This Treehouse Cabin Has Its Own Bird’s Nest-Like Observatory

Some vacation rentals are nice. Some are memorable.

And then there’s The Nest at Skybox Cabins in Glen Rose, where you can literally curl up inside a Texas cedar observatory designed to look like a giant bird’s nest.

Featured in Southern Living as “the cabin of dreams,” this one-bedroom retreat blends treehouse whimsy with bohemian comfort in a way that makes for the kind of stay you’ll be talking about for years.

It’s art, architecture, and nature all woven together—and it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy overnight stays in the state.

Where The Nest Is Located

The Nest sits on a 50-acre property at the northernmost edge of the Texas Hill Country, just outside Glen Rose in Somervell County.

The address is 1767 County Road 1011, placing it less than a mile from the boundary of Dinosaur Valley State Park and within easy striking distance of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center.

Dallas and Fort Worth are both about an hour and a half away, making this an accessible weekend escape from the metroplex. Waco and Austin are similarly reachable.

The property belongs to Skybox Cabins, a collection of five distinct accommodations established in 2017 by Yvan and Kristin, a husband-and-wife team who live on-site with their horses, cows, dogs, and a flock of chickens.

Inside the Giant Bird’s Nest

The Nest opened in 2019 and quickly became the property’s most sought-after cabin.

It’s described as a hybrid of treehouse and bohemian bungalow, and the design delivers on that promise from the moment you pass through the portal-style entry gate and follow the rock path to the front porch.

The cabin sleeps two guests in one bedroom, with French doors that open directly onto the outdoor patio.

A seating area and kitchenette occupy the main living space, with another set of French doors flooding the interior with natural light.

The kitchenette includes an induction cooktop, microwave, Keurig, and a small refrigerator—enough to handle coffee, snacks, and simple meals without requiring restaurant trips. A full bathroom rounds out the interior.

But the real showpiece is outside: the Texas Cedar Observatory.

Built from cedar harvested right on the property, this bird’s nest-style lounge perches above the cabin and offers unobstructed views of the surrounding Hill Country.

Designed specifically for stargazing, it’s the kind of space where you settle in with pillows and blankets, watch the sun set over the cedars, and then stay to count shooting stars. Twinkle lights add to the magic after dark.

The outdoor patio also includes a small hammock, table, and chairs, and a charcoal grill—everything you need for a quiet evening outside.

What to Do While You’re There

Glen Rose sits in one of the most underrated pockets of Texas for outdoor exploration.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is the obvious draw—real dinosaur tracks preserved in the Paluxy riverbed, plus hiking trails and swimming holes.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers drive-through safaris with giraffes, zebras, and other animals roaming open pastures.

Downtown Glen Rose has a classic town square with shops and restaurants, including local favorites like Riverhouse Grill.

But honestly? The best thing to do at The Nest is nothing.

Sit on the patio with coffee. Read a book in the hammock. Watch the horses wander by. Climb up to the observatory at dusk and stay until the stars come out.

The whole point of this place is to slow down and let the quiet seep in.

Planning Your Stay

Spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures and the greenest landscape.

Summer works if you can handle the heat, but be prepared to spend midday in the air conditioning. Winter nights get cold, but the cabin’s heating keeps things cozy, and the dark skies are spectacular.

Rates typically start around $200 per night, with a two-night minimum on most weekends.

Booking a month or more in advance is wise, particularly for spring and fall weekends when the weather is ideal.

Check-in is at 3 PM, checkout at 11 AM. The property is gated and private, and the family’s animals may wander by to say hello.

Bring your own food and drinks—there’s no room service, and the nearest restaurants require a short drive.

Where Dreams Nest

The Nest at Skybox Cabins is the rare accommodation that delivers exactly what it promises: a chance to sleep in something that looks like a giant bird’s nest, perched among the cedars of the Texas Hill Country.

It’s romantic, it’s whimsical, and it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in the state. Some stays are comfortable.

This one is unforgettable.