The Honey Rock Tree House
The treehouse at Honey Rock is built atop a wooden tower; it is not supported by any trees, but is totally surrounded by Red Oak, Post Oak, Live Oak, Pine, Hickory, Big Leaf Magnolia and wild flowering Crab Apple Trees.
A stairway with railings on both sides and 3 landings provide access. The living area is 25 feet above the ground. A front deck looks down on the blueberry orchard and the bay window in the rear looks out into a mature pine and hardwood forest. The entire interior is lined with cypress wood with a natural finish. Downstairs is Queen-size bed, full kitchen, full bath with shower, dining area (seats 6), living room area, study and outside deck with barbecue grill. Upstairs are 3
built-in sleeping lofts and an activity desk/study area. Floor to ceiling inside is 20 feet with railings on all walkways and stairs.
When coming up the driveway to Honey Rock you will notice a small sign with an arrow indicating “Treehouse.” You should first proceed straight up into the yard on the pavement to check in before going to the treehouse (unless we have agreed previously).
When you do go down to the treehouse there is an electric hoist for your luggage and groceries. It is right at the bottom and you can load it with all of your belongings and then walk up the stairs and hold your finger on the yellow switch over your head as you look through the opening where the lift will arrive. Bring the lift up to the treehouse, remove your belongings and then return it to the bottom. Watch your head when loading the lift at the bottom, as there is a large wooden board across the opening that I have managed to bang my head on several times!!
There is a light for the stairway which has a switch both at the bottom of the stairs and at the top of the stairs.
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Rates
Rates are $125.00 per night per couple. The cabin is not available to “engaged couples”. We have had several honeymooners and many anniversaries, so after the marriage please feel free to come. Friday and Saturday nights are $110.00 per night, $90.00 if staying other nights. Additional persons in excess of two are $10.00 per person per night, maximum occupancy 8. Discounts are available for extended stays.
BONUS: In the event that you should order any Honey Rock furniture during your stay, your cabin rent will be reduced by $25.00.
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Heating and Cooling
There is a central unit with the thermostat on the wall by the bed downstairs. We have found that the downstairs temperature is maintained more uniform if overhead fan is kept on. This keeps the air circulated back in the bed and kitchen area and is helpful both for cooling and heating. Please turn the heating system off when you leave.
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Intercom
There is an intercom from the treehouse down to our house which is by the telephone. It is impossible for either party to monitor the other party without both of them pressing the same button. Therefore, the intercom is used only to communicate, which is done by holding the button down and speaking. The folks downstairs can then respond by pressing their button down and speaking. If there are any special needs please call “Tower to Base” to get help. Normally, Base will not be calling the Tower unless there is some special need.
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Coffeepot
The coffeepot has an insulated carafe which needs to be placed under the coffee grounds when the coffee is dripped. Filters, sugar, sweet and low, powdered sugar and milk are all available. We also provide a small selection of tea if you should prefer to brew your own tea.
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Kitchen Generally
Do not use the oven unless you first remove the pots and pans which are stored in the oven. The exhaust fan switch is the center switch over the sink. The left-hand switch is for the garbage disposal which has not been installed. Feel free to use any of the condiments or contents of the refrigerator. To help maintain the wooden counters we ask that you wipe off all food and water or other liquids from the counters. Although we do not have a fire extinguisher, there is a hose on the front porch with a handle control which his available should there be kitchen fire or any other type of fire. Sorry, no microwave.
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Food
We normally provide fresh eggs, orange juice, milk, pastry and country thick bacon for your breakfast. These will be found in the refrigerator. We normally provide ice which is found in the ice chest on the front porch.
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Stereo System
At present the CD player is not functional, but the radio and tape player are functional and we do have some good music tapes. Feel free to bring your own and hopefully the CD player will be repaired in the near future.
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Windows
The wooden windows are “double hung” which means they pull down from the top and up from the bottom. They have extremely powerful springs. Do not let small children open the window ever. When opening the windows, undo the lock and hold the top of the window firmly and make sure your fingers cannot get caught when the window rises. Hold some tension on the window as you begin to raise it and make sure it does not “get away from you.” The top window can be pulled down if you pull it after the bottom window is raised.
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Barbaque and Deck
The barbecue is available and the deck can be used for any gathering you desire. Please do not lean against the railings as it is a long way down if for any reason you should fall. We have tried to brace the railings and make them very strong, but there is no need to lean against them. Please do not throw anything down from treehouse, or attempt to throw anything to treehouse deck.
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Bird Feeders
In the summer we will try to keep the hummingbird feeder full although it usually gets emptied in a few days. There is birdseed over the coffeepot on the top shelf which you can place on the bird feeder. Usually there is a very quick response from the birds.
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Insects and Animals
No pets are allowed, however, we do have occasional coons or possums uninvited which come up the stairs to get food. Please do not feed them. Occasionally you may see a roach or a wasp inside the treehouse. There is some insect spray and a fly swatter to dispense with them. This should not be a serious problem, however, being out in the woods and so close to the trees insects occasionally do come into the treehouse.
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Camp Fire
If you would like to have a camp fire during your stay and if the weather permits, please let us know and we will do one for you. Unsupervised fires are not permitted.
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Check In and Check Out
Check in time is normally after 4:00 P. M. and check out time is normally by 12:00 noon. Please observe these unless special permission has been obtained to change them.
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House and Grounds
We have over 1,200 azalea bushes which are in bloom in late March and early April. In addition, there are many dogwood, wildflowering crabapple and big leaf magnolia which also bloom in April and early May. In January and February our many camellias are in bloom. Beginning early February through late March we have a Great Blue Herons nesting area down in the swamp near out house and many Great Blue Herons can be seen flying back and forth building their nests and raising their young. We have 12 acres of grounds and you are free to walk anywhere, coming up on the deck to look at our furniture, visiting our shop facility and walking in our 6 acres of woods or fishing in the pond. From late May through June the blueberry orchard is loaded with blueberries and you can go down and pick your own breakfast and eat snacks throughout the day.
In the first week of May the mayhaw trees are bearing red mayhaw berries which make the world’s best jelly. Should you be interested in jelly making you are welcome to pick up your own mayhaw to make jelly.
Please enjoy your stay and be sure to write a note in the guest book before you leave. We only accept cash or personal checks, no credit cards. If your plans change, please call at least one week prior to your scheduled visit to cancel. Deposit of $40.00 is required to make reservations. Make checks payable to Stuart McClendon.
Please tell your friends about the treehouse and give us any suggestions which will enable us to make the treehouse more enjoyable.
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