These Tiny Rental Homes Offer a Retreat from Daily Stressors, Including the Internet
Tiny homes have become popular places to live, but if you’re not ready to fully commit to the minimalist lifestyle, you can also vacation in them short-term. One company in Australia, called CABN, has several off-grid tiny homes scattered in South Australia and Victoria, and they’re marketed as places to get away from the city, the internet, and the other stressors of modern life.
CABN creator Michael Lamprell explains that he was inspired by a trip to Boston, during which he read the book Minimalism. “The idea of living a more simplified, authentic and genuine lifestyle appealed to me,” he writes. “Having grown up spending so much time outdoors and living an adventurous life, I realised that every happy memory that I had as a child involved camping, hiking, cycling and travel with the important people in my life.
“It made me want to encourage people to love each other, rather than things. It might not be possible as an everyday reality for most, but to be able to escape for a short break is enough to recharge. I then set out to bring the concept to Australia and New Zealand, tailored to our community – and CABN was born.”
All five of the CABNs listed on the website are in quiet locations, without wifi (and each has a lock box you can stick your devices in if you don’t trust yourself not to spend your retreat time endlessly scrolling). They’re all locally sourced and sustainable, including features like composting toilets, rainwater catchment, and solar power. Some are even dog-friendly. Oh, and they have sweet human names, like Jude, Matilda, and Sadie.
“CABN was set up to help provide people with a means to disconnect from the crazy we have brought upon ourselves,” explains the website. “Our completely off-grid, sustainable and eco-friendly tiny houses set in some of Australia’s most stunning and stimulating landscapes offer an ideal escape. Give yourself a fighting chance with a short stay, recharge your batteries and retreat in style. Our digital detox allows you the freedom to disconnect from the tyranny of online lives and to reconnect with what makes you happiest.”
If you fall in love during your stay at a CABN, you can buy one of your own. Or, if you have a large property (presumably in Australia or New Zealand) that would lend itself well to a nature escape, you can apply to host a CABN. Learn more about CABN life here.