This lakefront cottage looks like a giant treehouse

If you’ve ever wanted to completely disappear for a weekend, this three-season cabin on Highland Lake might be the spot. It’s built right into a steep hillside, so you’re basically living in the treetops.

Getting down to the place

You start at the top of the ridge and work your way down these wooden steps through the ferns and trees.

Further down, the path gets even more tucked away with rhododendrons lining the steps.

Before you even reach the front door, you pass through this cool wooden arbor gate.

There’s also a gravel path that sneaks around under the main deck structure.

The main living space

Once you get inside, the whole back wall is just massive windows framing the water.

You can crank these awning windows open to let the lake breeze right into the room.

The room is surprisingly big, with space for a dining setup and a spiral staircase heading downstairs.

The kitchen situation

The kitchen is pretty tight but has tons of real wood cabinets that keep that classic camp vibe alive.

It has a full-size fridge and stove, plus a little sign reminding you exactly where you are.

Where you sleep

The main bedroom is fully wrapped in warm pine paneling, making it feel incredibly cozy.

A massive wrap-around deck

The real selling point is the massive deck that feels suspended over the water.

There’s enough space out here to host a decent-sized dinner party under the trees.

They even set up a dedicated grilling corner next to a privacy screen.

Further down the deck, there’s a covered pergola area if you want some shade.

Getting onto the deck feels like exploring a secret garden with all the stone accents.

That massive stone chimney is actually covered in vines, which is a really neat touch.

The lower walk-out level

If you head down the spiral stairs, there’s a second sleeping area that walks right out to the lower patio.

It has this awesome green split door that opens up to the lower deck.

And yes, there is an outdoor shower tucked under here for washing off after a swim.

Down to the water

To get to the actual beach, you wind your way down these hand-laid stone steps.

At the bottom, you have your own private dock waiting for a boat.

About those views

No matter where you stand on the property, the view of Third Bay is pretty ridiculous.

You get a great look at the dock and the shoreline from the upper levels too.

It’s hard to find this kind of privacy on a fully recreational lake these days.