
generating our own power, water and sewer. It’s like
resort, oddly named Treebones, that remains true to
appears to be a fish, is the organically curious resort. As
beautifully appointed California coastline. The demand to
its hippie roots and is “Yurtniquely” California. With a
you drive up to the main lodge in wonderment, peppered
stay in the nest has been so high that there is currently a
John, I’m certain this is the first question everyone asks
Have you ever slept in “The Human Nest”? If so, can
cult-like following — think Silicon Valley meets Burning
along the way are 16 yurts, circular tent-like structures
second, three-story nest under construction which will
you, so how did you come up with the name “Treebones”?
you describe to my readers what it is like?
What has been the most unusual or outlandish request
Man— the uber popular Treebones resort embodies
gently placed throughout the ten-acre property; all
come equipped with a Japanese soaking tub. It will be
Yes, Maggy you are correct that is the first thing people
Corinne and I have. It was an amazing, refreshing
from a guest, that you can recall?
the natural beauty and off-the-grid living that has
have been updated with modern amenities, including
available for sleepovers this Summer 2017.
want to know. The name came with the property
experience. We woke up to the sunrise and saw birds
A movie star was so interested in staying at Treebones
long characterized the Big Sur area. Due to California
hard wood floors, vintage quilts, cozy queen size beds
when we bought it. The property has been known as
curiously looking in as if to say, “Congratulations, now
and we were full so the person’s assistant suggested
land trusts, conservation easements and local coastal
and clear domed skylights for sunlight by day and
Treebones is eco-friendly and runs like a self-contained
Treebones since the 1960s when a colorful character
you know how we live.”
that we move out for the weekend and let them stay
programs, rampant development of large scale hotels
stargazing by night. Also offered as an alternative to the
city. Featuring its own water well, everything is powered
named Patrick Casidy had a lumber mill where the
and private campsites has been largely prevented, thus
yurt experience and wildly popular with the millennials
by propane-fueled turbines; the heat produced in the
lower parking lot now is and he stacked up dead trees
Do you have a favorite place on the property you go
keeping the area pristine and basically untouched.
is the “Human Nest” which is designed for guests that
process is used to warm water and some of the yurts.
that he nicknamed ”treebones.”
to for inspiration or just to get lost?
Did you?
However, Treebones seems to have blended the category
want the ultimate outdoor sleeping experience. The
Several yurts do have gas fireplaces. Recycling and
There’s a rock called Whale Watch Rock that has a
NO!
between campground and luxury resort; owners John
“Human Nest” sleeps two adults and sits majestically 15
composting is prevalent throughout the resort, and a
How would you describe “Treebones” yurtunique
fabulous view and brings back so many memories of
and Corinne Handy, along with their children, opened
feet above the ground and is accessible only by ladder.
charming organic herb and vegetable garden, along
California design esthetic?
dreaming about Treebones and all of the talented hands
I have to admit this was my first time sleeping in a
the family-run property in 2005, (it was 20 years in the
Designed by famed local Big Sur artist Jayson Fann,
with a chicken coop sit prominently in the center of
Big Sur modern. All natural materials, stone, redwood
that helped build it. It seems that through the years
yurt and probably my best sleep in years. Is there
making) and since that time not much has changed in
the nest is a spherical dwelling woven from branches
the property and services the only restaurant (talk about
and cloth. Native plants and cool curving shapes.
everyone posed in groups for photos there.
something in the canvas walls that stimulates healthy
the physical landscape of the area.
of fallen Eucalyptus trees from the nearby Los Padres
farm to table) at the main lodge. During the day, you
running a city.
in our house.
sleep patterns?
can hike the trails, take in a morning yoga class, explore
I love that there is no cell service, limited Wi-Fi and
Clearly you were ahead of your time when you started
The walls breathe bringing in ion-rich air from the
local art galleries that line Highway 1 or just enjoy the
zero TVs, but there are lots of board games. What is
“Treebones” twelve years ago. What do you feel is the
ocean. We also have selected really good mattresses
view from one of the many Adirondack chairs that dot
your family’s favorite board game?
next trend in travel?
and keep them new.
the property. At night you can sit by the large roaring
We love to play Scrabble.
This is a great question; I think that people will continue to seek places that are not like their homes. Hotels will
It’s been fun getting to know you and learning about
book, relax in the hot tub, or stargaze at Whale Watch
How is the ‘Autonomous Tent” different from the yurts
become more about experience and a sense of place not
this unique California treasure. In your own words how
Ridge on the south end of the property with friends and
and do you have plans to add more to the property?
just convenience. Visitors want to leave their vacations
would you describe Treebones?
family. This part of California is an extraordinary place
It’s a one of a kind shape that seems to lurch out of the
inspired, so creative new concepts of shelter will be the
Perched lightly on the edge of the world.
to experience and one of the very few places that still
ground facing the ocean. No plans for more at this time
ongoing trend in travel.
remains as Henry Miller described it in 1957 as “meeting
unless we get more land.
fire at the main lodge with a glass of wine and a good
WRITTEN BY
I took a self-tour of the organic garden and chicken
of extremes, a region where one is always conscious of
Maggy Siegel
Currently there are 16 Yurts on the property. I’m
coop. I’m curious how many chickens do you have?
told they are booked 6 months in advance and the
We have 21 chickens in their own beautiful chicken coop
On a recent road trip with my two adult daughters, we
“Autonomous Tent” is booked out for the year. Why do
complete with a stained glass window. They recycle our
A Los Angeles based writer, home and lifestyle arbiter, and founder
visited Treebones and experienced the Yurt- lifestyle for
you think this concept has become so popular and did
kitchen scraps and make fertilizer for our garden not to
of the popular weekly column; California Style - inspired by the poetic
ourselves. It was a cold and windy January day, with a
you ever anticipate this kind of demand and success?
mention the great eggs.
beauty, coastal style and rustic charm that is uniquely California - She
cozy fire going in the main lodge. I had the pleasure to
It’s what product designers call pent up demand. People
sit down with owner John Handy and enjoyed hearing
want to visit Big Sur. Many are drawn to the most unique
Being in such a remote and untouched area of California,
enthusiast. Contact information: maggysiegelcastyle@gmail.com or
about the rich history of the area, found out how the
and eco-friendly venue they can find and Treebones
what would you say is the resorts biggest challenge?
Instagram maggysiegelcastyle.
weather, of space, of grandeur and of eloquent silence.”
is a Mother, nature lover, collector of rare books and art and travel
The Autonomous Tent | Photo Credit: Kodiak Greenwood
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