by Kent Griswold

The other day I found a real intense peace sitting in front of this fire conversing with my new friends, Diana and Michael Lorence. Diana wrote a popular article for Tiny House Blog earlier this year entitled Diana’s Innermost House.

There is something almost unbelievable about Innermost House. When I received Diana’s invitation to visit, I was so curious to see it for myself.

144 square feet. No hot water or electricity. All their heat and cooking from the fireplace. I had seen the pictures on Diana’s website, and it’s hard to believe the house belongs to modern times. But Innermost House is real I can now say, and I can see how a couple really could live there. Seeing is believing.

It turns out the Lorences have lived there full time most of the last seven years. It’s their only home, though they do travel some. They didn’t even own a car until recently.

Now it’s a few days later and I’m still trying to pin down what makes Innermost House so special. What brings such peace to a person experiencing it. Here are a few of my thoughts.

The small enclosed space. The living room is about 7×12 feet and 12 feet high. At first I felt a little pressed in, but when I sat down close to the fire and started conversing the feeling soon went away. Then I just felt the deep peace.

The light. It has a feeling of an intimate chapel, with the fire, the natural light coming in through the windows, the candles in the close space and the old books.

Freedom from outside, worldly distractions. No electricity, appliances, noises that come from our man made complex lives.

The simplicity of the furnishing, books, well chosen articles each with a purpose. Everything super clean and minimal stuff. Everything in its place. There are two small storage sheds on the sides and they rotate what they need in and out of them.

The fact that Diana and Michael have lived this type of life for seven years makes their personalities and conversations a part of that secluded and secret atmosphere.

The peacefulness of the fire, the simple and delicious meal. The back to basics that we all crave. That is my draw to tiny houses and as my tag line goes “Living Simply in Small Spaces.”
I can’t really explain Innermost House but there is something there (spiritual, refreshing, unexplainable). No way to nail it down and no way to really capture it, though I think the photos do to a certain degree. I spent some time at their website afterward and really soaked in the photos, they meant so much more to me now that I have been in that special space.

My interest has always been to have a small simple cabin in the mountains. It’s always been my dream. Could Innermost House be replicated? I wanted to take it with me or somehow build my own version.

I need to look for ways to apply this knowledge to my life as it is now, get rid of the clutter, enjoy simple things, not crave the latest and greatest toy, enjoy each other’s company and conversation. I’m going to get that fireplace of mine going this winter.

I still have a peaceful feeling I brought away from their company and the Innermost House. Anyway just a few of my thoughts I thought I would share before some distraction takes them away. Enjoy the new pictures.

You can read more and see more pictures of the Lorence’s unique style of tiny house life at Diana’s website, www.innermosthouse.com.

This tiny “chapel” is located in Hell, Michigan. It a favorite spot to get married on Halloween. There is only enough seating for about 6 inside along with a podium for the minister/official at the wedding.

I wish this photo was larger but you will just have to enjoy it at this size. Remember if you spot a picture that would work for this feature be sure and send it to me as I am always looking for more and your submissions are much appreciated.

Church in Bitterroot Valley, MT

A few of these churches were built small because of a lack of construction funds, and some because of a lack of space or land. Whatever the reason, these tiny little treasures might really prove that God is in the details.

St. Jude's Chapel of Hope, NC. Courtesy of docjen27.

Chapel of the Holy Dove, AZ. Courtesy of Joe Orman.

Cross Island Chapel, NY. Courtesy of Flickr.

Tiny church in the Dolomites of northern Italy.

St. Peter's Catholic Church on the Big Island, Hawaii. Courtesy of HawaiiWeb.com.

Tiny Church on Sifnos Island, Greece.

Traveler's Chapel, Conway, SC. Courtesy of JacobK.

Wildwood Chapel, Marblemount, WA. Courtesy of Day4Plus.

Church in Minter Gardens, BC, Canada. Courtesy of Pat and Lee.

By Christina Nellemann for the (Tiny House Blog)