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There’s no question that communities everywhere are struggling to create affordable, walkable, and sustainable housing — but the team at the MicroLife Institute decided to turn that challenge into a real solution. In partnership with the city of Clarkston, Georgia, they developed Cottages on Vaughn, a half-acre micro pocket neighborhood featuring eight beautifully designed cottages ranging from 250 to 550 square feet.
What started as a small urban infill idea quickly became one of Georgia’s most talked-about tiny housing projects. Before ground was even broken in 2019, more than 1,500 people had joined the interest list — a clear sign of how badly communities want attainable small homes.
Each cottage was sold between $119,000 and $201,000, and the development includes shared green spaces, edible landscaping, solar power, and other smart, eco-friendly features. While you can’t move in today, the MicroLife Institute now offers plans for these cottages, making it possible to recreate this model in other towns facing similar housing shortages.
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Eight Tiny Homes in New Atlanta Micro Community
Blue Cottage with Full Solar Roof for Energy Savings.
This cottage is one of the standout designs in the community thanks to its full solar array. Homeowners benefit from lower long-term utility costs while reducing their environmental footprint — a major advantage of living in a micro pocket neighborhood like this.
Dedicated Parking for Every Cottage.
Despite the compact footprint of the development, each homeowner still enjoys their own designated parking space. It’s a thoughtful detail that blends the convenience of suburban living with the charm of a walkable, small-scale neighborhood.
One of the 250 Sq. Ft. Micro Cottages
This smaller floor plan shows how livable a truly compact space can be. Efficient layouts, covered porches, and beautiful exterior colors help these cottages feel bright, inviting, and spacious despite their minimal footprint.
Edible Landscaping Throughout the Community
Fruit trees, herbs, and regenerative plantings create a mini food-forest environment. Beyond adding visual beauty, these shared edible spaces encourage residents to connect, garden, and enjoy fresh food right outside their doors.
A Look Inside One of the Cottages
Natural light, clever storage solutions, and warm finishes make these interiors feel much larger than their square footage suggests. Each cottage is designed to maximize vertical space and create a calm, cozy atmosphere.
Bright, Functional Kitchen Space
The kitchens in these cottages offer full-sized appliances, generous counter space, and room to cook comfortably. Even in a micro home setting, the layouts feel practical for everyday living.
Comfortable Tiny House Living Area
Open-concept designs help the living area flow naturally into the kitchen and entryway. These layouts allow tiny home residents to entertain, relax, and work from home without feeling cramped.
Additional View of the Cottage Kitchen
This angle highlights the thoughtful cabinetry, woodwork, and natural tones used throughout the interiors. Every inch has been optimized for beauty and function, proving tiny homes can feel both modern and timeless.
Village Site Plan and Cottage Layouts
The site plan shows how all eight cottages are arranged around a shared green space, creating a friendly, communal environment. Walkways, gardens, and open spaces make the entire neighborhood feel inviting and human-scaled.
Project Details and Cottage Plan Options
The new pocket neighborhood, situated on a half-acre lot a block away from downtown Clarkston, includes eight micro-cottage homes, a common green space for gathering, and climate-conscious development features such as solar panels and edible, regenerative landscaping. You can now purchase our 250 square foot floor plan as well as our 492 cottage home plan.
Highlights
- MicroLife Institute collaborated with Clarkston, Georgia, to create a “micro pocket neighborhood” with eight tiny homes.
- The homes range from 250 to 550 square feet and were sold for $119,000 to $201,000.
- The development incorporates environmentally friendly features like solar panels and edible landscaping.
- An initial interest list had 1,500 people, highlighting significant demand for such housing solutions.
- MicroLife Institute offers plans for these homes, facilitating replication in other areas.
- The neighborhood includes common green spaces and aims to address affordable housing needs.
- Interested individuals can access resources and purchase house plans through the MicroLife Institute’s website.
Learn more:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a micro cottage neighborhood?
A micro cottage neighborhood is a small-scale residential community designed around compact homes—usually 250 to 600 square feet—with shared green space, walkable layouts, and sustainable features. Cottages on Vaughn is one of the best examples in Georgia.
How big are the cottages at Cottages on Vaughn?
The cottages range from 250 to 550 square feet. Despite their small size, they feature full kitchens, living areas, bathrooms, storage, and beautiful outdoor porches.
How much did the homes cost?
The original cottages sold between $119,000 and $201,000, depending on the size and layout. Prices may vary for anyone building similar designs today.
Are the cottage floor plans available to purchase?
Yes. The MicroLife Institute now offers official architectural plans for both the 250 sq. ft. and 492 sq. ft. cottages. These plans make it possible to recreate similar neighborhoods elsewhere.
Where is Cottages on Vaughn located?
The community is located in Clarkston, Georgia, on a half-acre lot just one block from downtown. It is considered Georgia’s first micro cottage neighborhood.
Can I visit or tour the community?
The original eight homes are privately owned, but public case studies, photos, and project documentation are available through the MicroLife Institute.
Are tiny home communities allowed in other cities?
Zoning varies widely by city. Many towns are now exploring pocket neighborhoods, cottage clusters, and tiny home villages as affordable housing solutions. Always check with your local zoning office before planning a build.
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Alex
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