Jeff & Arlene downsized… big time. They went from being San Francisco Bay Area apartment-dwellers to Seattle tiny house dwellers by way of building their own Mini-Mobile Cottage. They rented a 20×50 warehouse space and built the 8.5′ x 24′ structure with just over $21,000.
The design is loosely based off the Tumbleweed Fencl design. The end-product has several interior modifications, and ended up being a hefty 7,640 lbs for towing up north.
The couple recently found a new home for the home in Seattle’s neighborhood of Ballard, parked next to a regular-sized house. Jeff is pursuing a PhD at UW and Arlene is still looking for work.
In their new location in Seattle, they are still scrambling to finish and seal the exterior of the home before the big rains begin. They also haven’t entirely fixed up the interior or connected the propane for cooking and heating. In utilizing the YMCA and UW gym they haven’t been in a rush to connect the shower system yet.
So far the cottage has been very good at keeping us comfortable whether it’s been 40 degree F or 95 degree F weather. We have either been eating things raw (we love salads anyway) or eating at nearby restaurants so not using the stove has given us a chance to explore the neighborhood.
Congratulations and best of luck to you both! I look forward to seeing the finished home someday…
Photo credit: Jeff Hemsley
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Nice update to the story. This gives me inspiration while working on my own tiny trailer house. I have the windows in place, and next is the door and siding.
Hi Bill,
Glad you like it. Keep us up to date on your progress! Sounds exciting!
Sheesh – I can say right now it’s bigger than the trailer I’m living in.