Discover the inspiring journey of Deanna Beesley, who, alongside her retired father, turned her dream of mountain living into reality by building a cozy tiny cabin in the woods.
Balancing a demanding work schedule with a passion for craftsmanship, Deanna, her father, and contractors worked to build her dream tiny cabin. Join us as we explore their incredible mountainside dream turned into reality!
Don’t miss other interesting tiny homes – join our FREE Tiny House Newsletter!
Rustic Cabin Nestled in the Pines: A Cozy Retreat
Images via Deanna Beesley
The Dream Cabin
Deanna’s journey began a few years ago when she purchased her dream cabin nestled in the beautiful mountains of Colorado. With its charming rustic exterior and breathtaking views, this cabin was everything she had hoped for. But Deanna didn’t stop there. With a vision of creating a cozy getaway for her family, she embarked on an even more ambitious project—building a tiny house to live in while renting out the larger home on the property as an Airbnb.
Elevated Entryway with Natural Stone Landscaping
Natural stone landscaping and cozy outdoor lighting highlight the cabin’s inviting entryway. The elevation and sturdy stone steps create a welcoming atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Images via Deanna Beesley
A Serene Woodland Getaway
This picturesque cabin offers privacy and comfort in a serene woodland setting.
Images via Deanna Beesley
Interior Comfort: Where Rustic Meets Modern
The mix of rustic charm and modern convenience is evident inside the cabin. High ceilings, natural wood elements, and a cozy workspace create an environment perfect for relaxation and productivity.
Images via Deanna Beesley
Building the Tiny House: A Labor of Love
The decision to build a tiny house came two years after purchasing the cabin, and it wasn’t made lightly. By 2016, Deanna was already working more than 60 hours a week. But in 2020, with the tiny house project on the horizon, her workload soared to 90 hours a week. Balancing her work and the build was no easy feat, but Deanna was determined to create something unique.
The tiny house build was no small investment either. Deanna estimates she spent over $120,000 on the project. She enlisted the help of Colorado Custom Sheds to construct the exterior “dry-in” phase, ensuring the structure was weatherproof and ready for the next steps. But the work didn’t stop there.
To complete the tiny house, Deanna hired a team of subcontractors and brought in her retired father to help with essential tasks like plumbing, electrical work, drywall, and carpentry.
Craftsmanship in Progress: Building the Heart of the Home
This is a peek into the ongoing craftsmanship inside the cabin, where careful attention to detail turns this space into a cozy and functional living area.
Images via Deanna Beesley
Sunset over the Cabin: Nature’s Evening Show
The sky is painted in vibrant hues as the sun sets, casting a warm glow over the cabin. This spectacular view is just one of the many natural wonders that make this retreat special.
Images via Deanna Beesley
A Work in Progress: Cabin Exterior Takes Shape
The cabin’s exterior comes to life with fresh wood siding and a sturdy design. Once completed, this new construction promises to be a cozy and inviting space that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Images via Deanna Beesley
Framing the Future: Laying the Foundation of a Dream Cabin
The skeletal framework of the cabin represents the first steps toward realizing a cozy little mountain cabin. This phase captures the essence of building a home from the ground up.
Images via Deanna Beesley
Rustic Cabin Interior: Where Structure Meets Comfort
The interior of this cabin is designed with rustic charm in mind, featuring exposed wooden beams and loft space. The simple, open layout allows for a cozy living area, soon to be filled with warmth and character.
Images via Deanna Beesley
Finishing Touches: Preparing the Cabin for Its Final Look
The cabin is nearly complete, with its roof in place and walls wrapped for protection. Soon, this structure will transform into a warm and welcoming home nestled perfectly in the mountains.
Images via Deanna Beesley
A Rustic Retreat for Family and Friends
Deanna’s vision for her tiny house was clear from the start—she wanted a rustic mountain retreat where her family could come together and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Living the Dream
Deanna lives in her tiny house today, enjoying the fruits of her daily labor. Meanwhile, the larger cabin on the property is a popular Airbnb, allowing guests to experience the magic of mountain living.
Join Deanna on Her Journey
Deanna’s story is a powerful reminder that anything is possible with determination and a clear vision.
You can learn more about Deanna and her work by visiting her website at www.deannabeesley.com. You can also follow her adventures on Instagram at @photogdeanna and explore her journey with Young Living.
Highlights
- Deanna bought her dream cabin nestled in the Colorado mountains, setting the stage for her future tiny cabin.
- Two years after purchasing the cabin, Deanna built a tiny house to live in while renting out the main cabin as an Airbnb.
- Deanna managed a demanding work schedule, increasing from 60 to 90 hours weekly in 2020 to finance the tiny house build.
- She invested over $120,000 into the tiny house project.
- Deanna hired Colorado Custom Sheds for the “dry-in” phase and worked with subcontractors and her retired father to complete the interior.
- The tiny house was designed as a rustic mountain retreat where Deanna and her family can enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Deanna now lives in the tiny house, while the large cabin on the property is an Airbnb for guests seeking a peaceful escape.
Learn more
- https://www.deannabeesley.com/about
- https://www.instagram.com/photogdeanna
- https://www.youngliving.com/us/en?enrollerid=3489057
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1142791476629218915
Related stories
- Brothers & Dad Build Off-Grid Cabin in the Woods
- Dad Builds Son Nearly-Free Pallet Cabin
- Mom’s $25K Tiny House with Plans for a Larger Cabin
- Single Dad’s Skoolie in Christchurch NZ
Our big thanks to Deanna for sharing!
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!
Explore More: Tiny Houses | Builders | THOWs | Park Model Tiny Houses | Communities | Modern Tiny Houses | Real Estate | Reviews | Tiny Cabins | Tiny Cottages | Tiny Homes With No Lofts | Tiny House Interiors | Tiny House Living | Tiny Houses For Sale | Tiny Houses For Rent
The Latest: Go Back Home to See Our Latest Tiny Houses
This post may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
Alex
Latest posts by Alex (see all)
- Custom Built 7×14 Cargo Trailer CAMPER Tour - May 20, 2026
- Living Full-Time in a Tesla Model X - May 20, 2026
- Tiny House Communities in Georgia: Where to Live Small in the Peach State - May 20, 2026