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Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods


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It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to share an amazing Tiny A-frame Cabin like this one in the Redwoods of Cazadero, California.

I absolutely love A-frame cabins (especially this one). This cabin isn’t exactly tiny and I don’t know the exact dimensions but it’s definitely pretty small. And it’s just cool, right?

I think it’d be awesome to live in this little cabin. And you can still enjoy many of the benefits of a tiny house with a cabin of this size because it’s still really small. So take the virtual tour below and let me know what you think about it in the comments. Thank you!

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An A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Images via Airbnb

Classic fireplace, skylight, staircase with storage bookshelves…

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Making the best of the staircase…

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

In an A-frame, it always feels like you’re living in a large, finished attic!

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

The rug really ties the space together.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

A door that’s also a window is usually kind of nice.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

In this A-frame cabin, it’s easy to hang things. Look at the joists! They’re in the perfect position to hold some pots and pans, aren’t they? Makes it kind of enticing to start cooking, too when the pots are right in your face like that.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

One side of the staircase takes you to the bathroom!

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Interestingly, it looks like the bathtub is actually set underneath the ground floor of the house. Have you ever seen that done before?

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Everything else looks pretty normal!

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

The other side of the staircase is a living area where you stare at all of the books you can possibly read. Sure beats a TV if you ask me. I’m sick of streaming. I want to slow down.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Cozy fireplace, lots of natural light. This is the place to be.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

It’s like a tiny house loft that you can stand up in!

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Waking up here, I would feel like I am in the happy part of a thriller movie.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

From the outside… Surrounded by mature trees.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

This is what an A-frame cabin in the woods looks like!

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Wouldn’t it be incredible getting to live in a place like this?

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

It would be almost like living in one of your favorite nature trails.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the RedwoodsIt’s so relaxing just looking at it.

Amazing Tiny A-Frame Cabin in the Redwoods

Images via Airbnb

Source: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2437969

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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!
{ 112 comments… add one }
  • hunter
    January 30, 2015, 1:56 pm

    Alex, just what are the dimensions of this cute hom/cabin. i like everything about it but the moss on the roof that will damage if not removed. hunter

    • cahow
      February 2, 2015, 4:12 pm

      REFRIGERATOR UPDATE: I was curious, after all the posted questions concerning “Where’s the frig?”, so I went to the rental website.

      Good news! There IS a frig…only…no freezer! It’s an “Under The Counter” model of frig.

      If someone wanted to copy this floor plan, you could do one of two things to give yourself more “frig” room: 1) install side by side independent under the counter frig/freezers. There’s plenty of room in the kitchen area that the turntable is currently using.
      2) Under the stair case, there is a wall with shelves and glass items. Simply ditch the shelves, install a frig/freezer combination and voila!, you’ve got your normal sized frig/freezer combo. 😀

      • Sandi B
        April 11, 2016, 6:23 pm

        You could also make the kitchen U shaped and bring a counter back out from the wall and put the refrigerator there with a backing and then also have some nice bar stools and have an eating space at the counter.

    • Cahow
      February 5, 2015, 8:22 pm

      Okay: Listen Up, Newbies to this site:

      Alex posted pictures of tiny houses. He is NOT the originator of them and as such, he does NOT have plans, dimensions or any other information not posted. Think of THIS site as a Pinterest for Tiny Houses.

      There is a link to the person who is renting this unit and owns it: it’s under the Airbnb link. I’d contact them through the rental site and see if they can aid you.

      • hunter
        March 25, 2015, 7:09 pm

        cahow, relax don’t get your knickers in a knot. it’s normal to ask sizes etc when we see things we like. no big deal,Alex knows how we are….cutback on the coffee consumption,,,,gosh……hunter

        • M
          April 11, 2016, 9:03 pm

          let’s give her the bennefit of the doubt… perhaps she didn’t realize she sounded a little condescending.

    • Tena Northern
      February 26, 2015, 12:26 pm

      Yes, is there any way to get the building plans for this A -Frame?

      • Gordon
        April 10, 2015, 1:10 pm

        I found hundreds of different sites,Just by google it.they are really easy to do them if make up your mind on what,and who,Etc…..,is gonna do what & with it.Good-luck.

  • Cahow
    January 30, 2015, 2:22 pm

    Darn You, Alex!!! Darn you, all to heck!!!!

    I have a MASSIVE soft spot in my <3 for A-Frame homes that goes back over 55 years. I actually broke out into ~sobs~ when I viewed this home and still have tears running down my cheeks.

    THIS is the exact type of A-Frame that secured a permanent place in the most secret of spots in my heart; I honestly didn't believe that they exited any longer. ~sniff-sniff~ My husband and I have our permanent cottage in a highly seasonal tourist area of S.W. Michigan and the few A-Frames that still exist and weren't torn down have been so bastardized and added on to, that unless you saw them 18 years ago, you'd never know that they used to be an A-Frame.

    Oh, Lordy. Despite ALL the amazing tiny homes that Alex has shared with us, there's just something about an A-Frame that hits me in the heart, each time. For the first time, ever, THIS is a tiny home that I actually want to plan a vacation around staying at.

    Thank you, Alex! From one A-Frame Lover to Another….thank you. 😀

    • mountaingypsy
      February 1, 2015, 3:36 am

      Cahow, You seem to be like me, these A-frames are intriguing, as well as all the other dwellings we salivate over, as THE one!! lol There are many of them around here in CO. The ones with a larger base and higher are the best for space and storage. My husband and I found one we wanted, but the vertical space was not good, and it had an attic ladder to get to the tiny BR, and needed adding on a room. Another one, we liked was nicely planned, like this one, with a large BR up and 2 down, but unfinished and just the studs and no electrical or plumbing finished. This A-frame is one of the best I have seen. I really like the stairs and kitchen. The problem, you asked about, is the extremely steep walls. Furniture or cabinets set away from the baseboard about 2′ or more, so that space is lost, where the item touches the wall. Some people do a 3′ or so wall up, and use the storage behind, like attics are done. They are charming and the history is interesting. Here, we were warned that banks sometimes do not want to do loans on them, or they are not as sellable as regular houses. Many around here have a bump out for space and vertical walls. My secret passion is for treehouses! I like dwellings that are unique but livable! 🙂

  • Karen R
    January 30, 2015, 2:27 pm

    Cosy! Lived in an A-frame for years and liked it but wasted space.

    • Cahow
      January 30, 2015, 2:35 pm

      Karen: I’d love to know more about what “space is wasted” in an A-Frame. I only visited them as a very wee girl; they were 2nd homes of the City Folks my grandparent’s knew. I need a bit of reality in my fantasy of owning one of these homes.

      P.S. The Country Folks didn’t have “second homes”; they had “Huntin’ Cabins” or “Fishin’ Shacks” which were actually the pioneer log cabins of their ancestors, passed down through the generations. I guess “second home” sounded too “City” of a name for farmers. LOL

  • Kat
    January 30, 2015, 2:35 pm

    Ok I’m officially salivating over this one. Holy crap !

    • Andrea Hardy
      January 30, 2015, 6:58 pm

      lol

  • alice h
    January 30, 2015, 2:39 pm

    What a classic, all the comforts of home and a grand staircase. Could probably benefit from a metal roof by the looks of that moss. I like how they painted the lower section white but left the wood up in the loft. I would definitely add one of these up there though http://www.livinginashoebox.com/skylight-window-converts-into-balcony/

    • Cahow
      January 30, 2015, 3:00 pm

      Dear, dear, alice h: I’m sending you bushels of e-hugs ((((hugs)))) for that link of the skylight balconies! OMG….sheer genius and you are SO right…the perfect finishing touch, on either side of the bed.

      So many of the tiny homes shown are in the desert; it’s very nice to see a tiny house that looks like it could live happily in Michigan. <3

    • Linda
      February 1, 2015, 12:03 am

      I agree! Also, situate the house so that you could have one slope facing the south. That way, you could put solar panels on that side and the skylight on the other side. Northern light is the best light anyway… ask any artist.

    • Rita Riches
      March 29, 2015, 8:09 am

      I loved the balconies too but I must admit my immediate attention was on that glass of juice balancing on the bed without any obvious support!! All I could think of what if that was my bed and my throw that goblet was atop of……? A-frames are my passion too and our local Lutheran pastor lived in one not so long ago but I haven’t really seen it for a while…..maybe it has disappeared behind new additions over the years! Hello from Australia!

      • alice h
        March 29, 2015, 9:01 am

        I was so entranced by the balcony I didn’t even notice the juice. That’s just a tiny cat leap away from disaster!

  • Brad S
    January 30, 2015, 2:54 pm

    And to add to the already cool ambience, Neil Young is propped up and ready for the the turntable.

  • Tim
    January 30, 2015, 3:11 pm

    Excellent …with a few unacceptable exceptions: 1) there’s no fridgerator; 2) there’s a lamp on the bathroom sink counter; 3) bothe front and rear decks and roof are all in sad physical condition. Otherwise I like the design-layout!

  • Lisa E.
    January 30, 2015, 3:23 pm

    This is the best A-frame I’ve ever seen. Once upon a time, I used to go skiing and have experienced A-frames in the past, but this one is so well done such that the sharp pitch of the roof doesn’t interfere with the interior articulation of the various spaces (kitchen, bathroom, either hallway) or interior traffic patterns.

    As I sat here trying to analyze why this space works so well, I think it’s because of the central staircase which allows easy access to the cozy bedroom loft, divides the lower space into two hallways which facilitates fluent traffic patterns, and the artful articulation of the kitchen and bathroom spaces.

    All in all, I never thought I would ever consider any A-frame as a space I would or could live in but this is so well done, I have to revamp my thinking and to be honest, I have to call joy on this one. 😉

    • Cahow
      January 30, 2015, 7:17 pm

      Lisa E wrote: “As I sat here trying to analyze why this space works so well, I think it’s because of the central staircase which allows easy access to the cozy bedroom loft, divides the lower space into two hallways which facilitates fluent traffic patterns, and the artful articulation of the kitchen and bathroom spaces.”

      YOU nailed it, Lisa E.!!!! I was thinking and thinking and thinking about WHY did this particular A-Frame just make my heart go pitter-patter and it IS becasue of the central stair case! I’ve got floor plan books from the 60’s and 70’s that are dedicated to A-Frames but NONE of them have a central staircase going parallel to the ridge beam; their staircases are either spiral (BIG in the 60’s!) or they run perpendicular to the ridge, chopping up the house.

      Also, after doing a search for A-Frames on the web, I also discovered that why THIS house is so charming to me is the very low centre of gravity in it’s design; it seems Hobbit-like, to me. Most other A-Frames I saw photos of had too high of a pitch, divorcing it from The Earth. This lil’ charmer seems to nestle into the forest setting, rather than erupting from the earth like Mt. Everest.

      I love the bold chiaroscuro effect betwixt the main floor walls and the cozy-cozy upper bedroom. This house and our cottage have a very similar decorating style: vivid Oriental rugs scattered among a dark stained floor; Danish Modern signature pieces with a smattering of late 60’s tossed into for garnish (wicker lamp shade in bedroom, anyone?).

      Yes, this house would be Bliss to live in and all I’d need to do is spend a week there, drawing up plans, enjoying myself, and then going back to Michigan to build one for ourselves. We have so many deep ravines in our area that I’d like to build this on top of one of them and then have a deck cantilevered over the ravine to watch the deer and wild turkeys trot through the beech and oak. 😀

      • Lisa E.
        January 30, 2015, 10:39 pm

        I totally agree with you, Cahow, about the Hobbit element, the rugs, the amazingly charming upstairs and the color contrast between the light and inviting downstairs and the cozy nature feel of the loft. This should be the flag ship for A-frames.

    • Brenda
      January 31, 2015, 7:55 am

      Well, parts of it are very nice – like the bookcases under the stairs. But those stairs are smack dab in the middle of the living space, and I didn’t see a good reason for it, such as separation of living and work space, for example. I assume, possibly incorrectly, that this specific design is exactly what the owner wanted, but it’s not for me. I want more to look at from my sofa than a staircase. And no, it’s definitely not tiny, but does look reasonably unclaustrophobia-inducing.

    • Brenda
      January 31, 2015, 8:09 am

      Hallways do, indeed facilitate traffic patterns. BUT . . . How many people are going to be using those traffic lanes at the same time on a daily basis? And do you really want to live in two parallel hallways separated by stairs? The sofa does not face a view, a fireplace, or even a television. It faces a staircase. And it sits in a hallway. Not the most functional plan I’ve ever seen, but that’s probably just me. I see a decent kitchen with a real stove and sink, but no dining space, so I assume residents dine on their laps while sitting in the hallway. The bath looks spacious. At least the bed in the loft is not, as most are, a mattress on the floor, which is not ideal for those of us with old joints. But the living space is still a pair of hallways with stuff shoved against the walls: stereo, two armchairs, sofa, broom.

      • Chel
        September 20, 2015, 1:10 pm

        Brenda, I had similar thoughts when we first saw this one. Much as I like the overall design of the house, facing the staircase in a corridor was problematic. Today I saw where it would be perfect for me. If the kitchen was moved to be along the left side of the stairs with the bathroom beyond, the current sofa area could be used for dining/studying and the living area could take up the squarer space originally used by the kitchen. Still allows the traffic to flow the same way. A tall fridge could then slot in under the stairs behind the end shelves without blocking any light. For those desirous of having the stove near seating it could live pretty much where the stereo is now, that would leave room for a window seat by the front door.

        • Dotti
          November 11, 2015, 9:53 am

          You were thinking exactly what I was! Easy fix!

        • Dotti
          November 11, 2015, 9:55 am

          You could stick a w/d combo under the steps also!

  • Sally Schrock
    January 30, 2015, 3:25 pm

    Wow! This is easily one of the BEST A-frame dwellings I’ve ever come across, bar none, and the location is just as stunning. My heart is already palpitating over this one. I would SO love to have the architectural plans so I could (I hope) build my own in the future in California somewhere. I especially love the built-in bookcase under the stairs and the cozy upstairs bedroom! *Swoon*

  • Karen R
    January 30, 2015, 3:37 pm

    If someone over 5′ stands up from one of those chairs, they will bang their head. The sharper the angle, the lower the ceiling, and the less useful this space where the ceiling and floor meet actually is. One just has to plan for a little extra area.

    That said, I love these, too! A-frames and Airstream RVs prompt the same emotion in me as the houses do for you!

  • Elle
    January 30, 2015, 3:39 pm

    Oh geez. If I rented this they wouldn’t be able to get me out. Is that a hot tub on the deck too?! I too have a soft spot for A-Frames since I rented one on a vacation back in…well, some time ago. 🙂 I like the way the stairs divide the space into four distinct areas and then earns its keep as both access to the loft and storage underneath and, effectively becomes a part of the open floor design rather than intruding on it. The sunken tub in the bath is a nice touch as well. Oh yeah, I could live here.

  • January 30, 2015, 3:55 pm

    I have to agree with everyone here about this being the BEST EVER A-frame but I rather agree about the waste space, especially in the bedroom regardless of how romantically cozy it appears, because the vaulted walls do now allow for a closet. In all those photos I saw no closet. And I’m with Tim, just WHERE EXACTLY is the refrigerator? And once again, the vaulted walls do not allow for overhead cabinets and thus, pots and pans are everywhere. Still, this is a beauty!

  • Martha
    January 30, 2015, 4:29 pm

    I think my favorite thing in the a-frame is the turntable and LP’s! Just kidding. The staircase is wonderful and I think the entire place looks comfortable and extremely liveable. Yes, I could happily live here.

  • Jill Joiner
    January 30, 2015, 4:47 pm

    OK I know generally A frames are kind of frowned on because of wasted space. But I have a nostalgia for them and this one is amazing.

  • Tony Bisson
    January 30, 2015, 5:30 pm

    Nice interior but I can’t get behind the poor use of space in this design. An nice weekend place but it would be very impractical for daily living. Hot in summer too.

  • CathyAnn
    January 30, 2015, 5:31 pm

    A-frame structures have fascinating me since staying in one at Squaw Valley, California as a teenager.

    I’ve often thought that if the house was wide enough, a short wall with doors in it running from the floor up to about 2″ – 3″ where it is affixed to the wall would make for excellent storage. I really like the shelving under the stairs.

    I could easily live very comfortably in this house.

  • Cathy
    January 30, 2015, 5:50 pm

    This is it.. just what I want. Perfect for me and my art.
    I hope I can find property. Rules here are 5 acres must be owned to build
    residential. I don’t need 5 acres.
    Otherwise, I could do it.

    • Linda
      February 1, 2015, 12:12 am

      Northern light is good for art. I’d like to see the A-frame situated such that one SIDE faces south. You could put solar panels on that side and a skylight on the north side… where you could make use of northern light for your artwork.

      • M
        May 2, 2015, 12:49 am

        Hmm. I have southwest light. Works well enough for my art but then I’m not Picasso And does wonders for my seedlings. Just happened to be the orientation of my apartment. This blog is starting to feel more like the Civil War than a community of small home enthusiasts.

  • Rich
    January 30, 2015, 6:02 pm

    unfortunate placement of that humongous stair in this A-frame. Better for short stays than permanent residence. Looks like the shade has caised some water problems but nicely salvaged.

  • Marsha Cowan
    January 30, 2015, 6:06 pm

    Wow! This A-frame is amazing! I love the way they used the star to define space, and the kitchen is beautiful. I love the sunken tub, and the way they designed the bathroom space around the stair and kitchen, but the crowning feature, in my opinion, is the warm, rich wood paneled loft. Wow! This house is great!

    • Linda
      February 1, 2015, 12:09 am

      Would like to see the bathroom underneath the stairs. Would like to have a skylight in the bedroom on one side and solar panels outside the other side. Other than that, this A-frame is sweet!

  • Ruthanna
    January 30, 2015, 7:25 pm

    I really like this one too. It’s not as small as most of the tiny homes on Tiny House Newsletter. If I were single, I could quite possibly live in this one! I agree that the upstairs bedroom loft is a bit cramped. We have a tiny house without plumbing that our family visits now and then, there is no bed in the loft…You use an air mattress or sleeping bag. It gives you much more space to move around. But, all in all, I do love this little A frame.

  • Breda Mason
    January 30, 2015, 8:54 pm

    I love, love , love this cabin. It looks perfect. I believe I could live the rest of my life in a cabin like this somewhere close to my grand babies in Prior Lake, Mn. Please let me know the price etc. Thank you & keep up the good work, Brenda

    • Cahow
      February 9, 2015, 11:41 am

      Hi, breda-Brenda: according to airbnb, here are the prices for this rental–

      Cleaning Fee: $40
      Daily: $135
      Weekly Price: $700 /week
      Monthly Price: $2500 /month

  • Bruce Wheeler
    January 30, 2015, 10:40 pm

    It looks spacious, but where is the storage, or at least a place to hang a coat? It may be all right for a weekend stay, but I wouldn’t want to live in it without some place for clothes to be stored. And the center stairs look grand, but they sure do take up a lot of space, dividing the front part of the house into two little spaces.

    • Cahow
      January 31, 2015, 11:32 am

      Bruce: this is a rental home. Your clothing comes WITH you via a back pack or suitcase. No need for anything else.

      If someone lived here full time, a coat rack by the front door and a mat for shoes covers that problem. The double wall of books could easily be turned into closed storage, providing TONS of room to store “stuff”. Plus, the bed could provide under bed storage with additional storage provided where the guitars are hangin’ out.

  • Robin
    January 31, 2015, 12:04 am

    Love this place. I think I will stay there sometime!

  • Elizabeth
    January 31, 2015, 2:16 am

    I love the outside space, but the whole focus of the inside space is…stairs. I don’t want to look at stairs all day.

  • Jim
    January 31, 2015, 9:01 am

    It did not look so tiny, what is foot print sixe ?

    • Cahow
      January 31, 2015, 11:34 am

      Jim: based on a guess of the stair’s width and the standardized width of the Oriental rugs, I’m guessing that the home is 25’wide x 25’deep x 25′ high or part of the blessed Golden Ratio.

  • Lori Benforado
    January 31, 2015, 10:39 am

    I just love this one! Although my fiance is 6’3″ so I don’t know if he would love it. Did I miss the refrigerator? I can’t seem to see where it is at.

  • Rachel
    January 31, 2015, 1:30 pm

    I love this tiny house….there is but just one downfall……where in the world do you store your clothes?….did not see any room for a closet….other than that I absolutely loved it

  • Elaine Mack
    February 1, 2015, 1:18 am

    I love this! My only reservation is that upstairs bedroom. Other than that, I would rent this home in a heartbeat!

  • Sarah
    February 1, 2015, 12:37 pm

    WOW WOW WOW. This manages to look both cozy as well as modern, very functional. Love the bookcases behind staircase, love the wood. When do I move in again? LOL! Fantastic!

  • Joel LeGrande
    February 1, 2015, 3:49 pm

    I really would have gone with a spiral staircase instead. Way too much valuable interior space wasted otherwise. Still plenty of room for bookcases also with a spiral…

    • Cahow
      February 2, 2015, 4:04 pm

      Hi, Joel. I first mentioned a spiral staircase back on Jan. 30th. They are, indeed, space savers but have YOU ever lived with one? Oy…we have and we grew to hate them. Why? Because unless you install a GIANT spiral, getting UP or DOWN that bugger is next to impossible!

      My husband and I rented a bi-level apartment in a high rise in Chicago, years ago. We rented it because it was unique and sexy; a spiral staircase led up to the giant loft bedroom/master bath.

      The problems manifested themselves immediately upon trying to move in: NONE of the maneuvers that the professional movers tried could get our King Sized Bed and dresser set up those damn stairs! We managed to get the twin box springs up the stairs but we actually had to hoist, with straps, the king mattress up and over the loft wall so we could sleep upstairs! And our dresser set? Oh, that ended up living DOWNSTAIRS because it wouldn’t fit (in any form) up the spiral.

      Also, if you are the least bit ill or hung-over, maneuvering a tight spiral can just put you into a state of vertigo that takes you hours to climb out of! LOL

      So, yes!, a spiral staircase takes up less room and is sexy as all hell but unless you have a means of getting LARGE items UP into the loft, you’re screwed!

      If any of you are familiar with the canal houses in Amsterdam, they have a wonderfully unique way of dealing with this problem of getting large pieces of furniture to the upper floors. The canal-side townhouses of central Amsterdam are tall with multiple stories and narrow because taxes were based on frontage. Because these homes were SO narrow, you could not bring large items up the spiral staircases. Therefore, most buildings have a facade which is actually leaning forward and a big hook attached at the top of the gabled roof. Why? Because all the furniture you want to move in- or out of the house has to be lifted through the large windows. The hook at the top is for the rope on which the furniture is lifted and the leaning front helps you move things up.

      If you built this type of apparatus into a window on the back of the A-Frame, you could have a spiral staircase and all the large furniture that you could muster in the second floor. 😀 It’s always fun to learn from our Elders and The Past.

      • BeagleMom
        March 25, 2015, 2:08 pm

        oh hahaha Cahow….years ago i lived in an adorable A-frame style *chalet* in washington state, with a lovely loft….your comment about hoisting furniture up over the loft rail brought back not-so-fond memories!!! Our house had a stairway that had just enough of a jog from the front door that NOTHING bigger than a suitcase was going up those stairs, and our bed and dressers came up over that railing…..spiral staircases are definitely romantic looking but unless you have a service elevator, not very user friendly….oh, and the idea of getting vertigo going up/down with hangover….priceless!!!

      • Cahow
        March 28, 2015, 3:29 pm

        Dear BeagleMom, (GREAT name, by the way!),

        I got some great laughs from your story, not at your expense, mind you but with commiseration.

        Even at our wee cottage, we have this tight-tight angle in the ONE micro-hallway in the place, created by having to install a furnace room in the place. NOTHING longer than 4′ can get through that tangle of corners unless it A) Bends or B) Is a kit that comes un-assembled. We had to get rid of a gorgeous sleigh bed that was supposed to live in the guest room but NO amount of wrangling by big beefy Swedes could get it past that tight angle. The only *bright* spot in that kerfuffle is that our daughter ended up with the bed, so all’s well that ends well. 😀

  • Marta
    February 2, 2015, 12:24 am

    Am I missing something, where is the refrigerator?

    • Trisha
      February 11, 2015, 5:50 pm

      Hahaha! I was wondering that too when looking at photos. Possibly one of the tiny 1/2 size refrigerators that’s not possible to see most likely.

  • CathyAnn
    February 2, 2015, 2:30 pm

    I agree, Joel. A spiral staircase would be excellent in there.

  • Catherine Ries
    February 5, 2015, 4:30 pm

    This is beautiful, and a steep pitch is the way to build under redwoods, because they drop deadly branches. In the comments I found two other requests for dimensions, but no answer. Dimensions please?
    Cathy

  • Johanna
    February 8, 2015, 7:32 pm

    this is an awesome cabin. I jut love it!

  • Janet Hruby
    February 8, 2015, 8:47 pm

    I love the idea of living in a tiny home, however, I am disabled and would not be able to get to the bedroom up the steps. Are there any that are all on one level?
    Thanks
    Janet

    • Cahow
      February 9, 2015, 12:37 pm

      Hi, Janet. If you’re new to Alex’s site, then you’re in luck! He has showcased many single level tiny/small homes and several are designed for people with different levels of handicaps.

      At the top of each one of his blog posts are the words: Micro/Tiny/Small–just click on each category and loads of houses will pop up. Take your time enjoying each blog posting and you’ll be sure to find something that works out perfectly for your needs. Have fun! 😀

  • Blaine
    February 9, 2015, 5:35 pm

    Awesome place. Where can I get the plans?

  • Darren Spiker
    February 12, 2015, 11:20 pm

    I am in awe of these tiny homes and I strongly sense I am being called to seriously consider making one a home for me and my wife. This is just perfect for the two of us. The cabin in the redwoods is a dream!

  • Bob
    February 16, 2015, 4:20 pm

    Like the house but could not help noticing the copy of Neil Young’s, “Everybody Knows this is Nowhere” on top the album stack. Now that’s cool!

  • Mike
    February 25, 2015, 4:14 am

    I’m honestly not sure how anyone could LOVE this design?? That stair case ruins it for me, it eats up so much floor space..That and imo opinion A frames are a waste of sqft because of all the wall space and upper cabinet space you lose do to the slanted walls…Just my two cents though..mb the other reason I hate A frames is that I’m 6’6″ idk lol

  • coachg
    March 3, 2015, 3:47 pm

    I was wandering what the A Frame would cost to build. I have the land and perfect spot for it would like the plans if possible.I love this site what a good way to live

  • Bob
    March 10, 2015, 9:58 pm

    So, this isn’t really a home…it’s a rental property…a glorified hotel room. It’s cool and all…but…not a home. I call BS.

  • kathy
    March 16, 2015, 8:31 pm

    I would like to purchase the blueprints to the A frame house. Please send me a link on how to do this.

  • Karen Cotton
    April 5, 2015, 12:00 pm

    Is this beautiful cabin a rental? Or, better yet, for sale?
    LOVE it! Love the location too.

  • JanneZack
    April 14, 2015, 5:45 pm

    While this is perfectly lovely, though a bit dated in decor, it works. It could be rented or lived in permanently. My biggest beef with this one though, (and unlike Cahow, I am NOT a fan of A-Frames because of all the wasted space and the fact that nothing is “neither round nor square anywhere”) I would make one major change. I would rather see the staircase rotated 90 degrees. It should start up on the extreme outside of the house and go up towards the middle. If the A-Frame isn’t wide enough to have sufficient head height at the top of the stairs, a small dormer/window could be added to accommodate enough room to stand up at the top of the stairs. This would add more light, break up the A-Frame a bit, but make for a nice addition. The bathroom and closet could all be behind the stairs, but the entire front portion of this A-Frame would be OPEN!!! The dining area, which isn’t that wide, but is super long, would be open to the Living Area, which is rather narrow. The storage under the stairs could still be utilized, but the table, when not in use, could be scooted back and all the chairs could be used for conversations, and family fun. It would open up the downstairs SO much.

    (Someone above asked about wasted space. Close to the ground, there isn’t space to put anything up next to the wall, it’s all slanted, so consequently there is a triangle of space, depending on how tall your items/furniture are, of wasted space. Lots of room for spiders and dust bunnies. My Aunt lives in a Quonset Hut – a 1/2 round barrel looking building with vertical walls at each end – and for lack of planning, she got the tubs too close to the outside round wall. The tub fit, but you can’t stand up to take a shower. It is HUGE square footage for TINY money, but has a lot of unused space in the lower part of the building, just like an A-Frame.) I prefer vertical walls and sloped roofs.

  • Beverly
    April 14, 2015, 7:41 pm

    Its totally amazing.. And bigger than it looks..

  • per nielsen
    April 16, 2015, 7:50 pm

    hi, i would have written to Rachel WHO owns this A frame house, but i could not when i tried to. my hope and question is about the specs on this house, would have asked her if i could buy or get a copi of the build plan couse i realy realy want to build a house like this one. cross my fingers and hope for the bedst, greats from Denmark, per

  • Alecia
    April 18, 2015, 1:03 am

    I love this house!!! I could really see me and my family live here on a regular basis. It only has one bedroom and I would need two but I think I could make it work!!

  • Alison
    April 23, 2015, 9:23 pm

    My family has owned an A-frame in the Adirondacks since 1972. It’s significantly larger than this one. Half is open to the roof and is our living/ dining area. There is a large fireplace that separates this area from the rear where there are two bedrooms and the bathroom. Above this is a loft that functions as a bedroom.the stairs to the loft are perpendicular to the outer wall, to the side of the fireplace. On the other side of the fireplace is the kitchen area. Each bedroom has a closet and there is another under the stairs. We also have lots of trunks that provide additional storage and can be snugged up pretty close to the wall. We have room for a sofa and store more items behind that. We put posters and maps on the walls. It’s nice to hear other people so enthusiastic about the design. I find it surprisingly practical and it’s amazing how having the full height open in part of it makes the space seem so much bigger than it actually is.

  • nancy chisholm
    April 24, 2015, 10:35 am

    I really love the lay out of this A frame tiny house..it also has a rustic feel to it and the loft is dark and cozy for sleeping in on a weekend morning ..its really nice !

  • nancy chisholm
    April 24, 2015, 10:43 am

    I can see why others feel that the staircase takes up much space , but it also appears to be centered to front door, there for the bookcase under staircase also separates the open floor plan so you get the feeling you have other rooms..the kitchen to the front and side then living area..it may be some wasted space but I actually find the layout unique and it works for me…:)

  • nic
    April 24, 2015, 11:14 am

    This is my favorite, its beautiful and adequate, and the simplicity of this a frame is astounding. Thank you for reposting this beauty.

  • chris
    April 24, 2015, 11:36 am

    I thin this is one of my favorites, would be interested in knowing what the sq.footage is in this house. There is alot of light and a lot of room-the bathroom is awesomely big!!

  • Libby
    April 24, 2015, 12:35 pm

    LOVE this A-frame!

  • Crystal
    April 24, 2015, 4:14 pm

    The cabin’s best feature: the turntable! I’d rent it and be sure to pack my vinyl!

  • Barbara Siepker
    April 24, 2015, 4:39 pm

    Is there a septic system and why lower the tub…also can’t figure out where bathroom is placed unless it is under the stairs….A great design and very interesting

  • Reed
    April 25, 2015, 10:45 am

    I like the idea of smaller homes, but not too small as I’m a big guy, and will always have a dog or two. I like how your site shows not only the outside of the homes but more importantly the insides as well. I wouldn’t mind a daily smattering of house pics on my facebook page, but I don’t want a daily newsletter to my my email box. That would fill it up too quickly, and to be honest it would eventually be tagged as spam just to keep it from cluttering up my mailbox.

    • Alex
      April 25, 2015, 12:05 pm

      Hi Reed, try changing to our weekly tiny house newsletter: http://tinyhousenewsletter.com/weekly (You’ll miss some tiny house stories but you’ll still get a nice weekly condensed version:))

  • su
    April 25, 2015, 8:56 pm

    My experience with A-Frames is that they are very hot, especially upstairs….You need a lot more ventilation than this one has and probably a ceiling fan and significant overhangs and/ or shading to prevent overheating both upstairs and downstairs.
    The ones I have been in have had knee walls so that you can use the perimeter for furniture.

  • Val
    May 6, 2015, 7:10 am

    Absolutely charming! Nice place to relax and get back to nature I am sure! Nothing like the smell of redwoods!

  • Audrey Sanchez
    May 14, 2015, 1:41 pm

    Please tell me, what is the square footage of this cabin?

  • Heidi
    May 16, 2015, 11:38 pm

    Great “tiny house”.
    I think I would have designed the stair’s to go half way then turn to change the main floor layout. I think there would be more room on the main floor with the stairs not taking up so much room built the way it shows now.

  • brent
    May 26, 2015, 10:21 pm

    Why would anyone whitewash the woodwork inside?! Takes away from the “cabiny”charm.

  • John coulter
    May 29, 2015, 1:15 pm

    This is a very good version of a A frame cabin. I’m sitting here talking to a few men in my family. They all have been to Colorado, Michigan and other states in the North. They have stayed in numerous types of A frames and we all agree this is a good, no, it’s a great cabin. We all agree that most, we say most not all A frames were made for weekend or week long ski trips or trips out of the city for folks. That’s why they usually don’t have a closet. It’s not about wasted space. It’s a space that we didn’t think about. Our clothes were placed in the chest at the foot of the bed, bureau or left in the open suitcase. The clothes that needed hung up were usually hung up on a line that we made from wall beam to wall beam since many were unexposed. If we had a closet downstairs we would keep coats in that and shoes at the front door and slippers near the fireplace.
    I am sure that ways could be found for hanging clothes if living in a place like this. It’s all about living tiny….

    • Cahow
      May 31, 2015, 9:10 am

      John wrote: “We all agree that most, we say most not all A frames were made for weekend or week long ski trips or trips out of the city for folks.”

      Right you are, John, YOU and all the ‘men in your family’. 😉 These homes WERE built for a weekend get-away where everything that you needed was brought in the car and left with you. Before we bought our cottage, my husband and I had three holiday ‘homes’…our first was a itsy-bitsy teeny-tiny travel trailer at an RV park on the Mississippi River (about 150 sq. ft.); the second was a 400 sq.ft. one room home right on the banks of the Miss River and the last one was about a 600 sq.ft. hunting cabin on the bluffs of the Mississippi River.

      We never kept ANYTHING in those places that was perishable or nesting material for the inevitable mice that invaded every.single.place. in Winter. In the homes, we had cedar chests for storing the bedding but we even brought our kitchen and bath towels with us when we’d visit for the weekend or several weeks. The homes had those movable upright clothing poles to hang up our clothing from the luggage but went right home with us when we left. Since all utilities except power were shut off or drained each time we left, if you left clothing or towels out, they quickly picked up a *funk* that NEVER left, no matter how much washing. We even hauled out all of our trash and recyclables to prevent bears and raccoons from dumping the bins over before they could be collected.

      It’s only when these holiday homes become permanent homes, that extra storage is necessary.

  • Mary
    June 7, 2015, 10:26 pm

    This is really cute, i could totally see myself and my little doxie living there. And there are STAIRS!!! Very important for those of us that are getting older and can’t do ladders.

  • Steven Bontjes
    June 19, 2015, 10:12 am

    I love this A frame, I want it !! Where do I find the layout , prints, anything to build this cabin !! Kids are gone and I’m wanting to downsize this is it !!

  • Karen Cotton
    June 19, 2015, 12:34 pm

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this cabin!!! I could easily live here. Is it for sale? (kidding) Seriously, are the plans available? I would LOVE to build a similar cabin to retire in.

  • celaine
    June 21, 2015, 8:35 pm

    I love this a frame

  • siddharth
    July 5, 2015, 7:13 am

    i love the plan of the house/its simply superb,can you plz tell me where and how to get the blue print of the house

  • Charles
    July 10, 2015, 10:38 pm

    I am still young but I start thinking about doing something like that. This is my ideal of life. One of the best house I have seen. Great job!!

  • curt
    July 25, 2015, 11:13 pm

    I really liked parts of this A frame- the stairs made my day. I was like yes I could get up and down those stairs in my old age. If I was building from scratch I would do some things a little different. I really liked the storage area under the stairs. As a kid I liked the A frame cabins. a skylight would be a must. Being able to stargaze in bed . A metal roof- and adjust the deck a little bit. I also wonder about the roof being a large surface area for solar panels. The split paint job on the walls was interesting. I think having the white on the bottom actually seems to have the optical illusion of making it look larger.

  • Lorraine
    August 31, 2015, 12:32 am

    I am new to this site but already I am rethinking (in the positive end) of going smaller rather than bigger. I love this A-frame house and I think it may fit in Japan (where I live) because of the simplicity of it all. If everyone is wondering about the refrigerator, how about taking down the shelves currently facing the kitchen area and put the refrigerator there? (I noticed that Cahow also mentioned this idea) A few more modifications I came up with (if I were to build this) for the kitchen area are:
    1) switch the location of the kitchen door and the window. Put the sink below the area where the window will then be. Then the flat side (I think this is the wall for the bathroom area) is flat and high enough for counters and the cooking range. The slanted area may seem like a wasted area, but if you can install low cabinets to store things along the wall, then you will have a lot of storage space (should you need it).
    2) No table to eat in the kitchen? How about using the slanted wall (the one I mentioned for the low cabinets and have a folding table which can jut out into the center area when needed and then folded back again. Chairs, if you do want to use for the table can be the folded ones too which you can scatter around the house (if not all of them are used regularly) or maybe even have a space built against the slanted wall area to slide them out of place? Just a thought.
    3) I would install a few more windows on the slanted side of various heights and put hanging planters/baskets for herbs and plants to bring in nature into the kitchen. The windows will naturally give enough daylight to the area.
    4) If I had this place, I would like to add a screen door so that air flow will help circulate the air into the area and if that is not enough, maybe put a fan on the ceiling (if that is not too low). The screen will allow for full view of the back yard/patio without the worry of mosquitoes and other irritating bugs flying/crawling in. In Japan I found these unique screens which can be installed quickly to almost any door frame. They lay flat against the door so that when you open the door, you do not need to fuss with another door. How do you go in and out? The screen is slightly overlapped (there are two soft screens) with a center slit. You go through the area where the two screens overlap. They stretch enough for you to go out but not let bugs in.

    Bathing/toilet area
    I know this is the typical US style, but after living in Japan a looong time, I have come to appreciate how they put the toilet a space all its own. That way one person can enjoy sitting on the toilet in total privacy while someone else is using the shower/bath. I think this arrangement is doable (but without the layout, I cannot tell for sure).
    One thought I had with the current layout was: “Oh, people can see right into the bathroom from the front door area.”BUT, I think you can either install nice lace curtains which hang from the area below the sleeping quarters to give it a bit more privacy or a removeable folding screen (like the ones ladies used to change behind)

    Living area:
    Someone mentioned that it was a bit strange that the couch faced the shelves. . . just move the couch more into the living area (I would put it against the window there). The “wasted space behind the couch” can hide lots of things (also under the couch, depending on what type of couch).

    Sleeping quarters:
    Love the fact that you do not need to climb a ladder to get up there. I love the way it is simple enough to give you a good night’s rest without a lot of distractions. As for closet space, I think putting anything under the bed is a great way to store things and one side can easily be set up with a sturdy pole to hang clothes. I would add lights of varying sizes or have something that can be controlled by remote to brighten the room or soften the light in the area. I don’t know if the window behind the bed opens or not, but again, screening them so that you can pull air into the space in the summer. Winter–if the house is well insulated, then I think making sure the windows are also the type of retain heat indoors will keep this place warm and cozy.

    Outside roof:
    I thought about the moss too, but maybe making it into a green roof (something I saw recently) may accentuate and work with nature rather than to fight it. I think certain types of moss may actually help to keep the inside warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
    I also like the idea of getting solar panels to help with cost efficiency.

    I personally love the A-framed house featured here. The comments/suggestions I shared are to start a conversation with those here and to glean more ideas from you all, the experts in simple living, downsizing and being more energy-conserving.

    Learning to love the tiny home concept
    Japankat

  • Theo
    September 24, 2015, 12:55 pm

    At last, finally, a real set of stairs, and a loft that looks like a person can actually stand up in, may have to lean a bit but no matter. Looks like nice woodwork. The only real issue I have with it is, more white than I care for, other than that it’s very nice. Personally tho, I would have a bed on the first floor, and use the loft as a spare room or guest room. If I could have a workshop outdoors, I could live there.

  • Steven Bontjes
    October 19, 2015, 8:21 pm

    I keep coming back to this A frame, I want/need the plans for this house ! Im in down size point and this is perfect perfect for me. Any help finding these plans would be welcome, found many many A frames but not like this one !

  • Melissa
    December 6, 2015, 10:41 am

    I love love love it, in Florida we have a few, the heat and humidity you will need fans to keep it cool and winter well as I write this in December it’s a high of 76°today so, I love the layout, I think this is perfect for me I love the storage of bookshelves on the staircase, I read when about five hours a day and would need the room, my only request would add a few more windows in places, but I love this house the bathroom has space not a cramped feeling, the kitchen seems small but I would be using the deck more outdoor kitchen would be installed, all in all very lovely

  • Leslie C
    January 20, 2016, 6:33 pm

    Love this, this would be perfect for me just add a small stackable washer and dryer.

  • Angie
    April 12, 2016, 8:58 am

    This is inspiring me so much! We are building a small barn house cottage very soon, and it wouldn’t qualify as tiny to most here, though to the general population it might. 🙂 Anyway, the pitch to the roof and no knee wall will make the loft space similar to this, so seeing how things are arranged gives me inspiration. But the other thing is we also dream of a tiny guest house on our property some day. And this totally fits the bill of what we might like to do! It could even be a bit smaller since we probably won’t outfit it with a kitchen. But really cool! Thanks for sharing!

  • Adina Hirschmann
    September 3, 2017, 6:28 pm

    I would have to bring too many of my own things from home to have a good vacation at this cabin. The rent is a bit steep considering I would have to go somewhere else to get basic ice for my drinks. As for the laundry list of restrictions, don’t get me started. My landlord here in New Jersey is more generous. Yes, the architectural details are nice, as is the wooded setting. It is cool to imagine what I would change in it if the place were mine, but it isn’t.

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