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This is the story of a family of four’s 267-square-foot tiny home. Have you ever wondered if a tiny house could be enough for a family as a long-term solution?
Meet the Kasl family. Below is just a little of what they have to say about living tiny as a family then you can read the complete original story and watch a video with them below.
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Family of 4 Living in Cozy 207 Sq. Ft. Tiny House on Wheels
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/family-4-tiny-house.jpg)
Images © Kim Kasl
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-01.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-02.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-03.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-04.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-05.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-06.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-07.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-08.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-09.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-010.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-011.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-012.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-013.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-014.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-015.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-016.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-017.jpg)
![Family of four's 207-square-foot tiny home - Image © Kim Kasl](https://tinyhousetalk.com/wp-content/uploads/tiny-house-family-of-4-018.jpg)
Images © Kim Kasl
Video: Tiny Kasl Family on Tiny House Nation
Original story: Yes! Magazine
Could you do it? Or do you think your family would outgrow the tiny house too fast for it to even be worth doing? Is a tiny house like this too small for a family with growing children?
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Alex
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” I went ice fishing in houses bigger than that and three days were enough!” LOL
Ah, you gotta love Minnie-soh-tans, yah? The house MUST be warm and cozy as the actual temperature was -5 degrees when this was shot.
Well, good for them, I say. If this is what they want to do and how they want to live, I applaud them. Not for me, but then, I’m not them.
I do wonder, though, just HOW much fun stooping or crawling to their twin beds will become when the very young children approach their teens? But, that’s a decision made years from now.
Was the 1st video part of a TV show? It had all the trappings of one of those “Surprise!” reality TV shows, especially when the wife kept yelling, “The Light! The plates!” It appeared that the house “set up” was an unveiling event.
Yes, it was on an episode of Tiny House Nation. The homeowner wants to go tiny, and the show comes to help build them a personalized tiny house. It airs on Monday nights.
Thank you, Sara. The first video now makes far more sense to me.
Lisa E. –a 2nd house for the parents once the kids turn into teens is a brilliant idea! Hope that the parents read your comment. 😀
Tiny House Nation…. My favorite TV show.
Will have to get a larger Tiny House when the kids get older . . .or a second one, I am sure, but live for NOW and enjoy!
Why not help each of their kids build their own tiny home once they become teenagers? That’s what I hope to do.
I have watched this TH come together from the beginning. I call it “The house that Uncle Pat built,” and it’s wonderful to see how homey it has become. The kids’ room looks great and they must love the round window; what an adventure! If it were me, I just plan to build another one next door and have the parents move into it; one of the kids could take over the parent’s old bedroom and one could stay with the round window room, while the parents’ new TH would be configured for retirement living.
That’s the plan exactly, Lisa! 🙂
Connecting porch, possibly screened in, provide a second set of stairs for more separation, maybe we can even figure out how to put another awesome window in the other bedroom. That gives us a Master Bedroom Tiny House, right!? 🙂
Thanks for your nice words! I love “The house that Uncle Pat built!”
You’re so very kind!
That is really cute!
Wow! Lots of haters…what happened to live and let live? What this family is doing is great. Sure they can have nicer “things” but it is appearent they would like nicer children. The world needs more of that! I cannot wait to join them in the tiny house movement! My build is underway, but a pressing question I have is how to keep pipes from freezing? I am also in the north and that is a big concern moving forward.
Hmmm. I don’t know if this would work for you or not – but it did for me for many years when I was living in Kansas City, MO:
There is a product you can wrap around your pipes and plug in in the winter. Essentially electrified tape that warms your pipes so they don’t freeze. They work on both incoming and outgoing pipes.
I don’t see why they wouldn’t work for a tiny house with exposed pipes any worse than they did in my 1880’s house whose kitchen was a converted porch with the pipes inside an exterior wall. With holes in the wall. Which weren’t airtight. It got downright frigid in that kitchen in the winter – and my pipes didn’t freeze once I had found that tape.
Just a thought.
It’s been a l-o-n-g time, but I remember heat tape. For the first eight years after college, and the first three after marriage, I lived in mobile homes, and heat tape was essential to keep pipes from freezing. Two Crows, I was in Springfield, not KC, but we had *cold* winters in the 70s and early 80s.
Andrea Francine, check out a mobile home supply store, if there’s one near you. Otherwise, you can ask at your nearest mobile home dealer, which is where I found the heat tape I needed. Whatever you do, though, DON’T do the dumb thing I did…”Hmmm…what’s this plug for? I need the outlet, so I’ll unplug it…” On a cold winter night. Needless to say, I found out what that plug was for, and fortunately, the pipes didn’t burst.
If you build your pipes into the back of say your kitchen and/or your couch and built-ins storage places, they are out of site, but not in danger of freezing, as they are still inside.
Plumb everything indoors. That way your pipes and water stay above freezing. I would use pex as insurance… I’ve been told it swells to twice it’s size if it freezes, but doesn’t burst like pvc. When I finally get around to replumbing my cabin and building my THOW, I’m going that route.
What a wonderful tiny house. A lot of thought went into all of the different aspects of the design. The important part is that the family is happy with it. Financially, it’s a winner allowing them to pay off their debts and still be able to live comfortably – and to be able to home school the children. That right there is worth it.
IMO, this couple has their priorities straight. Not for everyone, but right for them.
This is so amazing. It has always been an issue for me as we have a child in the family. . . this one actually looks feasible – AND, I love the bath/shower – because that’s what I need – a good soaking place!
Thanks Jen I’m glad you enjoyed it too!
Can anyone tell me what the skirting is under the outside edge of the trailer?
I tried to comment yesterday but Foxfire closed down on me! I love what this family has done and appreciate the comments made by others. I love the way they love it and the joy that the children displayed. How great to have parents who are concerned with things that matter.
This house is not my style – but I love that it is theirs and they are so happy with it. The bathroom shower/tiny tub is wonderful. It appears that kids can bath and adults can soak their feet. The large sink in the kitchen – the full sized kitchen with an eye to cooking healthy meals – everything so well thought out for this family’s use. The number of times that ‘love’ appears in this post is very redundant – no other word can describe how I felt when I saw the kids crawling to their space – what a great idea to connect the 2 sleeping spaces.
The emphasis on books and reading to the children also appealed to me. Electronic devices used by people sitting near or even next to each other is not my idea of family togetherness.
No matter what they decide to do about space in the future, it seems clear that they will make their choice based on what is best for their family, and not what popular culture dictates. Do they care that stainless steel is going out of favor with designers, or that certain colors are more in fashion than they once were? I think not!!!
Why is staring at paper more “family togetherness” than staring at a electronic screen? What if it’s a electronic reader?
I don’t see any comfortable seating in the living area – just two small benches. Where do they sit when they want to kick back and relax? They have to go to bed?
Sorry to be so blunt – but I bet that house absolutely REEKS whenever somebody takes a dump.
How long is this TH? They always state the total sq footage, but, don’t indicate if this includes the two lofts. I would rather have the length X width and the sq footage, including the sq footage of the lofts. I love the idea of using the entire height of the house. I don’t like it when most THs only have one loft and the rest of the house looks so closed in because they go for a sharper pitch to the roof, rather than a more shallow roof pitch and more usable space in two lofts like this that you can actually use.
I absoluately agree about the roof pitch. I see it explained the the sharper slope is due to it being “traditional” on a house. This design makes so much more sense to me.
Glad to see another family make the TINY move. I have a family of four also and have been pondering the possibilities. There are a lot of options with this house. It may still be a little too small for me with a teen girl and a preteen boy, but as I said, there are always options. Spock said it also.
I love the house and I admire them for moving with their dreams when the kids get older they will figure it out
I want a followup interview with these folks in 10 years and in 15 years. Teenagers will not be able to fit in this house, so maybe they’ll build a separate tiny house for them later on?
I totally think if I lived in NM or AZ or maybe SoCAL if on some acreage, I would built 1 tiny house for LIVING (8′ x 14′ maybe). Possibly a 1/2 bath and sofa/tv area with a sleeping loft for family or guests. Then I’d build a secondary tiny house, the same size with just the kitchen, bath and dining area. This would also have a sleeping loft for more guests or family members. Then I’d build a third tiny house for the Master Bedroom. This would just be a big bed and a big closet.
The three tiny houses, while more expenisve per square foot than a normal house would be parked close with a deck or patio to connect them all, but you’d only need to heat and cool things that were important, such as to keep water from freezing in the winter, but otherwise, they would all be independantly operated as far as HV/AC is concerned. Then during the good parts of the year when only fans are needed, the windows could all be open. the three units added together would only be about 336 sq. ft. (if the same size trailers were used) and you could sleep a minimum of 6 people on queen or king-sized beds. This would still be considered TINY living at that.
Some of you may be wondering about having to go to a different trailer for the restroom, because of the advancement of composting toilets, you could simply put one of these in each in a tiny closet in the corner. In AZ and NM, a good portion of the year you could use an outhouse or outdoor shower because of the climate. This won’t work in other areas, but for those who love outdoor living, this would be so much fun and would really give you lots more living space when you include the outdoor patio areas. Hmmmmm I may design something like this for others to see. ….. one day.
Just a thought.
Our family has moved into a tiny house (albeit about twice the size of the Kasls’), and we frequently are asked about what will happen when the kids grow up. I have thought about this a bit and would like to hear others’ views.
First, I agree with the Kasls, that there is always the option of the kids helping to build their own tiny house once they become teenagers or building a separate building for the parents to move into as the family grows. I prefer the kids building their own and being able to take it with them when they move out.
However, that this is a problem that appears to stem from imagining kids raised in tiny houses growing up with similar values to those in a larger home. If a child grows up with a small space as the norm, I think that kid would be more likely to be comfortable in smaller spaces and with reduced privacy. I imagine that my kids will not be as space hungry as most, but then again, I guess time will have to tell.
Does anyone have experience with their kids growing into teenagers in a tiny house who can speak to this from their own experience?
My daughter, Jessica, wants me to add that one of the great things with living small is that chores are soooo much easier to finish because there is so much less needing to be done in a tiny house. Keeping a 7 x 10 room clean is pretty easy, especially when it is shared with a twin sister who can help!
A good question William. I used to live in a 2,000 sq ft, 4 bedroom house with my ex. I currently live in 860 sq ft, 3 bedroom house. The bigger house had a large kitchen/diner room for sofa and 2 sitting rooms. My present house has one living room that is 12′ x 17′ and a kitchen of 10′ each way. Obviously a lot smaller, though way bigger than many homes featured here.
The insight I got from my older children – now adults – is that my current home is better. The eldest shared a good double room with my third child who is ten years younger, the other had a small bedroom only a third of the size they enjoyed at their father’s.
At their father’s they used their phones to text each other as they were spread too far to talk. At my house, everything happens in the living room so we were all close together and they much prefer that. Only one tv with me. We don’t fight, we discuss what to watch and what to play when the tv is used for gaming. Even though my older two have left home now and I have the small bedroom as an art studio (hurrah!), the old way of being together continues. They both like the idea of sharing a home with others rather than being in a flat on their own too.
I found that personal space is easily designated by personal use – bed and storage. Recognition of each others moods and needs and the necessary mutual consideration for good cohabitation have led to comments on a mature attitude by all their teachers. At least, I believe that is the root of it. Having a small, private bedroom is great. Being separated from each other by current ideals of excessive space is detrimental to sociability. Whatever the size of our homes, we need to have a balanced way of living in them.
William-
While our family still has a large home, we also have a 480 square foot recreation condo which my husband & I will live in full time following retirement. In the meantime our family spends as much time there as we possibly can given the very busy schedules of our 15 year old son and 13 year old daughter. They absolutely love the tiny space because we are all closer together. I don’t know why everyone assumes teens need/want lots of space!
When the kids were small, we designated one bedroom as their playroom, complete with all their toys and even an entrance to a secret room under the stairs. Too cool, right!?! They never played in there. Instead, they’d haul their toys out to wherever we were and play there. Funny…but they do the same now. Their favorite place to do homework is in the living room sprawled out in front of the fire – and THEY’RE the ones who enforce family movie night. Maybe my kids are weird? If so, then that’s’ great!!
We have talked about moving up there prior to the kids graduating but it is over an hour away from their current school so commuting would be almost impossible – especially in our Eastern Washington winters, and they are so entrenched in their current situations that I couldn’t tear them away if I tried. We have a lot of equity in our current home & that’s the bulk of our retirement nest egg so depleting it by tens of thousands of dollars in realtor fees and taxes doesn’t make sense now. I guess we’ll just keep escaping to our tiny whenever we can!
Nice! Were did you get your tub and toilet?
wanted: A log cabin barn double loft 2 bed 1 and 1/2 bath rv park home. that is a rent to own. You can call me at 208 620-1637. I live in CDA, ID. There are 5 now in our family soon to be 6. Home will be placed in a rv park. I need it asap. can any body help?
How much?
I just sold my 860 sq ft house high on a mountain in Colorado. I think I can go smaller, but 600 sq ft would be about my minimum. I cant imagine this size home for 4 people. Good luck guys!
It’s a strange thing to me for someone to live with absolutely zero privacy. No conversation, no farting, no sex, nothing you do is ever just yours. No company can come over for dinner, no friends over for the kids if the weather prevents them from going outside, no family dinners around the table (I haven’t even figured out where they actually eat. The floor?)
I literally got tense just looking at the photos of how cramped this is (I mean, not even being able to stand up in the ‘loft’?), and the thought of FOUR people sharing this space is mind-boggling and I lived in a studio apartment in Manhattan for three years, so I understand small!
More power to you, glad it works for you for now.
Alex…been following your TH design competition for 8×12 TH’s
And I think you should have one for 8 x 20′ or 24′ +.
I think many people building the smaller Tiny Homes will burn out
And we will see many for sale in the future. You may have seen my comments in the past to your blogs about the need for a place in the TH’s for relaxing, TV etc, more than just a wood bench with pillows in a corner….A 20’+ is more realistic for creature comfort, and can incorporate all of the needs nessisary to sustain sanity, living in a small
Space..
I have bought an old 40′ 80’s trailer…and will use the last 7 feet on the back as an outside deck with an inside loft above for storage, extra bedroom,etc. You might remember I commented that I will find room for my 60″ flatscreen, Lol……Thoughts?
If people were not so self-indulgent and greedy, they could put their hearts and a few dollars together and “t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r” eradicate homelessness and so many problems that go with it; for those suffering through it. During his ministry Jesus had no “place” in which to lay his head at night; because, he was out teaching others to do this very thing in showing love for fellowmen. One doesn’t have to have a mansion to survive; only shelter from cold, rain, sleet, storms and hail. Think of the sickness that could be avoided for these people by just providing such shelter for them.
I love this. What a great way to enjoy your family and let go of things, things, things…Hey when the kids get older just build another micro bedroom unit!
Im disabled and I dont have much. We have been looking for something we can live in here in NV. Our county requires one built 1985 or newer if its a manufactured house. Can someone help us out.
Steve, as of 5/2016, RVs have no code. Since the Kasl home has wheels, codes don’t apply. Simple might be better.
This is one of my favorite tiny houses, maybe because it does accommodate a family, and because it does it so well. In the midst of all that organization is beauty and charm, so important to tiny house living. The exterior is unique and beautiful, especially the way the low pitch was handled. It gives it a Victorian look. Very nice!
I really liked the TH and the outside and inside. I have been viewing and writing down the ideas I have liked for quite awhile now. I liked the color scheme and the double loft and it appears to be connected( like that idea). I have already told my kids this is my retirement plan. I don’t want to spend my retirement years cleaning and everything will have its place. I plan to start my own THOW when my daughter is in HS. I wish this family the best of luck and happiness in their THOW. We all have our priorities and I applaud them.
The tile work in the shower is totally awesome.
Adina Hirschman, since this has wheels, your NJ codes don’t need to be passed! RVs are the future, now!
10000 sq feet would’nt be enough to get me to live with 2 kids…much kess this box.
Do we really need to know that about you kas? How negative. Maybe you should rant on a different site. I think the house is great and good luck to them.
BRAVO! Just love this THOW! I can imagine just how much fun the kids have living in this cozy home. Three thumbs up!
I would love to see an update from this family three years later, especially about whether or not their kids are still quite as enchanted with their tiny space as they were when they first moved into the house. We live in our own small home with two kids, and it’s not always easy for my preschooler to understand why our house is so much smaller than everyone else’s.
Love that little tub. I only 5 ft tall, so it’s just perfect for a small soak.