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Tiny Pink Cottage in Florida


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I had the chance to capture this tiny pink guest cottage in Florida a few days ago and wanted to share it with you here.

The owner didn’t have the exact dimensions but it’s definitely less than 500 sq. ft. and she was nice enough to let me take pictures inside and out for me to share with you.

This is what I call a grandfathered-in tiny cottage here in Florida because you can no longer build this small in this seaside town.

The cottage is also rare because it hasn’t been added onto like most of the ones that are still around in the area. It’s pretty much in its original state besides general upkeep and maintenance throughout the years.

Tiny Cottage in Florida

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Photos by Alex Pino

I only wish they still built homes like this today instead of the oversized cookie cutter homes we normally see being developed around here.

Anyway, I encourage you to enjoy touring the rest of this beautiful tiny house on a foundation below:

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

I love the cottage because it also has a lot of outdoor space in the front and in the back. Hey! There’s my reflection in the window.. (above) 😀

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Let’s go inside..

Interior with Vaulted Ceilings

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

The vaulted ceilings really help make it feel spacious in there. I was surprised when I went inside because of my 400 sq. ft. apartment seemed larger.

Kitchen and Dining Area

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

 

The door you see there is not the main entrance, just a side door. 🙂

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Bedroom

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

 

Bathroom

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Exterior

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Front Covered Patio

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Backyard Outdoor Space and Shed

Tiny Pink Guest Cottage Tiny Pink Guest Cottage

Photos by Alex Pino

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 89 comments… add one }
  • deborah
    November 9, 2013, 7:02 pm

    I couldn’t have said it better!!!

  • Nerida
    November 9, 2013, 8:20 pm

    Sometimes we need a good rambler. I read all the way through and I dont usually have the patience when on the net. 🙂

    I guess the lady likes pink, it is a very pink house. Otherwise very livable.

    • Barb B
      November 9, 2013, 9:59 pm

      What a little jewel! Wish they built houses like this now as well–how cute that they painted the ladder hanging on back wall pink too! The pink color is sooo tropical. Well done, Alex!

  • Barb B
    November 9, 2013, 10:06 pm

    P.S. John: You should drink too much coffee more often….well said!

  • Darcy
    November 9, 2013, 11:09 pm

    Don’t get me wrong, I am infatuated with the tiny house movement and I a making progress in that direction. In my opinion the pink house stinks. It’s a very old Florida home that was built in the 50s and in stead of going thru a proper renovation, owners have just added on, painted it added oversized furniture and called it a cottage. The roof is in need of replacement, the frame is rotting and people try to hide all it’s flaws under a sad shade of pink. This is not a tiny house, has nothing to do with the tiny house movement and is just a typical seaside Florida cottage, old, stuffy and boring. Although john I am with you on the finances. Maybe someone should start a no more debt movement.

    • Randy
      November 10, 2013, 9:14 am

      I totally disagree. One only eats an elephant one bite at a time and for all we know the resident doesn’t own it and can’t do anymore than what has been done. Sometimes the easiest fixes are a coat of paint. I don’t think the intent of this site is to show perfectly renovated homes but to show the wonders that can be created in small spaces. This IS a tiny house and has everything to do with the tiny house movement. And, there is already a no more debt movement.

      • Tonita
        November 19, 2013, 4:05 pm

        I agree that this blog is not to show perfect renovated homes. I love this adorable tiny house. Thanks for sharing this sweet home. I love the color pink and think it looks wonderful. Such a nice patio and fun and creative pink benches. Randy makes a good point about the wonders that can be created in small or tiny spaces. It inspires people to dream about creating their own tiny spaces.

        And… I keep wondering who in the heck wrote a rule book for tiny home dwellers? Is there some tiny house government making more laws for us? There are NO rules for tiny home living. You can be in debt, out of debt, poor, rich a minimalist a survivalist, a hoarder that stores stuff in sheds but sleeps in a tiny house, you can live in an all pink home, have a hole in your tiny roof, and – SO WHAT… No rules. Most people complain about our government and then want to make a new tiny house government filled with rules that apply to “the tiny house movement” Relax & chill. The so called tiny house movement is what one makes up in their mind. The last time I checked there were there no rules to enter some official tiny house movement.

        • Cahow
          November 19, 2013, 6:18 pm

          Tonita wrote: “And… I keep wondering who in the heck wrote a rule book for tiny home dwellers?”

          I keep asking myself that question every time I read someone “hauling out the ruler” and measuring every.square.inch. or bashing someone who wants a flush toilet or running water in their tiny home.

          Well said, Tonita. Very, very well said. I enjoyed every word you wrote. 😀

        • Alex Pino
          November 20, 2013, 8:55 am

          Agreed!!

        • Alex Pino
          November 20, 2013, 8:56 am

          Rule books stink.. Be YOU!

        • LouAnn
          January 31, 2014, 11:48 pm

          Amen to the comments from Tonita and Cahow!

        • Ralph Sly
          November 20, 2013, 10:30 pm

          Yep, giver er ladies and Alex said it well, be YOU… I do try to encourage figuring out and building your life, the life you really want to live then build your structure but research everything you intend to do be it pull a trailer, live in solitude, rub elbows with another, how to live your love life and extracurricular activities, the degree you want to de-clutter, the conveniences you want to have, will put up or will not put up with. Understand why you are doing this for the long haul and take age, ailing health, and appropriate things into consideration for the time you hope to be in each constructed project. Also consider what would happen if you got into this lifestyle with another person and for some reason that person was removed from your life. A lot of planning before the first board is built. Too many jump in too soon, I believe, but then again, what the hell do I know.

        • Robert Aulicky
          November 29, 2020, 6:53 pm

          The rule book is brought to you by the ICC, International Code Council). Under the ICC are the IBC and IRC codes. IBC is the commercial building code, while the IRC is the residential Building Code. For S&G’s comes the towns, counties, and States, each having a voice making the mud we use. Then it comes down to the town councils who decide the more extensive the house, the less the rift raft. Small houses bring less desirable renters/owners. Sorry folks, but that is the reality we fight. If you can convince the city council your construction cost is $500.00SF, you can get a variance. After all, you’re not going to rent a place with real gold fixtures, are you?

        • April
          November 30, 2020, 3:46 am

          Totally agree. This is a sweet old Florida cottage type home. No rules or regs. Please keep doing exactly what you are doing, Alex. You offer something for everyone. Those that only want new construction and pristine need to go elsewhere. Thanks for all the work and effort you put into your tiny house articles and web. 👍😊

        • Alex
          November 30, 2020, 6:34 pm

          Thanks, April!🙏😊

        • Marsha Cowan
          November 30, 2020, 11:57 am

          I am with you, Tonita. This little house is precious. I love the use of mirrors in the bedroom to give a feeling of space, and I really love the patio area. The kitchen is so well organized and pretty, and the bathroom is wonderful. It is a great tiny house.

    • Cahow
      November 10, 2013, 9:46 am

      Could you BE any more negative? SMH

      • Betty
        December 14, 2013, 1:09 pm

        That’s not negative……!! It’s called planning ahead. Being prepared for possible future situations. There’s no negativity in thinking before jumping into something.

    • Ralph Sly
      November 10, 2013, 11:51 pm

      Wow Darcy, you just described my place to a big T but I follow much of the philosophy of John and John, they haven’t tossed me off of these sites yet for rambling, when you have something to say, say it. I once ask a professor how many words one should use in a story and he said, as many as it takes. Love that prof.

      Now Darcy, shame shame, where is your romantic side. I am a lover, compassionate of all things and creation of the human species. History is held in these old structures. Mine for example, one of three remaining buildings in the city, should it come down, of course it should but I just can’t do it. I am not going to destroy a mural painted over the front door by a local artisan whose wife actually slept in my bedroom here some gazillion years ago. (by the dreams I have in this place, she was a foxy old broad and I would welcome her ghost anytime to stop in) Rot and decay, can be replace with a little work as someone said, one bite at a time. You have a very good eye to see all these problems, is there something I missed or didn’t read. I hate to assume but would rather think maybe someone took care of this little place. I am somewhat cross eyed after a gallon or two of spirit but haven’t partaken this evening so just don’t see what the hell it is you are looking at. I could be considered an old furnace but stoke the fire and the BTUs blast. This is a nice livable little digs. Mine is livable (just) and I own it.

      • Marsha Cowan
        November 30, 2020, 12:24 pm

        Ralph, your home sounds charming, and I am glad you can see the value of the history on and in the walls. My ex-husband’s family owned a home in VA built in 1883. His grandfather and grandmother bought the home in 1885, and his family owned that home until his mother (their daughter) died at the age of 96 in the year 2008, the last occupant of the family. The house is in other hands now, but while his large family owned it, everyone in that family was birthed there and died there, he and his brother being the exception. They were both born in the early 50s when home births were being frowned upon, and their mom was already in her 40s, so the doctor insisted they be born in hospitals. that house has so many wonderful quirky things about it and “add ons” and “add ups” (it was on a crowded city lot so the roof was raised to make a bedroom and closet for my ex and his brother), that it was a labyrinth of design surprises, most done at a time when codes and inspections were non-existent. So I applaud your appreciation of the history in your home. May you get to enjoy it for a long time hence.

    • Doug
      January 9, 2014, 5:32 pm

      Darcy, check out Dave Ramsey (http://www.daveramsey.com), his books, website, videos and radio show (he has the third or fourth largest talk radio audience in the US). He has been preaching debt-free living for decades. He would agree with John’s $10k savings and pay cash for everything.

      • Marsha Cowan
        November 30, 2020, 12:26 pm

        Doug!! Dave Ramsey is exactly how I got out of debt in 1996 (see another post here to Lisa). His books are great and his advice really works!!

    • Marsha Cowan
      November 30, 2020, 12:12 pm

      I went back through every picture of this house with my magnifying glass and there is no rotten wood pictured inside or out (or covered by paint). That is a metal roof in great condition. You don’t replace a good metal roof unless you’re uneducated about the values of a good metal roof. Built in the 50s means that the lumber is so hard by now (probably has been since the 80s) that, according to my 0ldest son (a licensed exterminator), you don’t have to worry about termite and bug damage anymore, though it never hurts to have routine checks. This house seems to be pretty sound and seems to have pretty regular upkeep. Even the porch posts and rails are in good condition and lifted off the deck. It has drip cap on the sills and large overhangs. This is a lovely well kept tiny home.

  • Randy
    November 10, 2013, 9:11 am

    Wow! What am beautiful little home!! I second the comment I wish builders would focus on more houses like this instead of McMansions.
    The owner of this little jewel has done a fantastic job of maximizing every square inch of space! Thanks for including INSIDE photo’s. So many posts here are just the facade and don’t show anything about the inside.

  • Randy
    November 10, 2013, 9:18 am

    Hear here!!! I second Deborah. Couldn’t have said it better and your comments are bang on! As you stated, sometimes the winning move is not to play the game! Thanks for reminding us, John! We all get caught up in the ways of the world and forget that sometimes!

  • jerryd
    November 10, 2013, 9:24 am

    Not sure why this one is an exceptions as there are many smaller than 500sq’ around Tampa. Ones I especially like are the less than 400sq’ concrete block ones built in the 50-60’s.

    There are others that are little more than 100sq’ in Gibsonton along US 301.

    Look in the older sections near water, along US 301-US41, especially the old bypassed parts and on the intercoastal, island for many more TH’s all along the West coast of Fla, the Key’s and along US1 on the east coast, again the older bypassed sections where all the other TH’s have been replaced .

    Fla was built on tiny homes and lots still here. And generally a bargain as many think they are too small.

    Another thing is Flood insurance is going to greatly lower lowland values would be great for someone with a TH house on wheels or one built well enough to float in many places.

    • Ralph Sly
      November 20, 2013, 10:48 pm

      Jerryd, you never fail to amaze me, the one great thing about a trailer is you can drag its sorry ass out of a floodplain, zone or whatever and yes, purchasing in those areas is a fantastic idea reasonable prices property, especially since the advance warnings are so proficient in this world we now live in. Generally a floodplain is around a major community where all the amenities are within a day trip to and from. I know a couple of areas in this province that play host to a floodplain and the people who call it home are all fantastic. I hope Doc doesn’t use this as an excuse to rub in a change in my way of thinking, this is fantastic and the first time I found an absolute use for a trailer. I also like the thinking on the barge idea, and then you just let it float to the surface and come home to rest when the problem is solved, don’t make your stays too short. But the trailer, yep, just hook on and pull to safe ground for a bit. Good point jerryd

      • jerryd
        November 21, 2013, 10:45 am

        A trailer TH or better, one that slides onto a trailer or flat bed tow truck, that can be used for other things, not just rusting under a TH, you can get away from Hurricanes too, important in Fla, other east/gulf coastal areas.

        But having your TH float, move well on water opens up so many possibilities. You don’t even need land, it’s hassle, cost, just anchor out.

        Now with modern communications, low cost PV living off grid, land has little hardship and extremely low cost.

        My 34′ Trimaran with it’s 5.5′ wide, 24′ long cabin and 1kw of PV to run my A/C, heating, cooking, electronics only cost $3k in materials and doing it on just $700/month income for 25 yrs of shelter, energy.

        As running costs for it comes to about $100/month leaving me with $600 to play with ;^))

        The secret is KIS and I’ve been building these for 40 yrs now.
        Though no reason others can’t do similar as many plans of similar ones are available.

        Just the main hull/cabin inside is only $1k in materials so done smartly TH living need not be expensive to get into.

        It would make a great lightweight trailer TH as so aero yet even being 34′ long, it only weights 1k lbs. Just put a hitch on the bow and bolt on wheel dolly and away you go.

        Need to take some pics as it’s just been painted and nothing in it, likely that last time that will happen.

        • Ralph Sly
          November 21, 2013, 5:22 pm

          You echo my philosophy on building on skids rather a never maintenance free trailer and I have always advocated even if you have to hire a hauler to move your unit (if you are not nomadic) but in the floodplain I would have it on my own trailer because hiring a truck or trailer to move it in an emergency would not be viable if the waters were rising fast, as past experience has shown. You have to remember, I am in Canada where we do not really get the severe weather anomalies you do so a flood on the plain would be about it under the scenarios discussed in this conversation. For most people, having a deck truck or trailer handy is too prohibiting cost wise.

          Your venture with the boat is something that turns my crank and this really will toss a screw of confusion into those who have followed my preaching. I had a MacGregor 26′ (Link Expired) and probably today could do that life style, when I had mine it was an evening and weekend toy but I always had it in my mind I could live on it if I went nomadic, now, that tosses a total wrench into my 250’ lifestyle belief as the Mac is restricted space wise and living on something that requires a trailer. Believe me if I had to depend on a trailer under a TH or anything, it would be maintained regularly. (For those who do not know me, please don’t take me to tasks with trailer maintenance on this post, been over that one a million times on these sites, I tow trailers all the time, own several and do know the problems with them first hand, when, I have to haul trailers for other people, unless it is new from the manufacturer, no thank you…) To do the Mac thing, I would tow it with something like my 18’ box cube van to accommodate other requirements (that by itself would make a hell of a land yacht). Many people can’t sleep on the water, I sleep like a baby, besides, you can beach this boat, these berths are king size play pens (put two of the right people in there and you could cause a title wave) and for its size, this boat is a breath of fresh air to be sailed by “one” (“but who the hell just wants to be one, not this cowboy”) if tweaked just right. I storm sail, not really into the sissy sailing thing but this is good in light wind if you like that sort of thing. Besides, this boat will pull water skiers (truthfully, check it out before you call BS) so you can get to safe harbor in a hurry or just ride out the storm if that is your thing, it is mine. I most certainly would find safe harbor if I was with someone who was nervous in those conditions, you do not want to scare or put anyone in harm’s way, but it’s nice to know the boat will take a beating and Molly Brown would be impressed by its unsinkability (my word). Now for the critic, yes, anything can be drawn under the water long enough to drown you but if it’s that bad, your dead crap anyway, by myself or with someone willing to take the chance, I do push the envelope, not suicidal but I have had had fun and will continue to do so, A-hole you say, well, that goes without saying!

        • Ralph Sly
          November 21, 2013, 5:33 pm

          SORRY, 2ND PART
          (Footnote, a friend built a small houseboat and lined the under floor with Styrofoam insulation, I ask him why and he said it would hold it up if the pontoons ever leaked, “wrong”. Not all Styrofoam floats, goggle “Styrofoam for boat flotation” I only mention this because I am in houseboat country and am surprised how many people did this with the wrong product)

          My goodness, I am being pulled into so many directions these days I am not sure what I want to do anymore. Time ticks by and everything runs out sooner or later. I had it all figured out two years ago and now am like the fickle finger so had better make some firm decisions soon and stay the course “per se”, the only problem with age and restrictions is sooner or later you are even a danger to others being on the road and wondering what I would do it they ever pulled my drivers license is a worry with going nomad. But like the thinking I advocate, one just has to go for it and do it, anything but get the lion of expensive living off my tail. “per se”, I do know I want to follow sunshine, Canadian winters are taking the best out of me and why, there is nothing preventing me from doing whatever I want.

    • Marsha Cowan
      November 30, 2020, 12:54 pm

      Jerryd, Think you could get some pictures of these houses for us? If the owners don’t mind, that is.

  • Dina D.
    November 10, 2013, 9:41 am

    I LOVE this house. I would definitely paint over the pink – but it is perfect for me. I wish I could do soemthing like that here in Naples, FL – there just don’t seem to be any builders around here for me to hire. Maybe someday.. 😉

    • Randy
      November 10, 2013, 11:41 am

      Yeah, pink wouldn’t be my color choice either but the resident did a good job keeping in in that “beachy” kind of vibe. Wish they had small homes like this near Atlanta, too! Times, they may be a changing! 🙂

    • jerryd
      November 10, 2013, 1:09 pm

      Dina All the construction workers had to leave Naples or starve!

      But pop up to Ft Myers and you’ll find some.

      Though instead you might want to look at some of the ‘sheds’ available as most of the builders will do custom orders if the stock ones don’t do it for you. Combining 2 of them with a room between gives lots of Sq’ cheaply.

      They have a no permit needed to 150sq’ here in Tampa so I built 2 next to each other for my workshop. It’s designed to extend like the above example.

      If only 12′ wide it could be built most anywhere in mid, south Fla and trucked to your site.

      Another is buy a houseboat and put it on land, completely legal in most of Fla as we were based on fishing especially Naples before the Yankees invaded.

      If you can’t find anyone else, I could get it done for you in Tampa under 12′ wide though have a good number of projects already, I could squeeze in a TH. I generally do for under $50/sq’

      • Ralph Sly
        November 14, 2013, 10:09 pm

        Jerryd, $50.00 a sq’, you must be insane. “That’s what they tell me” no one can build for $50.00, it’s refreshing to find someone who can. On an article a few weeks back, one commenter said something to the effect he felt the price of one tiny house was compare to a larger one at only $300+ a square foot so I told them I would build all the THs he wanted for that price. I never heard back. Strange, the last garage I built which was fully insulated and boarded at 26×34 cost $22,000 fully wired, plumbed and insulated with two rooms. Now that was a couple of years back but I can see building this little place for $16,000 now.

        • jerryd
          November 15, 2013, 9:06 am

          Hi Randy,

          I just built a 12×12′ for about $2k in materials so I’m good in $50/sq’ as quite profitable.

          The price depends on what the customer wants but I don’t see much need for a nice well done TH.

          With a decent back and a helper no reason a decently designed TH of 144sq’ should take over 2 weeks to build.

          So leaves me wondering just where all that money goes for those $150-300sq’ TH’s.

          As for the Pink house Darcy is correct. Like many old Fla homes built too close to the ground of wood if the termites quit holding hands, it’ll fall down.

          Don’t buy any Fla, etc home without checking it closely for rot and termite damage.

          Buy if you want but only pay for the land as before too long you’ll have to tear it down and pay to get rid of the lead paints wood, not cheap.

          In fact finding badly run down homes can lower the lot value making them perfect to put up a decent tiny house.

          Best in Fla is a cement floor, lower cost and labor vs wood raised up some to a lot depending on the local water table, flooding as we get 5-10” of rain in 24-48 hrs reasonably often.

          If a wood floor get it at least 1′ above ground and airflow to keep rot at bay.

        • Marsha Cowan
          November 30, 2020, 1:00 pm

          I had my tiny 8′ x 8′ tiny shed built by a company, delivered, set up, and then I finished it, all for $43.75 per square foot, and I have insulation, electricity, and walls are finished and decorated, though no running water. Adding some plumbing might bring the price per square foot up a few dollars. It is possible to build under $50 per square foot.

        • Marsha Cowan
          November 30, 2020, 1:21 pm

          This house, Jerry, seems to be about 24″” off the ground on the outside wall, though the back added on area is built on a slab, so I don’t think the main part of the house is too close to the ground (minimum 18″), at least according to code (https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-residential-code-2014/chapter/4/foundations#4). Each step is 7 5/8″ high, that is how I estimated the height. Again, we have no indication of rot anywhere nor indication that the owner does not have regular treatments for termites and other insects. I don’t think we should be stating that this house has termites when we absolutely don’t know.

  • angelsmom
    November 10, 2013, 11:40 pm

    I love this house and I love pink. My grandparents had a tiny home in Englewood, FL which they built themselves in the late 50’s. The kitchen and living area were on one side and the sleeping area housed their boat and some fold-away cots. This was their fishing cottage they could drive to from Sarasota back when the main road was two lanes all the way to Naples.

    I loved that little CBS house. Hmmm, maybe that’s why the tiny houses are so interesting to me today!

  • Ralph Sly
    November 19, 2013, 10:01 pm

    Alex, I am a little confused, I am sure there were more comments on this page. I wanted to chime in on Cahow and Tonita but some of the points I wanted to reference are not here, could you explain this to me. You know how easy I am to confuse or possibly I spent too much time near the alley of the neighboring store where the kids smoke that strange smelling tobacco.

    • Alex Pino
      November 20, 2013, 8:53 am

      I’ll look and see if I can find anything Ralph (LOL at the strange smelling tobacco)

      • Ralph Sly
        November 20, 2013, 10:58 pm

        You LOL on the tobacco thing, in Kelowna the RCMP used to train their dope smoking dogs in my neighborhood and one day I smart ass said to one if you find a bag around my house, return it to me will you, I think I lost some around there and he promptly told me he most certainly would be knocking on my door if they do. Fancy, a cop with a sense of humor, hum, or did he… that was a true LOL on me.

  • Ralph Sly
    November 19, 2013, 10:14 pm

    Another point on that confusion Alex, I invited Cahow to go to the other discussion we were having on tree houses because of an interest she has but if any of the input is gone, when she has time to get to it due to her work schedule then it is useless to her. If someone is editing them out, then some of the other comments don’t make any sense at all.

  • Michael
    January 9, 2014, 2:18 pm

    This tiny house is depressing. It needs better lighting and an interior designer. I’m not a snob. Aesthetics are vital in such a small space and this place is just so out of whack that it makes me cringe. Maybe a poor person lives here now and just does the best with what she’s got. We all do what we can and that is fine.

    The exterior is more pleasant but the pink furniture must go or be painted a different color. There is such a thing as overkill. The owner should at least buy a book about interior design concepts and implement them. I guarantee that she would feel better with a cohesive theme and properly fitting furnishings.

    I’ve seen beautiful interiors composed of all used items that were collected over time. They looked beautiful because the owner knew design concepts and applied them. Beauty can be had on a very tight budget.

    • Kat
      April 30, 2014, 10:12 pm

      Wow! And I thought beauty was in the eye of the beholder. I must be one of those “poor” people who can’t afford to get a book on interior design. NO WAIT… I’m not poor and I have the books, but I like what feels right to me in MY home. Wonder if the resident of this sweet little house feels the same way? Sometimes I have to wonder if people who write things like your comment are actually human, or some sort of “bot” programmed to irritate the living daylights out of me.

      • Cathy
        January 3, 2015, 6:39 pm

        I agree with KAT – Darcy’s comment could have been honest but respectful of the owner. She may have to live in a tiny pink house some day!!!?

        • Marsha Cowan
          November 30, 2020, 1:26 pm

          I do live in a tiny pink house!! Only mine’s white. It is a wonderful life!

  • Lisa
    January 9, 2014, 2:36 pm

    I totally agree with you, Alex. This is the type of housing that they should be building today. Do you know what the rationale is for not allowing housing this size to be built any longer (higher taxes, maybe)? For a small house it is wonderfully spacious and has a nice homey feel to it. (lol pop this on a flatbed and we’re good to go!) 😀

    • Randy
      January 9, 2014, 2:43 pm

      It all boils down to money, Lisa! A smaller house means less profit for the builders and a smaller tax base for the county. So, they’ve worked together to ensure minimum square footage requirements are in place so both can make money. I can see have covenants to ensure you don’t use land as a junk yard or land fill or even to say a structure has to be set back so far from the road, but housing is so mandated these days, small and cozy places like this don’t stand a chance these days. Many times, at least in my area, they’ll buy these properties (with absolutely nothing wrong with them) and tear them down and build a much larger home. A lot of it has to do with the American dream. Apparently, we aren’t supposed to dream of “enough” (aka, a small house that’s easy to heat, cool, clean, and pay taxes on) but we’re suppose to dream of a McMansion. Thank the Heavens I woke from that dream years and years ago.

      • Lisa
        January 9, 2014, 3:10 pm

        Exactly correct, Randy. I woke up only a couple of years ago and I rue the day I bought this big retirement house (18 hundred sq ft on 1/4 of an acre); nothing but headaches.

        I’m busily cleaning out my museum of horded stuff; and I’m horrified at how much and many things I’ve collected over the years, yikes!

        My New Year’s Resolution is to get rid of as much as I can and take me down to just what is going to go into my tiny house (while I save to build it.) Frankly, I can’t wait to move out of this barn and into my cozy TH and leave behind jaw dropping utility bills and other costly expenses; I want to go Solar with an “on demand” hot water system.

        I think McMansions are a thing of the past and by 2020, only a certain strata of people will want, own and occupy these monstrosities. I don’t know what these counties will do to try and keep up with the loss of revenues; I shudder to think what they will come up with. I did a tax survey last year and found that people in low income areas are paying as much, if not more, in taxes than those living in high income areas; you will note that things like Realtordotcom no longer publish tax histories, trying to hide the ugly secret.

        I’m sorry to hear that they are tearing down these cute little homes to put in cheaper made, energy inefficient, ugly buildings. To my mind, McMansions have no saving graces.

        Now all we need are enough Tiny House Parks so people can form their own TH communities like those darling homes across Puget Sound in Washington state.

        • Randy
          January 9, 2014, 4:07 pm

          I hear you, Lisa, and congratulations on your efforts to downsize. I’m a work in progress myself, but we’ll both get there.
          As for the counties, after the housing market fell out in late 2008 and property values crashed, many counties found themselves in a mell-of-a-hess because they were building and expanding and suddenly their revenue base was gone. Many counties have had to rethink their strategy including the counties I have property in here in Georgia. Thanks to the movement and the overwhelming interest of folks like us for smaller, sustainable, easy to operate homes, I think you just may be on to something with your prediction for 2020. I hope so! Best to you in 2014 and happy tracks with your downsizing endeavors.

        • Lisa
          January 9, 2014, 5:33 pm

          Thanks, Randy, and happy trails to you, too!

  • Swanee Owen
    January 9, 2014, 4:08 pm

    For all of us who tend to get too focused on decor or overall condition of a house , myself included, let’s remember it’s not about how someone decorates or how well they maintain the property. It’s about choosing to live in a smaller home and simplify their lives. The majority of people would love for their home to be in perfect condition whether is large or small but it’s usually about lack of funds or landlords for those who rent, so why not look at the space not the condition of the space or the decor before commenting. It’s insulting to comment on things people can’t afford to change or repair and as readers we have no idea about someone’s finacial status. Just sayin…

    • Randy
      January 9, 2014, 4:09 pm

      Well said! 🙂

  • Dory
    January 9, 2014, 4:18 pm

    Well said, freedom from debt is my goal. Three years left!!!

  • LIsa
    January 10, 2014, 10:29 am

    Well said, john. We need to be reminded because all of the sellers (banks included) are out there making their products seem “easy” “convenient” and “money saving” to convince us to play along. It’s just ended up with way too much clutter and a huge house to store it all in.

    I purchased a copy of the Constitution and other important documents of state in a pocket book. What should have been a six dollar purchase ended up at nearly thirty dollars after taxes and shipping. It was a shocking reminder to me to stop spending and be more selective about who I do business with.

    I have a Visa debit card and I try to purchase as many items as possible using this cash card. I’ve managed to lower my debt by one third over this last year. I’m looking forward to being debt free so I can go into a tiny house with solar panels and come off the grid completing my great escape from the financial money-go-round we live in today.

    • Chas
      January 11, 2014, 4:50 am

      LIsa…

      You lowered your debt by a third in a year… Good for you!!!
      I hope you can keep chomping at it and make your escape…

      • LIsa
        January 11, 2014, 9:39 am

        Thank you so much for the kind support, Chas. I just hope the housing market comes back so I can unload the dinosaur!

        • Chas
          January 13, 2014, 6:39 am

          There is a certain amount of fate in every situation, but since you have cut your debt by a third in a year, it shows you are creative enough to come up with solutions that work… If it doesn’t sell, rent it and let your renters finance your tiny house… Good luck!!!

        • Lisa
          January 13, 2014, 11:52 am

          Good suggestion! Thank you!
          🙂

    • Marsha Cowan
      November 30, 2020, 11:53 am

      Lisa, you will love the feeling of freedom being debt free give you. I paid off my last credit card in 1996 and have not owned or used another credit card since (I don’t even keep one for “emergencies”), nor have I taken out a house or car loan or any other loan since, except a small three month moving loan from my bank which I paid back in that 3 month period. If I can’t do it with cash, I don’t do it until I save up the cash. Tiny house living has really been a big part of being able to live debt free now for 24 years and to having money to give away to help my children and others in need. It’s the greatest feeling, and I thank God everyday for allowing me to get to that point long ago. So keep pushing yourself to that point, ok? You won’t regret it.

      • Lisa
        December 1, 2020, 10:14 am

        Thank you for your words of encouragement, Marsha. I’m happy to report that I no longer have any credit cards (a debit card only). It may prove to be problematic from time to time; not to have a quick fix available, but then again, I won’t have the burden of repaying with interests added. Our whole society has been built on this false premise of credit and too many are or have been trapped into this short term fix but long term economic slavery. I’m hoping the day will come when people realize that these financial concerns DO NOT have anyone’s best interests at heart except their own and we collectively kick the habit. I’d love to see this whole credit scheme starved to death and out of existence. Happy holiday season to you and yours. May 2021, bring better days.

  • LouAnn Gurske
    January 31, 2014, 11:41 pm

    Well said John! I would like to consider putting your comment in the small house book I am working on. I am not sure how you can get in touch with me. Possibly through this web site as Alex would have a record of my email address. I would like your permission and full name. Alex, you have my permission to give my email to John. Thanks

  • Michael Ford
    February 1, 2014, 5:27 pm

    My house is 600 square feet. All my neighbor houses are being replaced with tall skinny two stories houses . Some one on Facebook said.
    Isabel Smith
    I live in a tiny cottage in Florida not far from the coast. These kinds of homes use to be all up and down the coast. Now there are these huge homes with hardly anybody living in them.
    PD Reader
    And the reason behind outlawing this is what??
    Its your city government that whats it is and it usually has to do with property tax based on many things one being square footage. Big house more revenue.

  • Terrie Williams
    May 2, 2014, 11:09 am

    I absolutely LOVE this tiny home! All one level!!!!!

  • 2btruely
    June 12, 2014, 6:54 pm

    Sorry Darcy and Michael you are dead wrong that house is cute as heck. It didn’t look falling apart to me. And how do you know it needs a new roof does it leak? Pink is just as good a color as any other. Whatever happened to if you don’t have anything good to say don’t say anything at all

  • mick
    October 23, 2014, 11:51 am

    I sure would like to know where all these small, under 500sf, houses are on the Florida Gulf Coast. I have lived from Manatee County to Lee County and I don’t see any for sale. The county building departments do not like these small cottages and make it very difficult to get permits to remodel or build new.
    I own a 50ft lot in Punta Gorda and I have been trying for over a year to get someone to build a small cottage on it. Yes it can be done, but builders say there just isn’t enough profit in it so they bid it way high. I am ready to throw in the towel. If anyone has referrals I sure would appreciate it.
    Please mail [email protected] Thanks

  • becky
    October 26, 2014, 2:38 pm

    I love reading all the blogs about tiny houses. We are currently converting a bus to live in! So excited to start our tiny living adventure when it is done!

  • gale
    January 3, 2015, 4:19 pm

    This is an adorable little home. Just enough room for what you need in a great location. I could live here easily.

    • Peggy McCauley
      November 30, 2020, 4:05 am

      I’m not sure where my comment fits exactly but the topic fits everywhere. I live on the outer banks of N.C. Years ago duck hunters built tiny houses here with flat roofs which protected them by the dunes during a storm. We call them flat tops. They are quickly disappearing and being replaced by mini hotels. Buildings with 13 to 25 bedrooms which are rented by the week for a fortune for family reunions, weddings, corporate conferences. They need massive parking areas and usually a bathroom for every bedroom. I’ve lived here 30 years and every flat top bulldozed is a sad loss. One answer to city or town or county restrictions is to build on unrestricted land. This land, however is usually rural so city dwellers would not be inclined to want it. Here’s my idea for getting to the heart of the importance of things we own. Pretend a hurricane is coming in one hour. You have that hour to move through your house and choose only what is important enough to save. If you are truthful, most of us would fit just fine in a tiny house.

  • Brian
    January 3, 2015, 5:26 pm

    I’ve seen this beautiful cottage before and love it. Although pink is not my favourite colour, it looks perfect in this setting. Thanks for sharing again. Cheers from Australia

  • 666k9s
    January 3, 2015, 5:27 pm

    What a gem! Love all the outdoor space! With some smaller furniture choices there would be even more room! Love the stem ware storage over the door. What a great Tiny, thanks for spotting it and sharing it with us all. Awesome!

  • Cosy
    January 3, 2015, 7:49 pm

    Love this little cottage.
    Reminds me of simpler days vacationing in and around Destin/Ft Walton Beach Florida. My family would stop a a little motel on the beach. There was a kitchenette in the very clean but basic room and a pier for fishing and dolphin watching. Those are my favorite memories. Wish there were still some of those around. I’d love for my daughter to have that experience.

  • Cosy
    January 3, 2015, 8:05 pm

    Oh about the pink paint. There were lots of little pink cottages back when this was built. Cool colors when there was no air conditioning to keep it a little cooler.

  • Kay
    January 4, 2015, 7:29 am

    I love this home. I love the places with less clutter. I live in a small house and have everything hidden away to keep the place looking larger. I think this place is well done and lovely. Love the mirrors on the closet doors…something to think about for myself? Thanks for sharing!

  • Isabel Smith
    April 17, 2015, 10:11 pm

    Wonderful home, absolute philosophy: Live Within Your Means / Be Happy with What You Have

  • Laurie
    April 17, 2015, 11:18 pm

    Excellent ramble, John. It’s always interesting to think back on the history of things … in reality the whole “tiny house movement” is people waking up to the fact that having a small home you OWN used to be a good thing! How much space does one really need, anyway? I’ve got a 1,660 sq. ft. condo, but I only really LIVE in maybe 300 sq. ft. of it … the remaining 1,160 are simply a catch-all for memorabilia from my family and way-too-many shoes! They are also the financial albatross around my neck which keeps me in a job I dislike in a state that’s become too expensive and is just a bit too far away from the outdoor activities I personally enjoy. Reading about the THM is what keeps me sane and gives me hope for the future!

  • michelle
    April 18, 2015, 10:04 am

    Couldn’t agree more John, thanks for the ramble. As for the pink house, its practically perfect in every way! well except for the huge refrigerator. lol. Great little gem of a home. thanks for the peek inside!

  • JanneZack
    April 20, 2015, 1:26 pm

    This just goes to show you that the Tiny House Movement is nothing new! This house is at least 30 years old, the decor and tiles prove that. But that’s not saying it isn’t cute and perfectly livable. It appears to have everything one would need (or two). Closet space, ample bathroom, ample kitchin & Dining and a great living area. Porch too! Who could ask for more?

  • kristen esbensen
    December 8, 2015, 8:48 pm

    This is a pretty cute little cottage/house. I wonder if we could replicate it up here in Wisconsin.

  • KathyK
    December 21, 2015, 9:30 pm

    Whenever I see the words cottage and tiny, I am already attracted. I think of a little house with a porch in front. I’m not too much into the pink color, but not bad. You can paint. I want a house with everything on one floor.

  • Joseph
    April 5, 2017, 1:37 pm

    I think this little place is great. It needs some work on the inside, but that nice backyard area is a real plus.

  • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
    April 6, 2017, 5:55 am

    There are many tiny cottages all over Florida, just stay away from major tourist cities where travelers would go to winter vacation, and of course around major attractions, such as Disney world, and Bush Gardens, Florida, where season travelers would gather as prices in those areas fluctuate greatly do to new attractions in those parks… Other than those areas you just need to just price shop, and you can find great deals all around Florida….

    • Natalie C. McKee
      April 6, 2017, 7:38 am

      Great tips, Zachary!

      • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
        April 6, 2017, 12:12 pm

        I try when ever applicable…! The truth be told though I love Florida even with all it’s faults, and it’s my home… I have never loved any where else in all my life, no mater how long I spent time in the north to complete my education, and found work there only to return home where my life is happiest in Florida….!

        • Natalie C. McKee
          April 7, 2017, 4:49 am

          That’s how I feel about MA 🙂 So many things I could complain about (starting with the cost for housing!) but I love it nonetheless!

  • Sandra
    April 6, 2017, 10:30 am

    Hi Alex,
    I think I drive by this every weekend, Naples? The alleys downtown still have some cute little cottages like this, love it!!!
    Thanks for sharing!

  • Pandy Murray
    November 30, 2020, 11:16 am

    Love this !

  • Linda Tracy
    December 4, 2020, 7:11 pm

    Perfect!!!

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