Got a small house on a big lot? Add accessory dwellings and call it co-housing. That’s what was done here in Portland, Oregon on this 50′x100′ lot. These tiny 12′x14′ structures (fully permitted in the City of Portland) contain a full bathroom, sleeping loft, partial kitchen, and a front porch to extend the outdoor living space.
The residents share a large garden, rainwater harvesting, bicycle parking, and the main kitchen in the adjacent 526 sq.ft. house.
Photo credit: Orange Splot LLC (above) and Eli Spevak (below)
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
this is totally awesome! a great idea that could become a small condo community, rental property in a vacation area, or even the remedy to roommates. i know when i finished college and everyone scattered on the winds i felt a lot more lonely, but when they were still there i valued my privacy! what a great way to get the best of both worlds!
Is this really happening? What about the omnipotent zoning gods? I’d love to get more information on this!
Yes and no. In Denver, the code is changing and there are many people who WANT “accessory dwelling units” and many people who DON’T WANT them.
So this is a battle to be fought folks.
In the meantime, look for real estate with “grandfathered in” accessory dwelling units. We found one! (http://www.accessahut.wordpress.com)
We just bought a lot with 2 small houses on it in Montana. We are leaving our 2600 sq ft home in California for good and happy to do so. I am so happy to have found this site. One house will serve as our living quarters, the other as a guest cottage and a rather large shed (11×16) out back of both houses will serve as an outdoor kitchen with a deck area for gathering. I can’t wait!
CJ — Welcome welcome. Moving to Montana sounds exciting! I love outdoor kitchens and gathering spaces. Please do share photos when you can.