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They’re coming. Slowly and incessantly, they’re coming. When the zombie apocalypse happens, the world will be separated into two groups: the prepared and the dead. If you want to survive the undead horde, join us to explore ten ways to prepare yourself and look good doing it. From zombie proof housing to an army of robotic defenders, these systems will keep you alive during the coming zombie apocalypse.
Zombie Proof House
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On a good day, this home is a luxurious, contemporary mansion with all the amenities one could ask for. On a bad day, this home can close upon itself, lock into place in minutes, and become a nearly impenetrable fortress. The “Safe House” by KWK Promes was designed with zombies in mind and is perhaps the first of its kind. When closed, the interior of the home is protected by nearly a foot of concrete in all directions, plus a steel shutter and a retractable drawbridge that connects to a second building. The roof will provide ample space for solar panels, rooftop gardens and walkways for scouting the horde beyond. This home was buzzed all over the web after it was completed, and it just so happens to be the perfect home from which to survive the plague of zombies that could be on its way…
Zombie Proof House Gallery
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Zombie Proof Car: the Conquest Knight XV
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It doesn’t get much more bad-ass than this. The Conquest Knight XV isn’t a vehicle retro-fitted with armor systems, it’s an armored SUV hand-built with military-grade stopping power. It’ll stop bullets, it’ll survive grenades, it’ll push through swarms of zombies and it’ll look damn good doing it. The Knight XV is basically a hummer killer, a rare armored SUV that’ll protect you on the road from just about any civilian/undead threat. Surprisingly, inside that thick, firewalled skin is a green heartbeat. The Conquest Knight XV features a flex-fueled engine capable of burning petrol and home-made biofuels alike.
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Zombie Proof Food Sources
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You’ve got your house, you’ve got your car, but neither are going to fill your belly when you’re hungry. Surviving the zombie-apocalypse is about more than just shelter and transportation, it’s about safely fulfilling the base requirements for human life. Since the horde beyond will make hunting and gathering a dangerous undertaking, you’re left with two safe options for food– storage and production. Before the zombie bug hits, you’ll want to store non-perishable foods in case of emergency. We suggest you stockpile some military MREs (Meal’s Ready to Eat)– they’re far from gourmet, but will keep you sated in a pinch. That doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a king– to do so, you’ll have to grow your own fruits, vegetables… and even fish.
Since space and water will be precious commodities after the zombie apocalypse, we suggest you ditch the dirt and go hydroponic. Chef John Mooney of Bell Book & Candle NYC , pictured above, grows virtually all of his restaurant’s produce on his roof in Manhattan. Mooney uses an array of aeroponic tower gardens to grow metric tons of produce in a limited space. The tower gardens use no soil, just an intermittent spray of water and nutrients throughout the day. We suggest you take yet another step further and employ aquaponics , the mutual cultivation of vegetables and fish in a closed-loop system. The fish waste feeds the plants, the plants filter the water and you ultimately harvest and eat both, using less than 10% of the water used in traditional farming. You’ll have your own little zombie-free oasis with these technologies, and it’ll taste a lot better than brains.
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Zombie Proof Water Sources
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Without access to fresh, clean water, you might as well just throw yourself to the horde. Chances are, the local utility services will be inactive, so you’ll need to source and clean your own water. The easiest method is rainwater capture and storage, and a prime example of this technique is the networked rain barrels above as designed by Chad Person . These systems attach to your gutters and can capture and store 200 gallons of water ready for reuse or treatment. If you use rain, an underground aquifer or a nearby stream as your water source, you’re still going to need to treat it. A reverse osmosis filtration system should remove all the nastiness and provide good, clean drinking water. As a last resort, we suggest checking out the Air Drop , a new invention by Edward Linacre that harvests water straight out of thin air by solar-powered condensation.
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Zombie Proof Power Sources
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Without power, how are you going to light your home, run your aqua farm, cook your food and watch George Romero movies ? With a smart investment in wind, geothermal or solar power, you’ll have clean, free power for decades. Even if the zombie apocalypse doesn’t happen (blasphemy, I know!), you’ll be reaping the benefits long after your system pays for itself. The down side– there is a hefty cost to start out with these technologies. That doesn’t mean you need to immediately dive in to a fully off-grid system providing 20,000 watts per hour. You can start small and build over time. We suggest picking up a pair of 60 or 80 watt solar panels and an inverter/battery system. A pair of 80-watt panels will run you $400 a piece, and the Xantrex xPower 1500 portable inverter/battery will run another $400. That system will generate plenty of power per hour, and store 1500 watts of backup power for a rainy, zombie-filled day.
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Apocalypse-Ready Tools
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Imagine this: there’s a dozen zombies on your tail. You’re running frantically toward the only standing building nearby, hoping for shelter. The door is boarded up and bolted shut. Without the right tools, this and a thousand other scenarios will end in a bloody feast where you are the main course. Since carrying around a toolbox sucks, the right multi-tool is the ticket. We dig the Leatherman SuperTool 300 , a pocket-sized do-it-all sidearm with 19 tools in one. With this, you’ve got wire cutters, a saw blade, knives, pliers and the all-important bottle opener for post-battle brews.
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Zombie-Ready Weapons: Magnificent Melee
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The axe is the ultimate zombie defense weapon. Think about it– there’s no back-splatter like a sword or a knife, it bludgeons as well as it cuts, and it never runs out of ammo. Since style points are important for the discerning zombie hunter, these axes are, well… the brains of the bunch. The fine, hand-made Base Camp axes above come in an array of old-world styles, while the Best Made Co. axes are light-weight and versatile, plus that sweet leather sling looks baller on a post-apocalyptic street. Whether you’re cutting wood or werewolf, these axes are truly killer.
Zombie-Ready Melee Weapons Gallery
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Zombie Ready Weapons: Fantastic Firearms
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In a perfect world, guns would only exist for two reasons– video games and zombie hunting. For the latter, we suggest three guns to hold down the fort. First, you’re going to need a sniper rifle to thin out the horde from afar. Such a weapon is also a cure for boredom when times get dull. As groups approach, you’ll want to switch to an assault rifle that can put out a burst of bullets in a short time. Last, a sub machine gun should clean up any short range stragglers if things get out of hand. Just be careful, because the more sound you make, the more zombies you attract. Sometimes it’s better to arm yourself with silence than it is to wage war. If you must fire a shot, take one long range with a sniper rifle, and be sure to look for silencing options when you build your arsenal.
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Futuristic Zombie-Ready Security Systems
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Here’s the fun part– why put yourself in harm’s way when you can just send your robotic minions off to do your bidding? Flying drones and robotic soldiers are becoming more common, and getting your own might be possible if have the right connections or can grease a few palms. The Vanguard Shadowhawk , shown above, is a drone helicopter that can be outfitted with grenade launchers, shotguns, cameras, you name it. Send this one off to a horde a mile away, and use it to remotely wreak havoc on your mindless enemies. For ground patrols, we suggest the Mega Hurtz Tactical Robot by designer Chris Rogers. Mega Hurtz was designed for non-lethal purposes, but with a few simple modifications, it’ll fire bullets, not paintballs. Last, higher ground and a clear line of sight is important for managing your minions or simple reconnaissance. The ICX Skywatch system is a mobile tower which can be raised up to 25 feet in the air above a secure base that zombies can climb or topple. These were used by police and secret service at the 2008 inauguration of President Obama, providing birds-eye scouting and force to defend against attacks. Just imagine how useful these could be against the undead…
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Zombie-Ready Urban Security Suit
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When venturing out of safety, it’s important to protect yourself from all manner of cuts, scratches and flesh wounds which could transmit the zombie plague. You don’t need to worry about stopping bullets, which is what most body armor is designed for. You need zombie-proof security suits, designed with tight-fitting, light-weight armor that is tear resistent and as tough as nails. The Urban Security Suit by Tim Smit fits these parameters. We’d add some d3o impact protection and maybe some liquid climate control if we had our way with a suit like this. Anything that can get you through a close-quarter zombie attack without a wound will keep you alive to fight another day.
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Have you ever wanted to live out your childhood dreams of living in a tree? Well, there are tree house rentals all over the world that are making that dream a reality.
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Long gone are the days when a tree house is something for kids to enjoy in the backyard. While this sort of tree house still exists, there are bigger, bolder, and more luxurious examples springing up worldwide. In fact, a tree house holiday is becoming quite the rage on sites like Airbnb .
We’ve compiled a list of 17 of the best tree house vacation rentals in the US and worldwide. For your next unique and truly unforgettable vacation getaway, keep on reading!
United States Treehouse Rentals
There is no shortage of wonderful getaways across the United States. However, the number of treehouse rentals has surged, with more people looking for a glamping getaway or an off-the-grid escape.
The following eight treehouses are prime examples of everything you could want in a retreat. Whether you’re from the pacific northwest or way down in Texas, we’ve got you covered.
Treehouse Utopia, Texas
viaTreehouse Utopia
Treehouse Utopia is a truly fitting name for this collection of tree house vacation rentals. They are located in the town of Utopia, Texas, but they’re also home to many incredible luxury treehouses that’ll set your vacation apart from the rest.
The company has four treehouses that you can rent on a nightly basis: Chapelle, Carousel, Biblioteque, and Chateau. All of the tree houses sleep two adults and have full bathrooms and quirky decorations.
Treehouse Utopia built the Bilbioteque and Chateau treehouses nestled amongst the trees. But, they went for a different approach with the Chapelle and Carousel treehouses. They built both the Chapelle and Carousel treehouses next to bodies of water. This extra feature enhances the treehouse experience even further and, in our opinion, makes it even more magical.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it), these are adult-only treehouse cabins. So if you have little ones, they’ll have to stay with grandma and grandpa.
The Mohicans, Ohio
viaTheMohicans
The Mohicans is another treehouse resort with numerous luxury tree house rentals ranging in size and design. Their smallest tree house, the Little Red Treehouse, sleeps two people and has an outdoor shower, kitchen, and living area. The Mohicans originally built this treehouse to be featured on the Animal Planet/Discovery Channel Show Treehouse Masters .
Their larger treehouses sleep up to four people and are more modern in design. However, the one that takes the cake for us is the El Castillo luxury treehouse. El Castillo has leather furnishings, a spiral staircase, and an authentic stone shower.
All of the treehouses have heating and air conditioning systems installed, and most of them even allow pets!
The Treehouse on Lake Travis, Texas
viaAirbnb
This next Texas treehouse in itself is absolutely stunning. But the view from its large open windows and generous porch area steals the show.
The Treehouse on Lake Travis is, you guessed it, a treehouse overlooking Lake Travis. This beautiful treehouse retreat has two bedrooms that can sleep four guests. It also has a vast open living area with a wood-burning fireplace and a full bathroom and kitchen area that’ll make you feel right at home.
And, if the treehouse wasn’t enough for you, you also have access to a swimming pool, a barbeque area, a hot tub, and steps down to the marina, where you can participate in water-based activities.
Treehouse with Ocean View, California
viaAirbnb
If you decide to stay in a treehouse, your expected view is more than likely to be forests, trees, or open fields. But, this three-bedroom treetop property in California offers its guests views of the Pacific ocean.
When designing the property, the owner took inspiration from Japanese architecture and added Japanese-inspired sliding screen doors. However, our personal favorite features of the property are the floor-to-ceiling windows that let in a ton of natural light in every room.
A spiraled staircase transports you between the two floors, with the upper story having a large open balcony area where you can sit and enjoy a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine.
Whippoorwill Retreat Treehouse, Georgia
viaAirbnb
Although the owners of Whippoorwill Retreat Treehouse were slightly tight for space, they still managed to create a two-bed whimsical house up in the trees.
The first story in the treehouse features a living area, a small kitchenette, and a double bed that they strung from the ceiling. The second bedroom is on the second story and has the most incredible skylight positioned directly above the bed.
Whippoorwill Retreat Treehouse also has a balcony with a shaded seating area and a fire pit at the bottom of the slope that is the ultimate area for entertaining.
Tree Tops, Asheville
viaVRBO
The Tree Tops treehouse in Asheville is one of the coolest tree houses we’ve ever seen. This six-bedroom, four-bathroom house sleeps up to 10 people and has all the modern amenities you could ever want or need.
Inside the living area, you’ll find a beautiful gas-controlled fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that give you incredible views of the surrounding forest area. It’s easy to forget you’re staying in the trees until you walk outside onto one of the house’s three balconies.
With an outdoor barbeque and adequate seating, this treehouse cabin is a fantastic option for entertaining large families or for a weekend away with your best friends.
Hickory Treehouse, Kentucky
viaHipcamp
If you want to give your kids a weekend to remember, then the Hickory Treehouse in Kentucky is the place to go.
This treehouse vacation rental may only have one bedroom, but it can sleep up to six guests and comes with a kitchenette and a cozy living area. However, what makes this treehouse stand out from the rest is the slide that takes you from the wrap-around porch down to the ground below.
The Hickory Treehouse , in our opinion, is one of the best treehouse rentals for families with kids , as the surrounding area has over 200 acres of rolling hiking trails and activities for the little ones to participate in. With an alpine climbing area and a creek to explore, your kids can go to bed happy and content after a long day in the great outdoors.
Redwood Treehouse, Texas
viaByOwner
In technical terms, the Redwood Treehouse isn’t exactly a treehouse as it is built on stilts and has a fake concrete tree running through the center. But, concrete tree or real tree, we’re still going to count it.
The rustic treehouse sleeps eight guests and has a full kitchen, dining, and living area. On top of being equipped with everything you’d need for a peaceful getaway, the Redwood Treehouse also has a shared swimming pool, a cabana area, a kids playground, and a 60-foot dock at Lake Dunlap a short walk away.
You can also grill to your heart’s content on your private deck area – which comes complete with a grill.
Tree House Vacation Rentals Worldwide
Looking beyond the US, there are a plethora of fantastic tree houses that you can rent. So whether you want an outdoor kitchen or a romantic getaway with a spring-fed hot tub, there is a tree house on this list that checks all the boxes.
The following nine tree houses offer everything from the highest luxury down to a traditional rustic treehouse experience.
Luxurious Treehouse Villas and Suites, South Africa
viaGlampingHub
The Luxurious Treehouse Villas and Suites offer a unique treehouse getaway in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.
All suites on the property are comprised of a luxury bedroom, a lounge area, a private deck, and your very own private infinity pool.
The villas, on the other hand, have two bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a private deck with a “moon” shower overlooking the lush forest surrounding the property.
Treetop Cabin With Hottub, Southwest France
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What’s better than a tree house? A tree house with a hot tub! This two-bed Treetop Cabin in Southwest France has a private deck area with a hot tub that overlooks the beautiful green fields of the property it is situated on.
As well as having a private hot tub, you also have access to a shared pool area and a small kids’ playground. These additional facilities make it an incredible and unique stay for small families with young children.
Regal Castle Treehouse, France
viaGlampingHub
Ladies and gentlemen, we present you with the breathtaking Regal Castle Treehouse that is just waiting for you to live out all your prince and princess dreams.
But no, seriously, this treehouse is incredible. So, gather up your kids and head to Dienné, France, to spend the weekend up in the trees in your very own castle. Not only does the treehouse castle sleep ten guests, but the owners also built it on an Environmental Amusement Park with alpine canopies, treetop zip lines, outdoor swimming pools, and a miniature golf course.
Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland
viaArcticTreehouseHotel
What better way to wake up in the morning than opening the windows and taking in the incredible Finnish snow-capped pine trees? If that sounds heavenly, you can experience exactly that at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel .
The rooms at the hotel come in a range of variations. Some have only a bed and seating area, while others offer an additional kitchenette. But, whichever room type you choose, you’re guaranteed one-of-a-kind views from the giant window at the foot of your bed.
Treehouse Hideaway, England
viaGlampingHub
We’ve snuck in another rental which you may or may not class as a treehouse. This getaway treehouse up on stilts can sleep up to six people and has a large open dining and living area and a small kitchen.
From the outside, this treehouse is breathtaking and has a wide porch that wraps around the entire house to give you uninterrupted views of the Wiltshire countryside. The owners of the Treehouse Hideaway designed it with internal wood furnishings and sculpted a tree of lights that runs through the center of the dining table to make you feel even more like you’re living up in the trees.
Lion Sands Treehouses, South Africa
viaandBeyond
The Lion Sands Game Reserve is home to four lodges and three magnificent treehouses that put you right out in the middle of the reserve. The Lion Sands Treehouses , Chalkley, Kingston, and Tinyeleti have open bedrooms and a large deck dining area where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy your downtime taking in the plant and wildlife surrounding you.
And don’t worry, the beds are covered with a mosquito net. So fingers crossed, that’s one animal you won’t encounter on your treetop getaway.
Hanging Treehouse, Sweden
viaGlampingHub
Quite possibly, the most unique treehouse on our list today is the Hanging Treehouse in Sweden. In some ways, this treehouse reminds us of a UFO. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of staying in a treehouse AND being abducted by aliens, you can live out both those fantasies at once.
Due to the Hanging Treehouse’s relatively small design, the owners kept the interior reasonably simple. Two adults can comfortably cozy up in the double bed. And if you have a mini glamper with you, they can camp out on the fold-out twin bed.
However, the best part of the treehouse is the wood-burning fireplace and the underfloor heating. Both elements keep you toasty and warm even throughout Sweden’s winter months.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Tanzania
viaJourneysByDesign
The Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is home to nine stilted treehouse suites that give guests a true wilderness experience. Builders crafted the treehouses from local timber and makuti palm fronds. This construction blends them into the surrounding trees to create a level of intimacy and romance.
Each treehouse has a large bed, an elegant seating area, a full bathtub bathroom, and a balcony with chairs that puts you right out in nature. As the lodge is on a national park, you can head out on extraordinary safaris to witness the incredible animals that also call Lake Manyara home.
Bangkok Treehouse, Thailand
viaUniqhotels
The final treehouse rental to make our list is the Bangkok Treehouse in Thailand. The owners of Bangkok Treehouse must have heard that saying “less is more.” They took the most simple treehouse imaginable and turned it into an incredible experience mixed in with the trees.
Each room, we should say, has a double bed with a mosquito net. They also have a surrounding balcony that makes the perfect place to watch the sunset and rise. Considering you have no walls to block out the light, you’re guaranteed to wake up peacefully when the sun does, which is something we think everyone should try at least once in their life.
The property also has outdoor seating areas and rooms that feature walls if camping out under the stars isn’t your thing.
Final Thoughts on Tree House Rentals
If you’re lucky enough to be heading on a getaway, why not stay in a treehouse. It’s a truly unique experience that not many people would even think of, let alone set out to do. And with breathtaking tree house rentals like the ones we’ve mentioned today, you’re bound to have the most unforgettable night’s sleep way up in the trees.
As we wrap up this article today, we’d love to know if you’d be open to staying in a tree house? Also, if you have spent the night up in the trees, what was your favorite part? Let us know in the comment section down below!
