He quit his job to build dream cliffside hamlet in Appalachia

[@edwardlulofs444]

Hearing only the wind and the birds is when I am most relaxed and happy. I camped 4 months in the forest this summer and I was never more happy. 😃

[@thespiritworldband]

I hope he made it through the recent storms!

[@timgibb5608]

Stunning property. I love his attitude on life. His family is blessed to have him. Hard working Man. True Man. Not many existing today.

[@hugopratoller8703]

Thank you Kirsten and family. You inspire me so much, you have a delicacy in telling these stories that relaxes me... There are a billion ways to go about in life and all of them are right.

[@wlolli3342]

10/07/2024 -- I am wondering how these tree homes were able to survive after Hurricane Helene hit the area. Hope you are all safe and that your construction techniques proved resilient.

[@lisahoche4017]

Came back to this video with the same question. So many homes built on firm foundations were swept away. The catastrophic devastation is surreal here in Western North Carolina.

[@bdmenne]

@@lisahoche4017 I hope we get a check in video after we all got intimate with this MOUNTAIN top fortress/treehouse.

[@lisahoche4017]

@@bdmenne i saw the owner do a check in video right after Helene hit. But, it sounded like he was not able to check on the place yet. They do not live there. It is an Airbnb.

[@lisahoche4017]

Apparently, it is still standing. A review on their Airbnb site says their was someone staying there during Helene. They ended up staying with the hosts, Doug and Jen due to power and water loss. I am not aware of the exact location. But, Helene's wrath was catastrophic in some areas and not too bad in other areas. We are up in Yancey county which got hit particularly hard. Our neighbors in Mitchell County had almost every power line taken out. Hundreds of mudslides and tornado like activity. So many homes were lost. Even those set on a firm foundation were destroyed. The loss of life is beyond heartbreaking. My neighbors' lost their daughter and 2 grandsons. The grief is unbearable. But, it seems Doug's property still stand. And, it seems to be miraculous. He should be thanking the Lord.

[@bdmenne]

@@lisahoche4017 I can’t believe I Just saw a real estate listing for 124 Pigeon Roost Road in Green Mountain, North Carolina. It is a small A-frame right next to a wide creek of same road name which feeds into North Toe River. Do you know if that area was ravaged?

[@scientifico]

There are videos Kirsten posts that you will watch in the window... and then there are videos that you put on full screen. Videos you pause, occasionally rewind to make sure you heard what what was said or maybe to take in another look at a spectacular vista and imagine yourself there... feeling the breeze, hearing the wind. This video filled me with awe and wonder and even a tinge of sadness. Awe and wonder at what was built, the views he created, the stones moved. But then there was sadness, first at the terrible effects of Hurricane Helene moving through the Carolinas (and when he said the weather is channeled through that valley it struck me even harder) but also the quality of Doug... the wonderful human he is, the central thing of value that he brings into the world. It makes me sad that builders of things and thinkers like Doug are not the leaders of America, even as he is the purest expression of the best of American spirit that should be championed and revered (as opposed to the feckless warmongers and courtesans to billionaire elites). Maybe the gift is simply knowing people like Doug exist, places where whimsy meet practicality and timeless views can still be experienced. And like he said (or at least his wife), strive to "polish the mundane" and find wonder and awe everywhere... even in a city far away from there.

[@misterhat5823]

I watch them all in fullscreen 4k on a 75" TV as a monitor.

[@taylormoore6379]

I'm sitting in Florida miserable from the heat. This video does my heart good. I've got 15 acres with an incredible view 30 miles west of Asheville where I will build my place soon. :-)

[@Shmancyfancy536]

Why so many people are moving to Florida will NEVER make sense to me.

[@Lazaro-138]

@@Shmancyfancy536 please stay out. I wish everyone thought like you.

[@crazyflboy8727]

@@Shmancyfancy536Because they wanna be closer to Mickey Mouse .

[@antonjw]

Ego unified with creativity, poured into vessels of love. True inspiration & magic. Love that these people exist. Thanks for finding them!

[@donnamays24]

I am in the same area as this…it truly is the most beautiful place on earth!..This gentleman is incredibly talented and is a genuine steward of the land. My guess is the old owner finally figured that out about him or he would never have sold the property…in this area people just don’t sell! Loved this Kirsten! Blessings❤

[@dmdmorg]

The youthfull spirit and those seventy year old guns make for a wonderful journey. What a facinating individual.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

So happy for this man that he found his own great way in the world. His creations so inspiring. Makes me want to do something really good today! Thank you for this post

[@HappyLife693]

It is so refreshing to see someone go into the Appalachia and work with nature, rather than clear the mountain to meet his needs.

[@bdmenne]

I'm amazed he had to wait 10 years with repeated inquiries to purchase. Funny how people and life goes.

[@HappyLife693]

@@bdmenne The mountain people were very protective of their land for generations. There have been nefarious actors throughout the centuries who tried to swindle the inhabitants or purely forcibly remove them from their homes. That is true in Georgia as well. The generations who inherited the land in the 90's and later proved the older generations right, when they sold land to developers who stripped the land to make golf coursed and housing developments.

[@theresamariegoesplaces9688]

"You don't do this to cash in, you cash in to do this" Amen

[@mrjacktraeger]

That sounds nice and all but I doubt he's building multiple treehouses all for him and his wife's enjoyment. If I had to take a guess he rents them out as air bnb.

[@theresamariegoesplaces9688]

@@mrjacktraeger Maybe so Thanks for dismissing my reality and beliefs to make your very edgy point though ✌️

[@dosadoodle]

​@@mrjacktraeger People passionate about property like this want others to also enjoy it while preserving it. So yeah, they are on Airbnb, but they also aren't that expensive for something like this. Links in the description of the video, which I went searching for because it looks like an amazing place to visit. If he was after making a lot of money, he'd sell the property for many millions and simply invest the funds in an index fund where he'd make much more with zero work.

[@mrjacktraeger]

@@theresamariegoesplaces9688 I'm not hating on the guy good for him I think it's cool idea honestly. This just seems to be a thing a lot of people are doing now to make money. Not sure how that dismissed your reality

[@daddyfatstackss]

@@dosadoodle If he doesn't, whomever inherits it probably will.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

You don't do this to cash in, you cash in to do this. What a guy. I watch all of your videos and each time I watch one I think it's the best one you've done. This is the best one you've done.

[@CapCityDC]

Yeah this one is up there with the best.

[@JKART-do5jc]

I like your comment, “you cash in to do this”…why not at 70

[@davestevens4263]

Its definitely in the top for me . The creativity & art .

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Bless this Gentleman and his family. What an amazing man.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🙋‍♂️THANKS KIRSTEN 🤗FOR FINDING AND SHARING THIS,💚💚💚

[@JoeyMcSmokey]

Kirsten, tell me he and this remarkable place made it through the storm.

[@Henri377]

Thank you so much for putting this together, absolutely special and inspiring and supporting what we can achieve and especially be. What a remarkable person..... what a remarkable video.

[@ccccclark2605]

That is gorgeous, awesome mundane. God bless y'all. 🙏❤ From central Texas

[@NeilBlanchard]

I like it! But as a building designer, those cantilevered floor joists (even though they are oak) need to be a bit more stout - solid blocking at the beam, and some hold down straps. Uplift can lift it right up off those piers. That's a long cantilever relative to the length of the floor joists under the cabin. The timber frame is a bent system (as opposed to a common rafter system), so the roof is all dead load. Those struts are doing a *lot* of work, in bearing the weight - but they don't appear to have anything substantial for the wind uplift.

[@MrPhotodoc]

I first saw the Appalachians as a pre-teen and fell in love. My relatives are from Minnesota and I've canoed the boundary waters of that area. And I'm the same age as this gentleman so I kinda relate. Great film!

[@FrisellFan01]

To say I dig this build ...would be an understatement.....the cantilever part of this build is just....well it just leaves me wanting more....the scenic view is priceless....I wish there were more like this out there.....

[@helenfederoff7603]

This gentleman wins, hands down, Best Location EVER ❤

[@abduljangda]

how he wins he is destroying the nature

[@bakeraus]

The best thing he didn't have to pay 50 million for it either, it's so great to look out that far.

[@jeanwhiting3091]

I pray there stuff is still standing after the hurricain. Beautiful place.

[@alwaysbreathe48]

Dream manifesting! Love the family collaboration ❤ Thank you for always sharing amazing living stories!

[@nobody-m4o]

I'm stunned that this man is 71! Wow!

[@rhondadorey1723]

Thank you Kirsten for another terrific video. This guy has an amazing spirit and desire to create!💗🇨🇦

[@Sage-1111]

The Mountains always delivers. INDEED 💚💚 This is why I love your channel.. This man is alive ....

[@ionecuff6323]

WOW! So incredibly beautiful! I wish I could have their gift of being able to see something and know how to make it into something beautiful and useful. The joy he has when he talks or shows what he has accomplished or what he is working on reminds me of a kid at Christmas. What an amazing, talented, and smart man. His courage and perseverance is to be respected and admired! I would never leave if I were to go there, I could feel the peace and serenity just watching the video.

[@donnagrimmett3727]

It is gorgeous, but, I don't think I could stay in it. I'm happy for you & your dream. Enjoy😇

[@greenspiritarts]

I’m sure that covered outlook was a well-used site of the Indigenous People. This incarnation/building is a nice next itteration. Epic spiral staircase!!! Kirsten, your videos are amazing!!!!! .

[@fredsimmons2793]

The spirits of these men are kindred and in some ways majestic.Salute to them and you Kirsten ,for sharing these kind souls.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

"My kids expect me to go in a blaze of glory." LOL.

[@duncanmarlow]

You do have a knack for finding the crazies, thank you!

[@JKART-do5jc]

Just unique individuals with an awesome vision and passion.

[@ginosalihbegovic7137]

Being healthy in a sick society can often be seen as ill

[@dmounts9999]

@@JKART-do5jc Spot on!

[@edwardlulofs444]

Crazy smart, I think.

[@ehlava7331]

wow, imagine thinking this guy is crazy. this comment speaks a lot about what america has become.

[@imm0rtalitypassi0n]

I will also say that I love this dude's spirit. Same goes for his younger counterpart. The property and collection of structures is quite an incredible and cool legacy.

[@gerardkiff2026]

I just love your channel . Great homes with the most interesting people that inhabit them.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Define "anchored" ? Love this place. Big Foot will visit. This guy's a gem.

[@AM-by5er]

Beautiful! So gorgeous it made me well up : ) Thank God for people like this man!!

[@beentheredonethat3624]

So beautiful and organic. I also grew up feral in the woods in Ohio. I salute your ability to keep your life close to nature and to ensure your children, grand children and their grand children will always have this piece of precious Earth to call home.

[@oscarportillotenorio3772]

Such amazing life!!! this couple realy get out the Matrix, Congratulations!!!

[@Jesus_Saves_Believers]

Very wise and amazing person. Absolutely stunning find, Kirsten. As always, WOW!

[@JKART-do5jc]

This is my kind of everything…I love this. I built my own home myself at 65, female, and I know what it takes to do the work. Would like to do another passion project and be more a part of the land. Thanks so much for sharing…good job. Looks like a resort, quite a bit of $$$$$. His legacy

[@phillipdavis8861]

How inspiring. What an accomplishment.

[@markkunath8440]

Wow again, this feral guy and his family are amazing. Some similarities to the Texan dude building out of reclaimed materials. I like he's put he "kitchen" outside. Maybe just a summer thing? I love the glass garage door too. He's really thought about the location of all the buildings and how nature impacts them. He's not afraid to push the boundaries of what is possible. ♥♥♥

[@jsmiles3942]

I would absolutely LOVE to stay here - take in that canopy view and fresh air 😍😮‍💨💕

[@TaeglicheNarzisst]

I like everything about this. And the builder has his way with language.

[@PennyTeem]

Beautiful! The trees! The rocks! The mountain!

[@ndan3746]

I try to live these words.. so much wisdom in nature... if only the world could see

[@mayito9100]

America! It can be inspiring and beautiful. It can also be dark and ugly. It’s soo many things, but it’s ours. It’s our America.

[@jeroberts7228]

Wow. I love this man and his rock and tree creations! Doug and his wife have some good theories on life, too. I was absolutely enthralled with the entire video, and I was so sad to see it end, I actually gave out a small whimper when it was over. Thank you SO much for sharing all of the wonderment with us!

[@caryreed1563]

My wife said once while we were relaxing by the camp fire at the lake...Its amazing how hard we work 25 days of the week to be able to go and relax by "roughing it" in the wilderness.

[@terriboccio6963]

I loved this video. Just the sheer magnitude of what this project entailed is truly amazing...and despite the engineering community passing some harsh judgment, at the end of the day you have to give them a pat on the back for building something so wonderful.

[@bellaluce7088]

2:39 "My wife said this morning it's wonderful to change gears and I said you know the irony is for tens of thousands of generations that's the only gear there was." Love that! ❤ Bet it smells *glorious* up there. Here's to not letting the mundane cover up the wonder! 🌄

[@dustinabc]

Poverty was the only gear there was for most of human existence. Yes, the modern world is a bit out of control (I think largely due to the fiat currency system), but this guy can only slow down like that because of millions and millions of people who have worked hard to give us the economy and technology that allows us to voluntarily achieve and choose different gears.

[@bellaluce7088]

​@@dustinabc If you think hauling that many rocks is slowing down I don't envy your lifestyle! 😄 Working one's butt off to create things that inspire yourself and others seems worthwhile though. Interestingly, anthropologists' study of modern hunter gatherers suggests there's a LOT of time to relax while finding plenty of food for everyone. I'm pretty keen on access to things like modern medicine so wouldn't want to try it myself, but based on facts vs. internet conjecture, it does seem like a pretty chill way to live. 🌿🔥🌠

[@Franaflyby]

I can see he doesn’t regret or miss his job. 😝

[@georgegibson707]

I wonder where he actually lives with his wife. From his website these dwellings are built for short term rental. Maybe approval for multiple dwellings with internal kitchen and toilet is not permitted on this rural property ?

[@carolclover1238]

I live in an 8×18 converted school bus...near the foot of the Smokies... So this place/build us beyond impressive. Thnx ALL...for tour and stories

[@antiantagonist947]

i am not a structural engineer, but that treehouse has no leaves on the trees

[@derekandjo75]

@@antiantagonist947 I was noticing that as well.

[@sidilicious11]

I’m not too keen on trusting that cliff myself

[@avienated]

I'm not an engineer either, but it'll take a while for the trees to rot. I bet he could even take some measures to avoid it rotting.

[@antiantagonist947]

​@@avienated looks like white oak, i give it a few years with those 80mph gusts the gentleman was talking about (no disrespect or sarcasm intended, just an observation). it had leaves in the airnb listing. i have seen trees deleaf and come back the next spring, but never on a hardwood that sized

[@avienated]

@@antiantagonist947 you do have a point. I'll speculate that if he secured where the trunk hits the ground somehow (not sure how) it would help, as I think that's where it'll rot first. There has to be a way to preserve a tree so it doesn't rot, but it might not be a thing many people do =)

[@serenakoleno9338]

Beautiful site. The height combined with the thought of being literally treed by a bear would deter me from replicating it, though 😂. My legs hurt just thinking about climbing all the steps. Would love to stay in the Divide cottage, though. Wonder what they do for a toilet in the treehouse? Since I am just a few years younger, I give props to his health and stamina! As well as his families. Wonder if they have a basket system rigged up for groceries and firewood? On pulleys. Also wondering about forest fires. The park service should have cameras mounted for fire protection - they literally have a bird's eye view 😅. Love the fact he reuses construction materials, although it's probably for cost as well as principles. Your family sure get to some amazing places! You must never run out of things to talk about. 😂❤❤😊😊

[@Wish4newlife]

I have to say this is the most beautiful peaceful place to spend quality time. I congratulate you for building a place that will give you time to recharge your batteries.

[@maxm7103]

Am I the only one thinking of the "Up" Movie watching this? :D Absolutely love it!

[@delphina1111]

Kirsten, please let us know the status of their home since the hurricane and flooding.

[@carolr6352]

Amazing person, absolute genius!

[@suetoronto9993]

This is insanely amazing!

[@modocroughstock5700]

Brother started with a "lucky" bankroll.. Guys with more muscle than brains didn't drag those rocks into place.. great story tho.. much love from a wannabe

[@jeanninespinner2244]

Absolutely incredible!!!😮😊✌️❤️

[@mrwest5552]

a brief yet beautiful image of the tree house in the snow. 👍 Like

[@comedianmattrossey]

Absolutely beautiful land and buildings. Actually, AMAZING and ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL.

[@stable-shadow]

Awesome K! This Guy what a treasure the location deserves a caretaker like him.....that aha moment when you know where your place in this World is........i bet that was a fun shoot....another winner! 🕊️

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

Air traffic is traffic

[@stable-shadow]

@@georgewhitehouse8630 Hey George are you referring to my comment, or just making a general point? 🤔 I agree air traffic is traffic but in reference to what?

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

@@stable-shadow development

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

@@stable-shadow 7 miles is close in the air

[@stable-shadow]

@@georgewhitehouse8630 Oh I got ya now, yeah he referred to being 7 miles from the airport, but it's a small airport "Asheville NC" plus based on location and the way the mountains run, the airport likely is South of where he is at and completely out of line of site.... I live on occasion on the Big Island of Hawaii and both Kona and Hilo have major airports and you never are disturbed like you might think by air traffic... Inland their is a distinct difference but Mountain living you rarely are affected by such things.... thanks George! Have a good week... 🕊️

[@robertsifuentes5210]

All I can say is, wow. Life goals.

[@ericsmith8121]

Great video! I'm a few years older, but also spent some of my childhood in suburbia building a tree house city out in the woods using lumber stolen from development houses (also inspired by Swiss Family Robinson). Now I'm building a cabin on a cliff on an island overlooking Lake Superior, though nowhere near as quickly as this guy. I was thinking about building a treehouse for guests - now I'm inspired. Thanks - I love your videos!

[@seazestyt]

Congratulations. What a beautiful spot.

[@2Goldens1Rott]

This video was the first one on my page when I opened yt. I’m actually heading to the boundary waters tomorrow morning. I just made an offer on land in the Appalachia’s. No BS. Wow. Universe is amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. Super cool

[@anitashahib9371]

OMGOODness this beautiful House is at heaven"s gate of this land..it is so lush🌿😘

[@stevecam14]

I would give the rock more respect.

[@joshaustin9119]

Do the trees ever say "no" when you ask their permission?

[@advmuskrat9274]

yep, that's why all the trees supporting the main treehouse are dead😆

[@dustinabc]

He seems like the kind of guy who doesn't care much about what answer he gets when he asks permission.

[@kh7794]

Lmao, ya, I noticed she skipped right over that comment!

[@neva.2764]

He means it and he's right. Trees are sentient. They sure have something to say about all this.

[@BradSchmidtPlus]

Love this channel. Boy does the guy in this episode think a lot of himself. Ugh.

[@priscillawillis1969]

Very neat. Commens about the locust on your property and about your dead locust tree posts. Congratulations on your building.😊 Gorgeous natural granite outcropping earlier in video.

[@Crtnmn]

Such a good video Kirsten!

[@EliapoAfamasaga]

Paradise but in abstract form , however simplicity around nature is from the heart ' once inside its hard to imagine how high you are but trust its structure by the one who made it is breathtaking 🌌 ✍️

[@drew8642]

The show Treehouse masters has a patented anchor system that doesn’t damage the tree and can adjust as needed.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Fascinating idea with views for days. Ty

[@scottidw8415]

Absolutely Amazing! This guy is unstoppable 👍

[@ivanbaric4017]

Selfish build for today, selfless builds for ever lasting. Free spirit at work. Love it. Sydney AUST.

[@lancetaylor1334]

This is ons od the coolest places I have ever seen. I love it... I want to go there in person to see it.

[@kirstendirksen]

It really is!

[@tiogoala7654]

'have more strength than brains', awesome work.

[@priscillawillis1969]

That is neat. Helping the trees that your treehouse is mored on.

[@wendyhill8924]

One of the best - the creativity of the mind to embrace the mountain and the trees and hang on for dear life - so beautiful and simple and what a blessing to see your visions and share in their unity with god’s design -- Namaste -- peace 🕊️

[@janamcq.3713]

💥❤💥 This is the most awesome property I have seen you showcase in the 3 or so years I have been watching!! Wow, just WOW! Would love to hang out there for about a year. 😁

[@Rweheheheh]

Wow. What a man!!!!!!!!!

[@stberchmans]

It looks as though the three trees supporting his treehouse are dead. Once they begin to break down how does he intend to support the home?

[@helendavenport7298]

I love how clever this is but disappointed we didn’t see inside the main cabin….for layout. A very interesting video.

[@AllisonReece]

That's wild watching a video and thinking, that looks like around where I live. Sure as the world, it is. Cool

[@olliesear1151]

It's a beautiful riot of sayings coming from this man - loved 'Polish the mundane'! Could I add one? - "If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space..." Don't know where I first heard that one, but it's probably Groucho Marx! 😁

[@dmounts9999]

Each of us must remember we were born for a time such as this.

[@nayooropeza2211]

Thanks Kirsten for this wonderful video. Funny how reading some of these negative comments somehow says to me that a lot of this naysayers are just plain jealous at the end of the day!

[@dorothygarnett9671]

I love his creativeness, I hate the heights! love the idea of it but on the ground please!

[@Maddie2u]

I could live there, or anywhere in the middle of nowhere in nature....I'm 68 used up and spit out by life and the city...grew up feral.. happy to do it again....in the last quarter of life anyway...

[@cindihuculak1964]

Did this cabin have any damage from Helene???

[@nick.here.g]

wonder if its still there after helene

[@pamcooper3044]

Was wondering the same thing. I doubt the tree house is still standing.

[@KenBissell-oq2ns]

@@pamcooper3044 Same here. My guess would be no, but I pray I'm wrong. The wind uplift on the structure would be tremendous.

[@lisahoche4017]

It seems it is. They are currently taking guests on their Airbnb site. I live in Western North Carolina. And, after what I have seen Helene do. I would never have stayed there.

[@brandonteq]

Absolutely incredible.