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They Downsized from 2800sf to a 448sf Cottage


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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

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Images © 448.Life

Here’s what the house looked like when they bought it.

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 2

Images © 448.Life

They added this lovely outdoor porch!

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 3

Images © 448.Life

What a gorgeous spot to relax outdoors.

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 7

Images © 448.Life

Here’s what the living room looked like “before.”

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 12

Images © 448.Life

And after! Gorgeous.

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 11

Images © 448.Life

The kitchen started like this….

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 14

Images © 448.Life

But now it looks like this!

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 4

Images © 448.Life

The dingy bedroom “before.”

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 10

Images © 448.Life

Now it’s a lovely beachy oasis!

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 8

Images © 448.Life

How the bathroom began (lots of water damage!)

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 6

Images © 448.Life

And what it is now!

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 9

Images © 448.Life

Light and bright!

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 13

Images © 448.Life

They’re ready for anything!

From C-Suite to Seaside Tiny Cottage Renovation 5

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.”

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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.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

{ 6 comments… add one }
  • Cinna
    February 2, 2023, 8:51 am

    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

    • James D.
      February 2, 2023, 1:55 pm

      “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…

  • Christine Williams
    February 2, 2023, 8:27 pm

    Fabulous job, Stacey! Amazing how little space you actually need, isn’t it?

  • Marsha Cowan
    February 2, 2023, 9:37 pm

    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!

  • Patty Puckett
    February 2, 2023, 11:52 pm

    Lost my original comment, but I can say “well done”. Favorites are kitchen, bathroom, sun-room – well, all of it! Good job!

  • Richard Herrington
    February 3, 2023, 12:50 am

    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

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