It started as a dream. Kehla and Adam Vance envisioned a get-away where visitors could unplug and hang out. It would be a place in the trees — a haven for visitors to relax, rest and escape the stresses of daily life.
The couple purchased three acres at Beaver Lake near Lawrenceburg and began developing their property, Rooted Escapes, in September 2022. The property consists of four primitive campsites and the Tucked Away Treehouse with a view of Beaver Lake. After overcoming the unique challenges inherent to building an elevated house around a tree, Tucked Away Treehouse opened for guests in March 2024.
Nature, investment, belief
“We spend a lot of time in Red River Gorge where there have been several treehouses built,” Kehla explained. “We have not stayed in any because every time we tried, they were totally booked.” That made the Vances start thinking that if they built a treehouse as a rental investment, it might turn out to be a good business opportunity. They liked the idea of investing in real estate — especially in Kentucky.
“Adam and I were reflecting on how blessed we are to live in Kentucky,” Kehla commented. “ I truly believe it is one of the most beautiful places you can live. A big part of our inspiration has been providing a unique place for people to stay while enjoying and appreciating Kentucky. We are just far enough away that you feel like you can get lost and enjoy the solitude or close enough to use it as a home base for a Bourbon Trail adventure.”
While investments and their love of Kentucky played a big role in choosing to open Rooted Escapes, Kehla and Adam both believe that their ultimate inspiration has been “to point people to God and His gift to us — nature.” The name, Rooted Escapes, comes from a Bible verse: “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus as the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” — Colossians 2:6-7
Kehla, who grew up in Frankfort, works as the assistant principal for middle and high school at The Frankfort Christian Academy. Adam is a salesman for Pegasus Construction and Roofing.
Living the dream
Kehla poured over multiple floor plans and eventually adapted a plan from a unit that was intended to be built on the ground. Then, the couple went about hiring engineers to design the structure and sign off on the tree support. “This was a much more laborious process than we anticipated,” Kehla said. “Since the structure was non-traditional, it raised quite a bit of speculation and red flags.”
Jake Atkins, owner of Old Kentucky Homes in Danville, was the builder for this project. “Jake, who is one our best friends, was excited by the concept of building a treehouse and worked closely with us to make the dream become a reality. He is a one-man team and successfully built the treehouse that stands nearly 70 feet at its highest point,” Kehla remarked. “We used subcontractors for plumbing, electric, siding and other needs.”
Not your childhood treehouse
Childhood treehouses tend to be rudimentary play structures — planks of wood nailed into the tree that act as a ladder with wood floorboards balanced in the crook of a mature tree.
The well-built Tucked Away Treehouse is built around a tree but that’s where the comparison ends. It’s 450 square feet of amazing living space; and that’s not including the covered deck. The staircase climbs around the tree, which is structural, and opens to the large wrap-around deck. There is an outside bar with four barstools and two large windows which open to the kitchen, making it convenient for hosting and serving.
The most unique feature of the treehouse is the full-view garage door which, when raised, opens the interior living space to the fully-furnished covered deck, making a cozy indoor-outdoor environment.
“Everyone wants an experience,” Kehla said. “Having this garage door that, with a push of a button, allows our guests to be closer to nature literally up among the trees. It is the show-stopper. The ability to sit on the couch and allow the breeze to sweep through the treehouse while sipping your morning coffee is something truly magical. The garage door was a non-negotiable for us during the building process. We waited nearly nine months for the door to come in and be installed.”
Inside, a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops give guests a great cooking and serving space. There’s a full bathroom on the main floor, as well. The living space includes a pull-out couch for two guests while the loft, accessible by ladder, hosts a queen-sized bed with memory foam mattress. “Tucked Away has all the amenities to be comfortable including air conditioning, WiFi and television. It’s a nice way to camp but not primitively, and it’s beautiful in every season. Being up here (in the treehouse) and seeing the snow on the trees in the winter is special,” Adam said.
Far enough away, close enough to enjoy
To get to Rooted Escapes, it’s a short drive on country roads just outside of Lawrenceburg. “We want to provide an experience where people are able to leave the hustle and bustle behind, take a deep breath, sip some coffee and rest in the trees,” Kehla commented.
In addition to enjoying the Rooted Escapes property, visitors have access to Beaver Lake at the public access, one mile down the road from the property. Fishing, boating (up to 10 hp) and kayaking can be enjoyed on the lake. Within 25 miles, there is a plethora of distilleries, wineries and family-friendly activities. “We’ve found that people come to do the Bourbon Trail but, also, we have guests who just want to be together and hang out,” Kehla said.
The four primitive campsites have access to a porta potty and each have running water. “We see Rooted Escapes as a great place where extended families or friend groups can come, pitch tents and enjoy the camping experience; and those that prefer more amenities can stay in the treehouse,” Kehla said.
Rooted Escapes is listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and Hipcamp or visit, rooted-escapes.com.
