My partner Austin and I decided to leave Atlanta, Georgia, and start a homestead on land that has been in my family for over 100 years. Our goal was to add a tiny house to our homestead without spending any money. Here’s how we did it.
Discovering the Tiny House
The tiny house was originally built by a young couple, Brandon and Kate, who wanted a forever home. They constructed it from scratch, handling everything from painting and insulation to electrical and plumbing work. However, after finding out they were expecting a child, they decided they needed more space and listed the tiny house for sale.
Formulating the Plan
While searching for tiny homes online, I came up with a unique idea. I looked for homes that had been listed for weeks and hadn’t sold. I contacted Brandon and proposed a revenue share model. The idea was to list the tiny house on Airbnb, VRBO, and other booking platforms, with the proceeds going towards paying off the house. Brandon agreed, and we formed our first partnership.
Moving the Tiny House
Brandon guided us through the process of detaching the piping system so we could move the tiny house to our property. We packed all the furniture and appliances onto one trailer and began the moving process. The machinery used to move the house was impressive, making the transport seem effortless.
Challenges During the Move
Upon arrival, we realized the tiny house was too big to fit through our gate. My dad, who has always been resourceful in such situations, helped us navigate this challenge. The delivery team then placed the tiny house in the perfect spot, where my great grandmother’s old house once stood.
Setting Up the Tiny House
Once the house was positioned, we immediately started working on making it our home. The next big task was to move and set up the deck. My dad, who is knowledgeable about tractor work, played a crucial role in this process. We faced challenges in leveling the deck, but after several attempts, we succeeded.
Completing the Setup
Despite the rain making the process more difficult, we managed to get the deck in place. This task was followed by plumbing work, which I found surprisingly enjoyable. During this process, I discovered an old bottle buried in the ground, adding a sense of history to our project.
Family Support
The support from my family and friends was invaluable. They helped with various tasks, from plumbing to electrical work. Even with unexpected issues like hot water heaters and low water pressure, their assistance made the challenges manageable.
Eco-Friendly Additions
One of the significant additions to our tiny house was a home biogas toilet system, which arrived from across the Atlantic Ocean. This eco-friendly system converts waste into methane gas for cooking. Installing the toilet system was straightforward, and I built a raised wooden box to make it comfortable to use.
Final Touches
I completed the bathroom by adding a stainless steel bidet sprayer and ensuring all the plumbing worked perfectly. Decorating the tiny house was a joy, as I focused on making the space feel homely with art pieces, pictures, and other personal touches.
Outdoor Setup
Outdoor lighting was another important aspect. We wanted to ensure the space was well-lit and welcoming. We celebrated the completion of the tiny house with homegrown blackberries, appreciating the cozy ambiance we had created.
Conclusion
Our tiny house is over 300 square feet and includes a full kitchen, bathroom, sleeping loft, wood fireplace, outdoor seating area, and an inflatable hot tub. This project, though challenging, was incredibly rewarding. We are grateful to Brandon and Kate for trusting us with their home and to our family for their continuous support. If you enjoyed this story, consider subscribing to our channel for more updates on our homestead journey.
