top of page

Our Story

Our story truly ignited in 2015, on an ordinary evening that became anything but. Caroline and I were curled up on the couch, half-lost in a treehouse show, when inspiration struck with lightning-bolt clarity. We had long dreamed of developing the mountaintop acres we'd purchased back in the '90s, but our land planner had warned that the lower slopes were far too steep for traditional homes. Then Caroline turned to me, eyes bright, and declared, "Let's build a treehouse on that steep land!"


In that instant, something magical clicked. The idea surged through us with such energy that the very next days were spent hacking through briars and brambles with friends, discovering-almost like uncovering buried treasure-that those rugged slopes offered sweeping views and sunsets so jaw-dropping they felt painted just for us.


Our next call was to The Treehouse Guys, fresh off their first season and hungry for new adventures for Season Two. Luck was on our side: they chose our wild dream. Construction began in April 2016, and by March 2017 we held our certificate of occupancy-our dream perched proudly among the trees. When the episode aired, the world seemed to fall in love overnight; within weeks, we were booked solid for the entire year!


That tidal wave of excitement pushed us forward. We doubled down on the unusual, the whimsical, the impossible. By May 2025, we completed our 20th-and final-structure. Today, our portfolio is a wonderland: soaring treehouses, underground hideaways, a spaceship, a magical tent, and a collection of extraordinary dwellings designed to awaken the imagination and reconnect every guest with their inner child.
 

The journey wasn't without its storms-literal and otherwise. Covid, hurricanes, material delays, and countless construction headaches tested our perseverance. But through it all, we pushed forward, fueled by passion and the joy of welcoming guests from across the country who felt the love and sweat poured into every creation. Caroline has infused each home with her unmatched eye for detail, always returning to add new touches of warmth, magic, and personality. Earth and Sky Dwellings has become a place of wonder-an escape that beckons guests to return again and again.


And now that the homes themselves are complete, what's next? We're carving enchanting hiking trails throughout our 20 acres, each one leading to surprises and experiences you'll find nowhere else in America. The next chapter of magic begins April 1st-stay tuned. The adventure is only just beginning.  

2J2A9901.jpg

Meet the Team Behind Earth & Sky

At the heart of Earth & Sky Dwellings is a team dedicated to creating a seamless, magical experience for every guest.

Matt Priester, Property Manager
Matt Priester serves as the driving force behind the day-to-day operations of our mountain retreat.  A graduate of UNC Wilmington with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Matt brings both professionalism and heart to everything he does.  He lives just five minutes away—perched atop the mountain—with his four beloved Great Pyrenees “children.”

Matt oversees all aspects of the property, including housekeeping, landscaping, maintenance, and guest services, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully managed.  His commitment to excellence helps keep Earth & Sky running smoothly, while his 24/7 availability provides peace of mind for both guests and owners alike.

If you find yourself exploring the property, there’s a good chance you’ll cross paths with Matt.  He’s always happy to share insights about our unique dwellings or offer recommendations for local dining, activities, and hidden gems around the Asheville area.

Justin Parrish, Artist & Builder

Justin Parrish brings imagination and artistry to life across the Earth & Sky landscape.  While he supports property operations alongside Matt, his primary focus is creating the distinctive, storybook elements that make our property truly one-of-a-kind.

Justin is the creative mind behind many of our signature features, including the dragon perched atop Dragon’s Knoll.  He is currently completing an impressive troll sculpture that will stand guard at the entrance to our future hiking trails—just one example of how Earth & Sky continues to evolve into an immersive, whimsical experience.

When he’s not crafting his latest masterpiece, Justin is always happy to connect with guests. Whether you want to talk about art, Asheville, or the inspiration behind his work, feel free to stop and say hello if you see him bringing a new creation to life.

bottom of page