A treehouse-inspired retreat in Whitefish, Montana—built by former NFL quarterback Drew Brees in collaboration with the team behind Treehouse Masters—is heading to auction this fall, offering buyers a rare blend of celebrity provenance, architectural craftsmanship, and untapped development potential.
Completed in 2023, the secluded residence sits on a sprawling 20-acre parcel within the gated Homestead community, a nature-forward enclave known for its extensive outdoor amenities and privacy. Though designed as a guesthouse, the property was intentionally planned to accommodate the future construction of a full-scale main residence, according to those familiar with the listing.
“This was never meant to be just a novelty build,” the listing agent told californialuxuryhouses, noting that the infrastructure for a primary estate has already been prepared. “The treehouse was envisioned as the soul of a much larger compound—intimate, architectural, and deeply connected to the land.”
A Childhood Dream Realized in Wood and Glass
Brees partnered with Pete Nelson of Nelson Treehouse and Supply, the firm made famous by Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, to bring the concept to life. The result is a 1,700-square-foot residence with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, crafted to feel both elevated and grounded within its forested surroundings.
Inside, natural hemlock paneling wraps the interiors, complemented by exposed wood beams that trace the vaulted ceilings. Large windows frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding forest and mountain landscape, while a live-edge wood dining table anchors the main living space, reinforcing the home’s organic aesthetic.
The exterior is clad in barn-wood siding salvaged from Kentucky—an intentional design choice that adds texture, patina, and a sense of heritage to the contemporary structure. According to the agent, every material was selected to age gracefully and harmonize with Montana’s rugged climate.
Living Above the Forest Floor
One of the home’s defining features is its elevated deck, positioned roughly 15 feet above the ground. Outfitted with a large propane fire pit, the deck overlooks dense woodland and distant peaks, creating a setting designed for year-round use.
“Being outdoors is the whole point of owning property in Montana,” a representative involved in the sale explained to californialuxuryhouses. “This deck is where the house truly comes alive—whether it’s snow falling in winter or long summer evenings by the fire.”
Brees himself echoed that sentiment in a prepared statement, describing the home as “a personal sanctuary where our family could escape to nature and enjoy the peace and freedom of the Montana wilderness.”
The Homestead: Privacy With Amenities
The property is located within the Homestead, a gated community offering residents access to hiking and biking trails, equestrian facilities, archery and shooting ranges, and two private lakes for fishing and paddling. Whitefish Mountain Resort—one of the region’s premier ski destinations—is approximately 20 miles away, making the area attractive for both seasonal retreats and long-term investment.
Californialuxuryhouses attempted to reach the homeowner directly to gain further insight into the long-term vision for the estate, but no additional comment was received prior to publication.
Pricing, Transaction History, and Auction Details
The property first entered the market in January 2024 with an asking price of $7.95 million. It was later adjusted to $7.5 million and is currently listed with Sean Averill of PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate. Concierge Auctions is handling the sale, with starting bids expected between $2 million and $4 million.
The online bidding window will run from September 12 through September 26, with the auction concluding at a live event in Hong Kong on September 27—underscoring the property’s appeal to an international audience of high-net-worth buyers.
Brees, now 45, spent two decades in the NFL, most notably with the New Orleans Saints, where he secured a Super Bowl championship and cemented his legacy as one of the league’s most accomplished quarterbacks. While his representative declined to comment further on the sale, industry insiders suggest the auction format reflects broader demand for trophy properties that combine design narrative, lifestyle appeal, and future upside.
As luxury buyers increasingly seek homes that offer not just shelter but story, this Montana treehouse stands as a compelling example of architecture shaped by personal vision—and now, an opportunity awaiting its next steward.