Wanting to downsize from a 1500 sq. ft. house in Portland, Dee Williams built her new home herself out of salvaged materials. The 84 sq. ft. cabin is powered by solar panels and uses a propane tank for cooking. This video gives the homeowner a chance to show off her dream home...
posted originally from: AT:Chicago
We enjoyed this quick look at a super simple, streamlined lifestyle.
While this is an extreme example in terms of size, the ideas implemented and motivations to do so make sense. We can all relate to her answers to the question "Why?":
"A simpler life, more time, more money. I don't have a mortgage. I don't have a big utility bill".
"Being able to offer money to my family if they need it, (and to) my friends if they need it"
"Right now this is where I want to be!"
Dee seems very happy and obviously loves her small home and simple life. Oh and our favorite detail? We noticed that the book she chose to be reading during the video shoot was a Harry Potter, very cool...
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Comments (3)
I remember reading about a very tiny house in an issue of a now defunct magazine, either "living room" or "organic style"....the guy now offers homes/plans
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/index.htm
and there is this firm
http://www.weehouses.com/projects/weehouse.htm
I find it a very appealing idea, but with 4 little children, my own 1500 sq ft old house feels tiny!
Though I would never suggest that anyone with 4 kids move into a Tumbleweed (though they do have some larger homes these days!), when I was coming up- my Parents had their bedroom- and then there was a bedroom for 3 boys and another for 3 girls.
Seems hard to imagine these days with small homes by and large outlawed and when so many folks (or the builders?) feel the children should each have their own room, with en suite bath (joshing) -but I am heartened when I read in magazines like Atomic Ranch/Modernism that folks are fixing up the classic mid-century modern homes true to original design- and their kids are actually sharing rooms! A smaller footprint for all will eventually be required- this one step is a healthy one.
I know, I know: maybe I'm old fashioned and downright dotty as I reply to a 3 year old comment... but that's one of the many, many things that I adore about Apt Therapy and it's 'sister sites' or 'fellow sites' like re-nest here... the posts live on and on! I can learn things brand new or wander back in years. Thanks, y'all!
Lofts are impractical with age or injury.
These tiny homes are difficult to zone, finance and insure.