KENNESAW, Ga. — A metro Atlanta family that owns an iconic treehouse rental full of charm is being forced to demolish it after the city found that it violated several codes.
Ryan McGovern, a who served as a Marine and police officer, and his family own the Treasure Hunt Treehouse rental. Now, after the city's decision, they are considering bankruptcy.
"It's really a shame because it's a beautiful thing," he told 11Alive. "Five-star reviews turned into a pile of rubble, and it's heartbreaking."
Although Airbnb and other rental property guests from around the country have rented the treehouse leaving raving reviews, the city said visitors are no longer welcome.
In an email to 11Alive, Kennesaw code enforcement officials stated they found several violations, including improper permits. City officials further stated that the correct permits were not obtained before the treehouse was built, calling it an "unpermitted structure."
Photos: Iconic metro Atlanta treehouse rental condemned, forced to be demolished
Back in March, the city gave the McGoverns 30 days to apply for demolition.
Once they receive a letter approving the demolition, they will have another month to complete the demolition. The McGoverns said if it's not completed in time, they could face a $1,000 fine per day until it's completed.
The treehouse, nestled in a canopy of tall trees, has been a place of solace for many and brings the McGoverns $75,000 a year.
"We put so much blood, sweat, and tears into this thing. We’ve put so much of our creative juices into creating this," McGovern said. "It’s been a major source of income for us. It produced about 60 percent of my income for the past five years. I work two jobs, but they are relatively low-paying jobs, so it just doesn’t pay the bills."
The McGoverns believe there are more pressing code violations in the city other than their treehouse, which was designed by an engineer who builds around the country.
"And yet, you’re coming down on a little family business treehouse that is my livelihood… it just seems morally repugnant," the owner said.
McGovern even pleaded before the Kennesaw City Council to extend an olive branch.
"It’s a snap of their fingers to just amend the law. And I’m a former police officer. I know that laws need to be enforced, but I also know that I had a certain amount of discretion not to enforce certain draconian laws," he added.
As of Friday, the Airbnb listing for the treehouse was removed from the website.