The Inside Of This Huge Tree House in Tennessee Will Blow Your Mind
Editor’s note: As of late 2019, the treehouse is no longer standing. Please enjoy the photos below as a reminder of this remarkable structure.
To some, the woody heights of a tree house is a dream that’s left in childhood. To Tennessee? It’s just a challenge. Check out the amazing Minister’s Tree House, located in Crossville. Peaking at 97 feet and built around an 80 foot white oak tree by Minister Burgess, this place is rife with history and a feast for the eyes. Take a look!
It took fourteen years to build and a $12,000 investment to create this impressive structure. The base is made up of a foundational white oak with a 12 foot diamenter and supported by six other oak trees. For a tree house this massive, there had better be a plethora of trees - that's what we think.
Claiming that God spoke to him saying, "If you build a tree house, I'll see that you never run out of material," Burgess set to creating the largest tree house in the world in 1993. And since it was built in response to God himself? There's a chapel. A massive, light drenched chapel.
Take a look at those outdoor walkways! Every story is ringed by an outdoor porch deck, because, well. It's the south. Hospitality and comfort in the Tennessee humidity is key.
The Minister's Tree House does not have an official title as the, "World's Largest Tree House," but really only because the Guinness Book of World Records doesn't offer the category. With this houses' truly massive size and cult following however, we like to think Burgess's lovingly crafted masterpiece would win.
Here you can see the skylights tucked high above the upper story. With light gleaming through and the stars visible at night, we're sure this place makes you feel closer to God.
Although the massive structure is impressive, tours have been closed by the State Fire Marshall at the current time for the safety of all visitors. People have been known to hop the fence, but be warned – the tree house is rickety after years of use, and you trespass at your own risk. What about you? Have you heard of the Minister’s Tree House, have you visited? Let us know in the comments below!
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Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
