Comments on: Living Large in Small Houses

By: Alyse

Alyse — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:38:16 +0000

Hi Heather,

I don’t have a floor plan of Jon and Ryah’s cottage, but you can see a few more photos on this mini-post up at Tiny House Blog: http://tinyhouseblog.com/small-house-feature/living-large-in-400-square-feet/.

There are a lot of people out there who have converted garages into ADUs – so many that I had to choose only a few of the stories that I found to report on in this post.

Here’s one that you might find helpful: http://accessorydwellings.org/2011/10/29/my-garage-apartment-a-place-that-redefines-family/ – a family that converted their detached garage into a 440-square-foot dwelling. You’ll find a lot of photographs and plans on the blog.

Good luck!
Alyse

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:37:54 +0000

To see how people are living in small spaces that still allow them to sleep 4 and host 12, check out LifeEdited’s model apartment at
http://www.lifeedited.com/check-out-co-lifeediteds-entry-for-the-adapt-nyc-competition/
And you also might be interested in this article that appeared recently in the NYTimes, featuring two individuals who each moved into a 270 s.f. studio. The man claims to hold dinner parties for 8. You may also be interested in these articles about small city living:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/city-unveils-winner-of-tiny-apartment-competition/
and
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/11/garden/11location.html (about a ‘roomy 178 sf’ apartment)
You may even want to investigate “mobil” living, e.g. http://www.bowlusroadchief.com
I’m a writer, and everything I own has a story attached to it, which is making downsizing particularly difficult; I love my things, esp books & all these associated with cooking & entertaining. Yet as someone who is facing the aging process alone, I crave the freedom (as well as the control) described by folks who have downsized and also appreciate the associated lowered costs.
There’s no right or wrong, Don, and it sounds as if you and your wife have discovered a lifestyle that you enjoy, one that embraces admirable values of sharing and giving of yourselves. Surely, that is the best definition of prosperity: a truly fulfilling life.

By: Heather Swallow

Heather Swallow — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:14:09 +0000

I rented out my 1700 sq ft home over a year ago and am renovating my 400 sq ft garage into a living space as well. I would love to see a floor plan of Jon and Ryah Dietzen’s cottage if that is possible, as well as more photos. I am still in the planning phase of my garage/apartment renovation. Thank you for the inspiration and sense of shared values!

By: Nina MorningStar

Nina MorningStar — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:11:33 +0000

Wonderful! For the last fifteen years, I have “lived small” and inexpensively in my first place by converting the master bedroom, bath and laundry area into an cozy apartment with a kitchenette and living in the other bedroom, LR and Kitchen and 3/4 bath with a locked door in the hallway separating both living spaces. Rent from the “apartment” payed my mortgage and I still had plenty of room for myself. Had a great renter that was in school and worked part time so the space was perfect for them. Lots more innovative ideas another time. Blessings, Nina

By: Alyse

Alyse — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:38:35 +0000

Hedy,
I would recommend starting by talking to your local Planning Department to see what regulations they have for accessory dwelling units. Good luck with your journey!

By: Hedy Sladovich

Hedy Sladovich — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:57:30 +0000

I have a size separate garage in Brentwood, Maryland The idea of turning it into a cottage and living in it and renting the main house is very appealing. But where to start? I suppose with a buildling permit? Any advice is welcome.

By: Bryn Davidson

Bryn Davidson — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:32:24 +0000

Also check out these previous articles by Sightline:
http://daily.sightline.org/2011/09/08/home-home-on-the-lane/
http://daily.sightline.org/2010/06/07/shrinky-dink/

Thanks to Sightline for their continuing coverage of this topic.

By: Dee Williams

Dee Williams — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 02:03:20 +0000

Hi Don, thank you for your comments. I have to admit, when I first read your note, I wanted to argue for the life I’ve created by going small; I wanted to explain that I’ve never really considered my little house to be anything like an isolated “van down by the river.” But then I realized that you’re saying the same thing that I’ve offered time after time: life is best when it’s shared with others. I teach tiny house workshops (re: http://www.padtinyhouses.com) and I try to remind students that it isn’t about the house but what it does for you. After all, what is the point of having a big (or small) house if it doesn’t let you be the awesome parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sister, friend or neighbor that you want to be? I like who I’ve become by living in my van-sized house. And even though I don’t know you, based on the way you describe your family and what you try to offer them, I love who you’ve become too. Be well… enjoy!

By: Michael Piper

Michael Piper — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 21:31:39 +0000

Hey Mike,
Are you still photographing green houses? Happy New Year!

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 20:39:04 +0000

Nice reading this. I’ve always been irked at the “Not So Big House” type of books which show how small houses can be attractive – usually the small houses in the photo spreads have very high ceilings, magnificent wood floors and clerestory windows. In the real world, it takes work to make a small house appealing. I like seeing real places.