Illinois Stories at Ten Acres Treehouses - WMEC TV PBS Macomb

From The Video;

The Ten Acre Treehouses, located near Nauvoo, Illinois, offer a curated retreat featuring hand-built structures designed by Navy veteran Bob Hopp. The property began with "The Whitetail," a cozy unit constructed in 2013 from reclaimed materials like barn wood, rusty tin, and an exterior uniquely sided with old license plates. Originally intended as a personal getaway, it evolved into a popular rental featuring a sleeping loft and a compost toilet, setting the stage for the property’s rustic-industrial aesthetic.

To accommodate families and larger groups, Hopp expanded the site with the "Captain’s Quarters," a spacious unit that reflects his 25-year military career through a nautical theme. This structure boasts a full second-floor queen suite, repurposed stained glass, and full glass doors used as windows to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding woods. Like the original build, this larger unit utilizes an outdoor compost toilet to maintain the eco-friendly, off-beat atmosphere of the property.

While the lodgings emphasize a "back-to-nature" experience, they are equipped with modern essentials to ensure guest comfort. Each treehouse includes electric heating, air conditioning, refrigerators, and microwaves. Guests can enjoy seasonal outdoor showers with heated water and explore the various hiking trails crisscrossing the ten-acre site. By blending salvaged history with modern amenities, the property provides a unique bridge between rugged outdoor living and a comfortable getaway.