Dee Williams is one of the most recognized names in the tiny house movement, and her Don Vardo designs offer a beautiful alternative to traditional tiny houses. These gypsy-style caravans combine the aesthetic appeal of a tiny house on wheels with the functionality and easy mobility of a small camper.
Whether you’re looking for a writing studio, guest quarters, or a weekend getaway wagon, the vardo style offers something unique.
What is a Vardo?
Vardos are traditional horse-drawn wagons historically used by Romani people. Today, the term refers to small, ornate mobile dwellings that capture that classic caravan aesthetic. They’re a great alternative to:
- Traditional travel trailers
- Tent camping
- Teardrop campers
- Standard tiny houses on wheels
About Portland Alternative Dwellings (PAD)
PAD is a tiny house construction company based in Portland, Oregon, founded by Dee Williams and Katy Anderson. Katy is a licensed contractor with over 20 years of experience, while Dee runs Boxcar Woodcraft out of Olympia, Washington.
The organization focuses on building small spaces that are better for the environment, with all structures designed to be constructed on trailers for maximum mobility.
Common uses for PAD structures:
- Backyard office space
- Guest quarters
- Writing studios
- Retreats
- Camping trailers
Dee Williams’ Don Vardo Designs
Photo Credit: Portland Alternative Dwellings
The 8-Foot Don Vardo
The compact 8-foot version sits on a 10-foot single axle trailer and works perfectly as a writing studio or weekend travel wagon. Features include:
- Tiny kitchen area
- Writing desk space
- Convertible couch/bed
View the Don Vardo 8-Foot construction plans
The 12-Foot Vardo
The larger 12-foot version provides more space and functionality, making it suitable for longer stays or more permanent use. This version includes:
- Bathroom
- Kitchenette
- Pull-out bed
- Outside shower
View the 12-foot Vardo building plans
Dee Williams’ Famous 84 Square Foot Tiny House
Dee is most famous for “The Little House”—her 84 square foot home that has been viewed by over 20 million people through the internet, magazines, television appearances, and personal tours.
More about Dee’s tiny house journey:
- Video Tour of Dee Williams’ 84 Sq Ft Tiny House
- Dee Williams Tiny House Tour
- Dee Goes from Tiny to Tinier
Go House Go: How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels
Dee’s “Go House Go” eBook is a practical guide for anyone wanting to build a tiny house on wheels. It addresses one of the most common questions: how to properly connect a structure onto a trailer.
The guide covers:
- How to keep walls from twisting
- Moisture prevention techniques
- Common building materials list
- Floor construction
- Walls and framing
- Roofing and rafters
- Exterior finishing
Photo Credit: Portland Alternative Dwellings
Why Choose a Vardo Style?
Vardos offer several advantages over traditional tiny house designs:
- Distinctive aesthetics: The curved roof and ornate styling stand out from boxy designs
- Compact footprint: Perfect for those who want something smaller than a full tiny house
- Versatility: Works as a studio, guest space, or travel trailer
- DIY-friendly: Detailed plans make self-building accessible
- Mobile: Easy to tow with most vehicles due to lighter weight
Are you drawn to the vardo style? These charming designs prove that tiny living can be both functional and beautiful. Share your thoughts in the comments!
Note: Links to PAD products are affiliate links. Purchases help support Tiny House Talk.
This post may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
Alex
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wow this is CUTE!!!!!
Thanks Jeannie, so happy to hear from you!
YW- I wouldn’t mind seeing a longer version of the vardo (?24 ft? 18 ft?)w/ a bed downstairs for all of us old farts who don’t wanna climb a ladder to sleep in a loft…I also like the low roof/ceiling, would save on heat/keep the space very warm…hmm…I do have pics of gypsy lil houses ;0)
That would be cool. Glad you shared your ideas. Thanks Jeannie!
I really like the designs Dee Williams has come up with. The industry needs more people like Dee!
Jeannie;
In many states a 10′ wide boat and trailer can be towed during daylight hours with just a wide load sign front and back and a permit which can be had at a reasonable cost. I am thinking this might be a way to build for adequate room for seniors that don’t fancy the ladder climb. I will doodle some plans and see what happens at 10’X 18′-22′. If I find some good ones in my planning I will post them. Doing a triple axle with 10″ wheels and tires would help with height as well.
I’m interested in the unique roof on Mr. Vardo’s tiny house. Where do you find such a soft semi-circular roof? That really makes the whole design, that amazing roof. Dying to know!
Tom B.
Seattle
I would like to buy the 12 foot plans but they are not showing up and neither is the website can anyone help me with this?
Hi Syrianna- sorry about that, the links should work now- I just updated them. Try: https://www.tinyhousetalk.com/go/padvardo12
!!!!!!!!!
This is all soooooo awesome, I have been drowning in debt for goin on 8 yrs every since I got home from Afghanistan and lost everything.. I am so glad I found this, it looks like just what I need!!!!!! Thanks to all of you, Abby
Oh question how did u start with paying 10,000 to build your home when you struggle for groceries every month?
Hi Abby,
One of the great things about building a tiny house is that you don’t need to build everything right away. In fact, you can buy a little here and there, or even scavenge a lot of the materials from either Craigslist, dumpsters, home remodelers, flea markets, yard sales, estate sales, etc.
Homeowners who are remodeling may be happy to just give you things like windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures just so they won’t have to incur disposal fees. Ask around. People often have construction “leftovers” stashed away in their basement or shed–things that are too good to throw away, but are taking up space.
Next time you drive past a yard sale or garage sale, snoop for things that aren’t necessarily on sale; ask if they are willing to part with a dusty door forgotten in the corner, or unused kitchen cabinets. You’d be surprised how little you can get supplies for.
Offer to help do cleanup work or dismantling work for a remodeler in exchange for some cast-off supplies. Check the paper and Craigslist for notices of homes being demolished then inquire if you can scavenge supplies before the bulldozer gets to it.
You may need to just start gathering supplies before you get to the actual building process but don’t give up, you’ll get there.
Not specifically related to only tiny houses, but I’m going to throw out a suggestion: RJ DeCristoforo’s “Housebuilding” book is about as definitive a construction guide as I’ve ever found. Lots of helpful tips on working alone and getting things done when you have no helper. Other good resources are the online RV boards as many of the full-timers do their own maintenance and repair. Especially search out the tips on RV restorations for issues related to trailers.
Am a senior widow who wants to live in a tiny home to help me
Retire permanently. Am currently on hybrid retirement so i can pay
My mortgage but cost of maintenance is still keeping me from fully
Enjoying retirement. I have a vacant lot where i could place my tiny
House. I need a reliable and honest builder to help me build my dream home. My budget is redicoulously tight. Being a senior.
Can anybody help me? Thanks Heidi