Tree trimmers in Dana Point uncovered an elaborate tri-level tree house that had three rooms, an aquarium, and great views of the ocean. It was discovered hidden in a 50-foot-tall Aleppo tree in Lantern Bay Park yesterday.
The tree is within view of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, according to O.C. Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Rich Himmel.
“It was in a beautiful pine tree. The tree house was right in the middle of it — well-hidden and about 10 feet off the ground. This thing had three rooms. One room was carpeted with indoor/outdoor carpet. Another one had an aquarium with goldfish in it. A considerable amount of work and materials went into this. We are investigating this. It’s a crime of vandalism. Someone has to be held accountable.”
He added that the cost to take down the tree house and asses the damage made to the tree with an arborist could cost thousands of dollars. Based on the personal belongings found in the tree, deputies think the house is the work of a local homeless man.
It took a few hours to get all of the junk out of the tree, and deputies took about a dozen goldfish to the San Clemente animal shelter.