Todd West of Kenwood California has what he calls the “Kenwood Guestroom/Cottage” up for sale. Here is Todd’s description.
The framing was done with dry sound reclaimed fir. I use two layers of 5/8″ plywood for the sub floor. the exterior and interior walls are also 5/8″ plywood. I textured the interior to look exactly like drywall. the ceiling is drywall. the floor is reclaimed refinished oak. All it needs is a bit of siding and some exterior trim.
The interior ceiling height is 8.5″ at the walls and 9’3″ in the center. The big window is 4’x5′, the dutch door is 36″, and the french doors are 8′ tall x 5′ wide. the interior is painted and trimmed with reclaimed painted redwood 1×4. It is wired for 4 duplex outlets and one porch light. The total height is 10′ 5″. The attached redwood deck is 4′ x 10’3″ it is also reclaimed wood. Over all it is a nice cozy space.
You can view all the pictures of the construction here. Todd is asking $5,000 for the cottage and you can reach him by email at twestpainter@gmail.com
People seem to be really stretching the concept of ‘home’, ‘house’ and ‘cottage’ when it comes to tiny roofed structures. In my view, if it doesn’t have facilities for food prep/storage and washing – oneself and the dishes -, then it isn’t, in fact, any of those.
I’ve lived in many small shelters without the conventional facilities and considered them home, often for long periods of time, mainly with no electricity. Food and sanitation can be quite functional even at a minimal level(any flat surface for prep, bucket and chuck it water system, sawdust toilet or outhouse, etc.) It definitely cuts down on boredom as you will have to spend more time dealing with the daily chores, but it all depends on what level of luxury/ease you require, what works, and what’s allowed (or what you’re willing to ignore). This place with electricity would have been quite luxurious compared to some places I’ve lived and been quite comfy in. For me if a place keeps out the elements and critters it can be a home, the rest is extra. Other people have higher standards, but as long as it feels like home and you’re left alone to live in it, it can be home. Of course if you use really basic sanitation you’ll have location and density restrictions.
I am with Chrystal on this one. Come on guys, this is a hardened tent. It’s still cool though!
On the other hand, check out some luxurious compact kitchen units at http://www.yestertec.com/index.asp
One of those armoire units would fit nicely in a tiny place like this and expand it’s use as a guest house. Then you’d just need a little bathroom setup and you’re done.
Here’s a cheaperway to make it homier-http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/CK301.html
I love the french doors and the airy feeling. I lived in something like this during college, but now I would agree with Chrystal and and Ray that I would need a small kitchen and bathroom.
Oh! What is that cute little canned ham trailer in the second photo? 🙂
Alice wrote: “as long as it feels like home and you’re left alone to live in it, it can be home.”
Agree with that.
“Of course if you use really basic sanitation you’ll have location and density restrictions.”
And there’s the rub, the rigid and seemingly immovable municipal laws that prevent alternative housing options.
I’d be fine living in a tiny space sans bathroom (but not a sink) if a community of these little homes were to circle a secure, shared facility in a building that could also include recreational space or equipment too.
My question is if there are strict restrictions on tiny houseboats that are also tiny land homes?
Holding tanks and that kind of thing?