Like so many people, the events of 2020 forced Stacey and her husband to reevaluate their priorities. The frenzied life of a c-suite executive in healthcare lead the couple to seek out a second home on the beach, where they could escape city life and get some fresh air.
But in the summer of 2022 — after buying this 448 square-foot cottage that needed a lot of TLC — Stacey was suddenly laid off, leaving them financially strapped. So they sold their 2,800 sq. ft. home and most of their belongings from their 30-year marriage and moved into the tiny cottage permanently! You can read all about the journey on Stacey’s blog, but first, enjoy a photo tour of their renovation work.
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Surviving a Layoff and Going Tiny
Images © 448.Life
Here’s what the house looked like when they bought it.
Images © 448.Life
They added this lovely outdoor porch!
Images © 448.Life
What a gorgeous spot to relax outdoors.
Images © 448.Life
Here’s what the living room looked like “before.”
Images © 448.Life
And after! Gorgeous.
Images © 448.Life
The kitchen started like this….
Images © 448.Life
But now it looks like this!
Images © 448.Life
The dingy bedroom “before.”
Images © 448.Life
Now it’s a lovely beachy oasis!
Images © 448.Life
How the bathroom began (lots of water damage!)
Images © 448.Life
And what it is now!
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Light and bright!
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They’re ready for anything!
Images © 448.Life
About Stacey:
This is my story as I have evolved from the C-suite to the seaside. I hope to explain all the steps that my husband and I took to pare our lives down in order to fit into our tiny 448 square foot beach cottage. We went from three bedrooms and four baths in 2800 square foot house with a three car garage, to a one bedroom one bath house with a small yard and no storage or garage. I learned so many tricks and secrets to simplify our stuff yet feel richer than ever. This process also got me over the shock of being laid-off from my “forever” job, and let me appreciate how big my life can be. Thank you for reading, and please comment as you feel fit. I give all the credit for this blog to my wonderful “techie” husband, and to our little “cottage that could.”
Learn more:
Related stories:
- Life in their 372-sq.-ft. Tiny Cottage in the Woods
- Her Amazing, One-of-a-Kind Mermaid Cottage
- 915 Sq Ft Cottage Renovation in Germany
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Natalie C. McKee
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Hi Stacey,
I am in awe of your tiny home build! I am facing a situation where I may have to sell my home, as I was suddenly plunged into retirement due to an orthopedic issue. I would love to know how you sold your home furnishings as I am not having much luck with a local blog. Also, do you own the land under your tiny home, or do you pay space rent? I am doing my due diligence to find a wonderful place to live as well.
Thank you in advance,
Cinna
“Also, do you own the land under your tiny home, or do you pay space rent?”
They own it, it’s a beach house property…
Fabulous job, Stacey! Amazing how little space you actually need, isn’t it?
I am blown away impressed! I’ve never seen such a beautiful transformation of a home. You’ve done a great job and have a lovely, warm, inviting home. I’m so happy for you! Enjoy!
Lost my original comment, but I can say “well done”. Favorites are kitchen, bathroom, sun-room – well, all of it! Good job!
You did a fantastic job remodeling this house and adding the screened porch. I hope both of you are very happy living there and do well financially in the coming years. Wishing you both the very best. U.S. Army, (ret) TX