≡ Menu

Couple’s Backyard Shed to Cottage Conversion and Tiny House Community Dreams in Kentucky


This post contains affiliate links.

Linda and her husband wanted a place to stay separate from their kids when they visited family in Kentucky, so they jumped at a good deal on a shed shell and then spent one very-rainy summer living in the shed and converting it.

Now Linda has inherited some land and is interested in renting some of it out to others wanting to go tiny! Right now it’s just an idea but you all can comment and discuss your interest in her thoughts and see where it leads. Also, enjoy their progress photos below.

Don’t miss other incredible vans like this, join our FREE Tiny House Newsletter for more! 

They Took this 12×40 Shed and Made It a Home

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 4

Images via Linda

Here’s their finished farmhouse-chic kitchen.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 2

Images via Linda

A compact coffee bar.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 3

Images via Linda

Linda, up in the loft bedroom.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 7

Images via Linda

The now-finished living space.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 10

Images via Linda

A look at the house from a distance.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 8

Images via Linda

Super cute all dolled up for Christmas.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 12

Images via Linda

Here was the shed in its original colors.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 19

Images via Linda

A bit of dirty work getting it together.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 15

Images via Linda

That first summer it was a construction zone.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 14

Images via Linda

Living room mid-conversion.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 17

Images via Linda

Kitchen mid-conversion.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 21

Images via Linda

Painting the ceilings took some time.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 16

Images via Linda

Grandkids enjoying the loft.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 20

Images via Linda

The bedroom at the beginning.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 23

Images via Linda

Not fancy at this point, but functional.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 30

Images via Linda

They made a cute living space here.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 25

Images via Linda

And now — wow! What a bedroom.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 26

Images via Linda

Linda, painting away in the loft.

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 24

It was a very muddy summer!

Couple’s Backyard Shed to THOW and Tiny House Community Dreams 31

Images via Linda

Linda’s story:

Our journey started, in 2018, we needed a place to live while we were in Kentucky visiting our kids for the summer. I don’t believe anyone house is big enough for two families. So I’ve always liked the idea of tiny houses, so we got a good deal on a 12 x 40 shed. So we bought it had it moved to my kids backyard it was only the shell. So let the work begin. It was a very rainy summer I think it rained 40 days, I thought we should be building an ark instead of a tiny house.  So we started with the electrical the plumbing the insulation and then adding the walls the ceilings my husband and I did the majority of this work ourselves we hired a plumber and electrician of course. We shiplap all the walls and framed in the bathroom and our bedroom.

We actually lived in it while we were building it. That was really hard. I would never live in it and build another one. So we are still living in it when we are in Kentucky we are wanting to have it moved to my dad‘s property that we inherited.

We would like to put it on VRBO and open the property up to more people that needs a place to put their tiny homes. Would love to know how to put our invitation to rent spaces from us for tiny homes. I love the idea of a tiny home community. We have around 13 acres not all of it is usable but we probably have room for 10 to 12 tiny homes.

Related stories

You can share this using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks!

If you enjoyed this you’ll LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more!

You can also join our Small House Newsletter!

Also, try our Tiny Houses For Sale Newsletter! Thank you!

More Like This: Tiny Houses | DIY | Tiny House Communities | Shed Tiny Houses

See The Latest: Go Back Home to See Our Latest Tiny Houses

This post contains affiliate links.

The following two tabs change content below.

Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.
{ 64 comments… add one }
  • Lindi Turnipseed
    April 5, 2022, 4:32 pm

    I LOVE the idea of having a tiny village. I have been looking for a place to put a tiny house. Would you contact me as to where you are?

  • Renee Mann
    April 5, 2022, 4:38 pm

    Looking for a place for to build tiny house

  • Susan
    April 5, 2022, 8:16 pm

    I am interested in tiny house living and places/ locations. Yours sounds great. Send info/specifics please. The property location was not mentioned.
    Thanks!

    • Linda Cole
      April 8, 2022, 11:45 pm

      We are just in the planning stages working with zoning would like to keep your information and contact you when we have a little bit more to offer

      • Kaci
        April 29, 2022, 9:20 am

        Wow, what a charming home you’ve created! I’m interested in learning more about your plans to develop a small tiny house community.
        I also want to express my condolences about your dad, Linda. I bet he’d be real pleased to hear about your plans for the land he passed on to you.
        I understand you are still the planning stages. Can you please share your contact information? Thanks!

        • Linda Sue Cole
          October 17, 2022, 10:56 am

          Thank you for responding please contact me for further information

    • Linda cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:27 am

      We are getting close to my dream of a tiny home village, it’s in Shepherdsville Kentucky. Please let me know if you still have an interest.

    • Linda Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:29 am

      We are getting close to developing our property for the tiny home village if you are still interested please don’t hesitate to email me thank you have a blessed day

  • April 5, 2022, 8:45 pm

    I think the tiny house community on your father’s property is a great idea as long as it stays within reasonable financial reach.
    And allow for privacy between the houses so it won’t become a trailer park.
    I love the concept of tiny homes; cozy, manageable and affordable.
    Good luck with your next adventure!

    • April 7, 2022, 12:28 am

      Very nice tiny home. Would love to have more information about which state this will be in and basic rules you will have. Any amenities? Small dog allowed? Time frame of availability? Costs? TIA

      • Linda Sue Cole
        October 17, 2022, 10:57 am

        Please contact me by email if you have further questions. The property is located in Shepherdsville Kentucky, we are taking reservations

        • Kate Rhubee
          March 4, 2023, 9:39 am

          I am very interested in your community plan, keep me posted as it progresses. I love the idea of tiny homes in wooded individual areas, not the trailer home right next to each other one.
          Selling Florida home and looking forward to what you do.
          Thanks, Kate

  • Deborah Bryant
    April 6, 2022, 7:59 am

    I am interested. Ive lost all my family and a tiny community thrills me. I’m retired and lonely. This would be a dream come true. I would need to know how to get around to financing since cant pay cash. Where are you?

    • Linda Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:31 am

      Please let me know if you’re still interested in a place to put a tiny home we are located in Shepherdsville Kentucky thank you

  • Jeana A Riley
    April 6, 2022, 9:01 am

    Great idea about the tiny house community! In addition I had been planning to convert a shed to a tiny house. Where are you located in Kentucky or are you planning to do this community? Please get back to me with information thank you!

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:33 am

      Please let me know if you are still interested in a place to put your tiny home. I can help you with some ideas on how to get started with this. We have sites available coming up soon. Thank you for reaching out

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:35 am

      Our property is located in Shepherdsville Kentucky we have 10 acres that we are adding tiny home spaces to. Thank you for your interest we are taking reservations you are more welcome to come and visit and see what we’re all about. Thank you Linda Cole

  • Barbara Barber Sanchez
    April 6, 2022, 9:14 am

    Where is this community going to be?
    Please email me info.
    Thank you

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:34 am

      Please let me know if you are still interested in a tiny home space in Shepherdsville Kentucky we are taking reservations. Thank you for your interest

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:58 am

      Shepherdsville Kentucky please contact me if you have further questions

  • Stephanie
    April 6, 2022, 9:17 am

    I’m very interested !!

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 10:36 am

      Please feel free to contact me if you are still interested in a tiny home space in Shepherdsville Kentucky. We are taking reservations thank you

  • Stephanie
    April 6, 2022, 9:18 am

    I think this would be a great opportunity !!

  • M
    April 6, 2022, 9:54 am

    Where in Kentucky?

    • Sharon Pesante
      April 12, 2022, 4:08 pm

      I would love a tiny house. I’ve been looking for 4 years to find a place I’d want to live. Affordable too. My daughter just moved to Velarde and I would love to own a home on wheels so I could visit. I’m interested in your space!

      • Linda Sue Cole
        October 17, 2022, 10:58 am

        Please contact me if you want further information thank you

  • Latonya D Tate
    April 6, 2022, 9:59 am

    Hi I have been interested in Tiny homes since the beginning. I love your Tiny home. I’m wanted to get on build in the back on my house just to get away. Love the idea of Tint homes. Enjoy it!

  • Lisa Souza
    April 6, 2022, 11:06 am

    A tiny home community sounds wonderful. I live in Connecticut and would love one here but unfortunately zoning will not allow. Best of luck to you.

    • James D.
      April 6, 2022, 1:40 pm

      Yes, Connecticut is extremely unfriendly towards tiny houses. However, they were considering adopting the 2018 IRC update that would add Appendix Q, AKA the tiny house building code, for houses on foundation that are 400 Sq Ft or less.

      There just hasn’t any been any updates on that since 2020, so presumably put on the back burner until further notice, but what has been introduced and is effective since Jan. 1 2022, is accessory apartments — such as garage apartments, in-law suites or “granny pods” — will be legal to build and rent to family or other tenants in residential and single-family areas.

      Though, the new law also offers an “opt-out” provision, which allows towns to not utilize the law after a two-thirds vote from the zoning commission and legislative body.

      While the law also stops municipal zoning regulations from establishing minimum floor area requirements that exceed proper safety code and helps prevent overcrowding. It also requires regulations to provide for varied housing opportunities and further the federal Fair Housing Act, while also protecting “historic, tribal, cultural and environmental resources.”

      So, basically, depending on the area and specific local municipality, you might be able to do some sort of ADU arrangement with a tiny home, for at least foundation structures.

      But for THOWs, you’ll still be strictly limited to RV parks, etc.

      • Brenna Hasheider
        April 24, 2022, 11:27 am

        Very interested. Have a shed conversion in Iowa ready to move.

        • Linda Sue Cole
          October 17, 2022, 11:00 am

          If interested in a place in Shepherdsville Kentucky please notify me thank you

        • Linda Sue Cole
          October 17, 2022, 11:04 am

          Please contact me if you’re still interested or have any questions the property is located in Shepherdsville Kentucky. Thank you again

  • Chad
    April 6, 2022, 12:22 pm

    It depends on what county you are in here in Kentucky. I’ve been researching this type of thing as a way to expand my real estate company and would love to help out if I can. You’ll probably need to have your land zoned as a campground, as many tiny houses are on wheels and considered RVs.

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:01 am

      Have been approved in zoning so just looking to complete some of the other things that has to be done.

  • Alara
    April 6, 2022, 1:38 pm

    I’m interested. Keep me updated. Thanks Alara 4258903985

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:03 am

      Please contact me if you are still interested thank you

  • Gigi
    April 6, 2022, 2:13 pm

    I would love to know more about this potential tiny home community…

  • Julie Ann Quintana
    April 6, 2022, 10:42 pm

    The size of their home is mobile home specs, not “tiny home” specs.

    • James D.
      April 7, 2022, 2:05 pm

      No, this is just a DIY shed conversion and there’s no exclusive spec, it’s just an example of a structure designed around what is the usual upper limits of what can be reasonably moved along the road and highways system under oversize/overweight regulations.

      Case in point 12×40 is one of the common size options for commercial sheds, among other things you can find with those dimensions, including some cabins, cottages, house boats, barns, etc.

      So there’s no actual distinction, as anything can fall into this size range that may need to be moved at least once, regardless of whether it’s intended to be something like a mobile home or a permanent structure that will be placed on a foundation.

      Besides, “tiny homes” is a generic term. It basically applies to any type of really small home, opinions just vary, as it depends on the baseline comparison, and the difference and threshold between small and tiny. So there really isn’t a specific spec for a “tiny home”…

  • Angela
    April 7, 2022, 1:26 am

    I’m interested! I’m a nurse looking to move with hubby when he retires next year. Where are you located? I’m in California but would be interested in going out and looking. Thank you

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:06 am

      Thank you for your response our property is in Shepherdsville Kentucky, zoning has passed our Tiny House community and we are moving forward so we are taking reservations so if you have any further questions please feel free to contact us

      • Alara
        October 17, 2022, 3:54 pm

        Hi, what biggest city r u near?
        Can one have a nice rv? Could one have a tiny cob house built there?
        I’m looking for fragrance free types who don’t use horrible Febreeze or toxic highly fragranced laundry products. I don’t want to be in the country and smell all that toxic artificial stuff blowing in my windows from neighbors . There’s a lot of mCs people looking that i can mention this to its going to be more natural. Garden, etc. Also , any lake or other interests nearby ? please email to me at [email protected]

  • John
    April 7, 2022, 1:58 am

    Small groups of people can accomplish amazing things. I have time and energy and interest. Where is the property? I am a retired carpenter and CPA.

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:07 am

      I am in bad need of help so I would appreciate any contribution that you would have to this tiny home community it’s located in Shepherdsville Kentucky. Please contact me

  • Gail L. Van Luvanee
    April 7, 2022, 4:40 am

    I am interested, too. Would you be able to send me more information to my email address? Can you include the plans and dimeentionss. I’m disable and would need to plan for accessibility, but i am also a residential designer/drafter so i could design for those myself ……… and help you with anyone else who might need them. Oh, i have a FB friend who does something along the line of what you are wanting to do ……. don’t know if you’d be interested in getting feed back from him.

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:08 am

      I would love to help you, and I could use all the help I can get. Our tiny home community has been passed by zoning and Shepherdsville Kentucky. So we’re moving forward with other things such as the sewer is the big dollar.

  • Deborah Lynn Hicks
    April 7, 2022, 2:40 pm

    Hello, this is exactly what I’ve been looking into so I can stay in KY to visit my new grand daughter. I love the tiny house concept and I’ve been looking for some land to put a tiny house on. Please let me know what part of Kentucky your land is in. I’m excited to hear from you. Take care of thank you, Deborah

  • Sharon Kniola
    April 7, 2022, 5:49 pm

    Love this idea. I have been following tiny homes since their beginning talk. Would love your information on where in Kentucky and will it not have looks of campgrounds but a bit upscale. I loved camping in my younger years with kids but moved on. Please keep me informed.

  • Virgie Yazzie
    April 7, 2022, 6:22 pm

    My son has been looking for a tiny house. I am interested in getting a house for him. Please
    Contact me…

  • Yevonne
    April 8, 2022, 9:48 am

    This is a great idea. I am disabled and can’t afford a typical home, It has been a dream of mine to build a tiny home in Kentucky. My son and granddaughters live in Brooks.

  • Erica
    April 8, 2022, 6:30 pm

    I’ve read about tiny house communities in the Northwest like Seattle, northern CA & Oregon I believe. Maybe contact one for info on your next steps. I know personally I’d love to build a tiny house & live there full time. My son is grown w/a family of his own. Hubby & I don’t need much. Plus I just adore them. Congratulations to you guys.

  • Vickie Jones
    April 8, 2022, 7:19 pm

    I’m very interested! Please feel free to reach out when you have decided to open a tiny home community, thank you.

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:18 am

      We are moving forward with the Tiny House community and taking reservations so feel free to contact me

  • Florence
    April 8, 2022, 8:26 pm

    Wonderful idea I love it great job. I admire everything about it

  • Pat Lawton-Worthy
    April 8, 2022, 9:50 pm

    So totally into this amazing concept! I’m in Kalamazoo Michigan and stuck with difficult zoning but here I am with 10 acres, retired from health care and have always dreamed of a little tiny home
    “community “/neighborhood right here. I think it could be magical!

  • Janet Pierce
    April 9, 2022, 2:06 pm

    Good work. I live in Kentucky in a 320 sq ft. ‘very conventional’ tiny home…no wheels, legal, (since zoning changes here). I’ve lived here since Sept 1, 2020 and am very happy. I’ll be sharing some pictures soon. Your ‘live in while building’ was adventurous, for sure. I have a good friend in TN who has gradually added to and made her ‘shed’ into a full time living space. She started out using it as a place to have her quilting next door to her house. Her two daughters and two granddaughters live with her and she’s pretty much let them take over the main house while she added bathroom and kitchen along with a mini split and lives in her shed full time now. I enjoyed seeing your pictures. Thanks, janet pierce

  • Linda Baker
    April 9, 2022, 9:47 pm

    Wonderful conversation, this size makes it livable – hope you are able to make your dream come true

  • Lindi Turnipseed
    April 29, 2022, 11:23 am

    Interested in your Kentucky project. And would you share a floorplan of your tiny? I’d like to see your layout! Please contact me.

  • Jarret Choinski
    June 11, 2022, 1:25 pm

    I am looking for 2 bedrooms and 2 bathros
    no lofts and dog friendly in West Palm Beach FL 33411

  • Charlotte Ray
    June 23, 2022, 1:55 pm

    Looking to go tiny in Ky. What part of the state are you in?
    If it is close to where I want to be, I will be interested.
    Thanks

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:20 am

      Our tiny home community will be in Shepherdsville Kentucky if you are still interested please contact me for more information. Or if you have any other questions thank you so much

  • James Richards
    June 26, 2022, 3:29 pm

    I’m retired, single and living in KY. I want to downsize and I’m thinking “tiny” would work for me. What county are you in? I’m currently in south-central KY.

    • Linda Sue Cole
      October 17, 2022, 11:21 am

      We are in Bullitt county we’re in Shepherdsville Kentucky. Taking reservations so if you have any other questions please contact me

  • Deborah
    June 27, 2022, 5:20 am

    Why don’t you all exchange info and see about going together on some land and own rather than pay rent? If enough ppl shared the costs it would be better long term. Also the larger parcels many times are more affordable. Get enough folks together with diverse talents and share the expense. Have a community garden and bring others in over time. This is the future and there’s not enough space with these folks for all of you!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.