I live in a tiny home in the woods – I watched YouTube clips and used old wood to turn it into an ‘amazing’ rustic cabin
A WOMAN has revealed that she lives in a tiny home in the middle of the woods.
She explained that she had always dreamed of living in a cabin and so at the age of 60, finally took the plunge.
Donna, a now 62-year-old from Australia, explained that she employed a builder to create her tiny home.
Once it was built, she then watched a range of YouTube tutorials to teach herself everything she needed to know so that she could kit out the inside.
She used old wood and power tools to give the inside of her cabin a total makeover, transforming the space into a rustic home.
Donna shared snaps of her tiny home on social media, leaving many open-mouthed.
The images were shared on Small Space Living, a public Facebook group with 1.5 million members, as Donna beamed: “I have dreamed of designing and living in a tiny house (cabin) on wheels for a very long time.
“At 60 years of age I employed a tiny house builder to build my own design … 9m long x 3m wide x 2.8m high … to lockup stage.
“My budget was very tight so after she was delivered to me I picked up the tools myself to fit out the interior of my tiny cabin all on my own … with my own two hands …
“I had no prior building experience so I went to YouTube to learn how to use power tools and inspiring social media pages, like this one, for courage.
“All I knew was I wanted to make my tiny house look and feel like a tiny-rustic-cabin.”
What was once a shell of a home has since been overhauled – and is sure to leave you stunned.
The tiny home is now full of style and character and is something you’d expect to find in an interiors magazine.
In an attempt to keep the costs low, Donna continued: “So I found a fencer selling off old hardwood fence palings, from fences erected in the 60’s and 70’s, and used them throughout the house in different and unique ways.
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“I’m now 62 and moved into my tiny-cabin-on-wheels just over one month ago.
“I’ve included some images of how she looked the day she was delivered to me. I hope you like her…”
The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
DIY fans beam
Facebook users were left stunned by Julia’s tiny home makeover and many flocked to the comments to express this.
One person said: “Just fabulous!”
Amazing!! I love everything about this, especially your determination and style!!
Facebook user
Another added: “Love your home, it’s gorgeous.”
A third commented: “Amazing!! I love everything about this, especially your determination and style!!
“I am currently looking for land to build a tiny home for my son and I.”
Meanwhile, someone else posted: “So impressive! And you have really made it your own. Love the setting too!”
Why I could never live in a tiny home
Tiny homes are getting increasingly popular in the UK, especially in the cost of living crisis when first-time buyers are struggling to get on the property ladder or current homeowners are having to pay ridiculous interest rates on mortgages.
But Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor, has shared why living in a tiny home would be her idea of a nightmare.
“I’m currently in the process of selling my flat and buying a house, and as I pack up all my belongings, I’m worried where it is all going to go – there is so much stuff!
Fortunately, I’m very privileged to be buying a house with more square feet than my current flat.
But it got me wondering, could I ever live in a small space? And the answer is no.
- Less personal space
Living with another person immediately cuts down on personal space, but remove several rooms, and I’d be left with only the bathroom as my sanctuary. I’m not sure I’d be able to cope!
- Less storage space
I’m like a magpie, I like collecting pretty things, and I like my belongings to be organised. With limited storage space, I’d find it really hard to keep everything neat and tidy.
- Can’t play host
One of the joys of being an independent adult is being able to host – friends, family, overnight stays, and dinner parties. Where would I gather everyone for a Sunday lunch if my table only sat two? Not to mention, how would I cook a Sunday lunch?
- No room to grow
Both as an individual, as part of a couple and also my hobbies, can be restricted by physical space. When I first moved into my flat, I was overjoyed at having my own balcony, and it has been a space where my love for gardening has grown. Five years on, my balcony is now overflowing with plants, and I’ve had to set up a mini propagator in the living room!