The Tree Hut
Pippy McCurdy
http://www.unusualstays.com/
http://italyoffthebeatentrack.blogspot.co.nz/2016/01/italy-off-beaten-track.html
The fabulous thing about Air BnB is that you never know what you are going to get.
The Tree Hut in the Akatarawas is exactly as it's photos suggest - a wonderful little tree hut, perched happily halfway up a tall tree. As solid as a rock it could not feel safer. The leaves rustle outside in a typical Wellington breeze, but your perch will not cause you even a moment's concern. Like an old sailing ship an occasional gentle creak reminds you that this is not quite on land - in fact it is probably better.
The Tree Hut is lofty enough to provide an expansive view out over the homestead rooftop to the Akatarawas beyond. A short walk down a track and across some farmland leads to the river and a truly inviting looking swimming hole. If only the sun was shining just a little warmer ....
Inside the hut is a cosy space large enough for a double bed, and room to move around. The deck outside is the ideal place to roost and a veranda provides shelter should the weather gods frown. Other facilities are in the nearby farmhouse. An outdoor firebath looked tempting - but not tempitng enough to compensate for being in full view of the house.
This is Airbnb so as is often the case, the family was there to interact with , and what a bonus - there was a sitting-room concert taking place with an international musician as a guest of honour. Mark White is one of only a few players of the Chapman Stick in the world. This was one of the great Stumble-Upon moments.
