Is Finger Lakes Treehouses Black-owned? Yes. Finger Lakes Treehouses is one of the premier Black-owned luxury eco-resorts in Upstate New York, offering guests a unique treehouse hotel experience in the heart of New York’s famous Finger Lakes wine country. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Darrel Maxam and Patrice Coney-Maxam, the resort combines handcrafted architecture, luxury accommodations, and immersive nature experiences unlike anywhere else in the region.
Far more than a collection of stylish cabins, Finger Lakes Treehouses represents a dream years in the making. It combines sustainable design, modern luxury, and meaningful storytelling into an unforgettable destination where guests can reconnect with nature while supporting Black entrepreneurship.
From Vision to Reality
The journey began long before the first treehouse welcomed guests.
Darrel Maxam, CEO of Maxam Hotels, combines expertise in construction management, visual arts, and marketing with a passion for innovative design. Originally from the Caribbean, he personally designed and hand-built the resort’s distinctive elevated cabins, blending architectural creativity with natural surroundings.
His wife and business partner, Patrice Coney-Maxam, oversees interior design, guest experience, marketing, and day-to-day operations. A native of nearby Sodus, New York, Patrice transitioned from a career as a registered nurse into hospitality entrepreneurship, bringing warmth, attention to detail, and a guest-first philosophy to every stay.
Together, they first refined their boutique glamping concept in Atlanta before bringing their vision to New York’s Finger Lakes.
A Tribute Built on Family
Finger Lakes Treehouses is more than a business venture—it is also a tribute.
The resort was inspired by Patrice’s late mother, Beverly Waterman, whose encouragement helped inspire the couple to expand their hospitality concept into western New York. Today, the 48-acre property stands as both a luxury destination and a lasting tribute to family, perseverance, and generational legacy.
The couple has remained equally committed to preserving that legacy. Despite reportedly receiving a $10 million acquisition offer, they chose to keep Finger Lakes Treehouses independently owned and family operated, rei 1nforcing their commitment to building long-term generational wealth while maintaining Black ownership.
Why Finger Lakes Treehouses Is One of the Most Unique Black-Owned Treehouse Resorts in New York
Since opening in July 2023, Finger Lakes Treehouses has quickly become one of New York’s most distinctive accommodations.
Although commonly described as a treehouse resort, the guest accommodations are actually beautifully designed elevated A-frame cabins built on stilts overlooking peaceful meadows and woodlands.
Each cabin combines modern architecture with thoughtful comforts, including:
- Private wood-fired hot tubs
- Dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows
- Cedar-clad interiors
- Spacious bathrooms
- High ceilings
- Carefully curated furnishings that balance luxury with simplicity
The design allows guests to feel immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
The experience extends well beyond the cabins.
Guests can relax in a traditional Swedish-inspired wood-burning sauna overlooking a natural pond, explore scenic hiking trails, borrow complimentary bicycles, play pickleball, or work remotely from the property’s shared clubhouse.
One of the resort’s most memorable touches is its collection of friendly farm animals, including Meishan pigs and a goat named Curry, who has become something of a local celebrity among returning guests.
Combined with the peaceful setting, these thoughtful experiences create an atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down, disconnect from daily routines, and reconnect with nature.
Discovering the Finger Lakes
Located in the heart of New York’s renowned wine country, Finger Lakes Treehouses also serves as an ideal base for exploring the region.
Guests are within easy reach of award-winning wineries, picturesque lakes, charming small towns, waterfalls, hiking trails, and year-round outdoor recreation around Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and the surrounding Finger Lakes.
Whether planning a romantic weekend, wellness retreat, anniversary celebration, or relaxing escape from city life, the resort offers a memorable home base for exploring one of New York’s most scenic destinations.
A New Generation of Black Hospitality
Finger Lakes Treehouses represents something larger than luxury accommodations.
It demonstrates how innovative design, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurial vision can come together to create an entirely new model of hospitality—one rooted in ownership, creativity, and long-term legacy.
As Black-owned travel businesses continue to reshape the hospitality landscape, Darrel and Patrice Coney-Maxam are helping lead that movement by proving that exceptional guest experiences and purposeful ownership can thrive together.
At Black Hotel Guide, we’re proud to highlight entrepreneurs like the Maxams who are expanding opportunities within the travel industry while creating destinations that inspire travelers from around the world.
Planning a Stay at Finger Lakes Treehouses?
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