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Grandma Builds Tiny Cottage on Daughter’s Seattle Property


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When this grandmother wanted to be closer to her daughter and her family she decided to build a 650 sq. ft. tiny cottage on their Seattle backyard which was already zoned for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

The home is designed by a Seattle architect who specializes in backyard cottages named Bruce Parker of MicroHouseNW.com.

This tiny home was tailor-made to compliment the property along with the meeting the owner’s needs just right. When you go inside you’ll find amazing views from the abundant windows along with a living area, vaulted ceilings, kitchen, bedroom, additional loft, and bathroom.

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Grandma builds a tiny home on her daughter’s property

Grandma Builds Tiny Cottage on Daughter's Seattle Property

Images © MicroHouseNW/SeattleBackyardCottage

Abundance of Windows and Modern French Door to Front Deck Beautiful Open Living Area near the Kitchen Built in Fireplace in the Open Living Area Gorgeous Modern Kitchen with a Cottage Feel and Lots of Built in Storage Closer Look at the Cottage Style Kitchen with Built-ins and Bar Stools Nice Views when Doing the Dishes View from the Bedroom Bed with Built in Drawers Bonus Space in the Upstairs Loft View to the Living Area from the Loft Simple and Modern Bathroom Another View of this Modern Tiny ADU Cottage from the Outside

Images © MicroHouseNW/SeattleBackyardCottage

Original story: http://seattlebackyardcottage.blogspot.com/2013/12/backyard-cottage-open-house-thank-you.html

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 70 comments… add one }
  • Lynnette
    October 14, 2015, 12:18 pm

    This is a gorgeous house.

  • Kim W
    October 14, 2015, 2:55 pm

    A really beautiful house, with a real staircase! Love it!

  • Jill
    October 14, 2015, 3:09 pm

    How much does it cost per square foot to build this house?

    Thanks, Jill

  • Porcsha S.
    October 14, 2015, 3:26 pm

    Very nice, a lot of space remains.

  • CharlotteMo
    October 14, 2015, 3:44 pm

    Usually I try to be nice, or not bother to comment, but I have to wonder if “Grandma” is 40 years old. My Gran couldn’t even get up the front steps. Is there another entrance (with railing) so Gran can get inside quickly in bad Seattle weather without getting soaked or slipping off the deck to her death?
    Yes, I did read the blog. Reinforcing the walls to accommodate rails in the future is a great idea, but the assumption with this plan seems to be that Gran will not ever need a wheelchair or walker?? As a short person, I notice placement from towel racks to light switches, and this place fails. Not sure where the bathroom is (the bench seat can crack a head open if you fall) but I hope they popped a few wheelies in a wheelchair to make sure Gran can turn around in that tiny bedroom. And is that doorway ADA compliant? It looks tiny in the photo.
    Overall, it’s a beautiful place, great for an art studio (lovely light) or young couple, but I’m sorry, it doesn’t look well-planned for any future issues Gran may have unless she remains on both feet. Will the ADA builders among us weigh in? Has The Cahow left the building?

    • Pat
      October 14, 2015, 3:52 pm

      Everyone ages differently. Some grans are quite spry…

      • Martha
        October 15, 2016, 2:57 pm

        You are correct that everyone ages differently. I will soon be 76, and up until about 6 months ago I’ve been extremely spry. Something is changing as I get older, and I’m no longer as steady on my feet. I recently had a grab bar installed in my tub/shower, and feel a lot better that it’s there. I live in a small mobile home but I’m starting to worry about falling and hitting my head, which can be much more serious for an older person. I first became a grandmother when I was 49i and never thought I’d have to worry about things like this.

      • October 19, 2016, 1:08 pm

        The assumption is also being made that Grandma will never have a debilitating illness. Just because she is “spry” now doesn’t mean she will always be. My hubby works in PT for the elderly and so many of his patients are stuck in homes in which they cannot function safely on their own after an illness or a fall. Beautiful space, but definitely not appropriate for aging in place.

    • Comet
      October 14, 2015, 4:49 pm

      Non an ADA designer just your basic handicapped and short person here. I was not able to go to the blog post but I too noticed the odd overhead towel bars etc. The tub and bathroom seem to be–judgeing on window placement–on the FIRST floor–so granny is gonna have to navigate those pretty but super slippery shiny steps in the middle of the night at times. And of course–then go back UP. The shower–has it no–doors? No–curtain? Both will lead to a swamp on the floor and possible slips and falls. There seem to be NO GRAB RAILS–which I thought was now illegal to NOT include. Even a completely able bodied person might be happy to have a grab bar or two or–ten on a wet slippery surface. The sink is absurd; where do you our your STUFF? Talking toothbrush and paste; soap; there is no MIRROR either! Well if there WAS a mirror there the towels would hang OVER it–who designed this place?

      The seat in the shower–seems like a good idea UNTIL you sit on it and–how DO you reach the shower hose? The water temp controls? You are at the wrong end of the thing! And water will run OFF the edge onto the floor–leading to even more flooding. (Ask me how I know this!)

      You have to wonder do these people ever THINK to pretend that THEY are handicapped before they draw these things up. Or hire an actual handicapped person to eval the designs!

      The stairs–nice to see stairs but–the stairs are narrow and slick; any one using a cane would have an issue there. There is a hand rail but only on the main part of the rise; not below on the oddly shaped steps. And no granny is going to be able to go up and down those if they have a mobility problem! BTW—if you have–or acquire a mobility issue and need to use a cane–or even a crutch-do NOT try to place the cane on the step ABOVE you when going up–put the cane on the step BELOW (the one you are starting out on) you for stability and so you are not pulling on it to proceed upwards. If you wobble–the cane is right there; not crashing down as you pull on it. This allows you to use your arms and legs to propel you upwards; not trying to grapple against gravity. Ditto going down steps–the cane should always be going to the step BELOW you.

      The rest of the pace is a bit stark for me–but thats decor not useful design—and maybe they feel that granny will simply move a bed downstairs one day.

      AS to ramps===they are a bargain with the devil. Some are angled right, most are not, some have a decent grippy surface; most do not. I would rather have a shallow step with a well anchored rail or handle (we have large barn door handles on our porch posts etc for handholds!) than most ramps. Of course not all people have that level of mobility–and when I was in a wheelchair for weeks my custom built shallow steps were just as off limits to a wheelchair and a knee walker as any others. And the longer the ramp–unless it’s a shallow angle–the worse it is. I finally came up with a two ramp design–one shallow ramp from my porch to a stack of plywood covered pallets on the ground and then another to the ground. You could turn the wheelchair or walker on the platform (we used boards to edge this and the ramps) and then go all the way down. We covered the plywood ramps with roofing shingle material for a more non-slip surface as it was winter in the North East. Was it ADA approved? Probably not. Did it WORK? Yeppers.

      • Sally
        October 14, 2015, 10:55 pm

        I suspect the owner will tire of the bench-seat waterfall fairly soon. Great idea with the ramp shingles, Comet. Do not be dismayed by others cheerily assuring you (of all people) how easy it is to adapt to disabilities if struck down. Several comments here reflect no building/engineering experience at all, particularly with constructing ramps or wheelchair maneuverability. Two degrees can make a major difference going uphill. It’s very easy to be glib when you or your child hasn’t lived it.
        You and Charlotte both noticed valid problems with the design, disabled or not. If they bothered to reinforce the walls for future use, why didn’t the architect simply incorporate other helpful features now (along with the reinforced walls) when it would have been much less expensive for the owner? (Forgive me, Cahow, I don’t mean to put you out of business.)

        • Comet
          October 15, 2015, 12:45 am

          Thank you!!! Yes I get that cheery “Oh you are soooo brave” BS alll the time. Esp when we are out on our motorcycle! (No–it was not a motorcycle accident!)

          Many people assume that we are just like them only-different. And if we would only try REAL HARD–we could do whatever they think we should be able to do. Maybe they could pray for us. No==please–don’t pray for me! Save that for the kid with cancer. Or the dad with MS. If I tried real hard maybe I could drive! Well–only if trying involved a surgeon being able to fix the leg muscle and tendon and nerve issues I developed. But–I can drive with hand controls=-=-(there is another whole story here on THAT topic)–and I can walk-with a walker—so I count myself LUCKY. Lucky I am still alive.

          As to getting around—I am again lucky that I live in a one floor house—but I have not been in my basement for 7 years–have not done my own laundry for 7 years—not as fun as it might sound!–and I fear for what it looks like down there. Using a walker–or an electric scooter cart–is-=-not always as much fun as THAT sounds either! Walkers HATE gravel and dirt. Where I live–gravel and dirt are the norm. Having to haul around a scooter that I can’t load or unload from my car and that takes up MOST of the room in the back of the car–not so much fun. Getting told I am “The worst kind of handicapped person” because when I get out of a car or am using a Mart Cart in a store you can’t TELL right away what is WRONG with me—All of this is now my norm! I laugh about it because I am that kind of person but a lot of people can’t see the humor.

          AS you can tell I am not the shy retiring type so I am kinda loud about handicapped and– by extension– elder rights and needs. Disability in the US is a joke–something like $700 a month IF you qualify–and believe me; most people DON’T qualify. And think of all the Vets our pointless little wars are bringing home–with such severe injuries that would not have been survivable in other times. The gov’t is NOT helping these people! And if a Republican gets into the White House–we will see even LESS interest and help for both Vets and the REST of us. Scary isn’t it?

      • Patti
        May 27, 2018, 9:35 pm

        Very well said! I couldn’t have said it better. 😀

        • Suzy Que
          July 21, 2019, 6:16 pm

          Comet, the “government” has no money other than that which it takes from people who earn it. Please keep that in mind whenever you hear complaints about how much help is being offered.

    • October 17, 2015, 12:27 pm

      This is a great opportunity to start the discussion about universal design. Universal design is not the same as wheel chair accessible design but a broad spectrum of ideas meant to produce environments for people both with and without disabilities. We start every project with a discussion about universal design and the best way to incorporate universal design principles for our clients. In the case of this project, and backyard cottages in general, we have a number of constraints and vying priorities with the potential to create a vibrant living environment.
      Discussions around aging and disabilities are seldom easy and not everyone wants to plan around the potential for future disabilities. We have for years hosted workshops with an in home care provider who is an amazing resource for information about our needs as we age. We call these “backyard cottages and stay at home strategies for seniors”. Last spring, we changed the title to “backyard cottages for fun and profit”. Guess what, the number of people attending tripled. The non-profit that hosts these workshops wondered what we did differently. The answer, nothing, aside from changing the tile of the workshop. For those that can and do want to plan for the potential for a future disability, the benefit is a home that will serve their needs comfortably now and into the future.
      Within the broad spectrum of universal design ideas the most basic is to provide a bathroom and bedroom on the main floor of a home. Backyard cottages are limited by size by land-use code and site constraints. A large lot in Seattle is 5,000 sq ft. and contains a primary residence, building setbacks, parking requirements, and often a slope. Just fitting in a bedroom on the main floor is not always possible. As an alternative, we often try to provide a day bed where sleeping can happen if navigating stairs becomes infeasible. Given the limits on the footprint size of backyard cottages and that the most expensive parts of the construction are the roof and foundation, we usually add second floor living space. In this instance, it is a granddaughter playroom and music room. If the owner becomes uncomfortable navigating the stairs then this bonus space becomes the sole domain of her granddaughter.
      Grab bars and surfaces enable one with impaired mobility to navigate throughout a cottage with a degree of comfort. In general, we take the approach of making things smaller rather than larger so that grab bars and supporting surfaces are always within easy reach. Unless our clients suspect that they will need the use of a wheelchair, we do not design around wheel chair accessibility. It is far more likely that one with mobility impairments will use a walker within the house and we plan accordingly. When possible, we utilize features like no threshold showers but they are often out of reach of our budgets.
      The front stairs to this cottage have created a stir. We agree that front stairs are not a good universal design feature. We spent a considerable amount of time creating an at grade deck and entry sequence into this cottage. Sadly the contractor decided he could improve on the design and save some money by raising the cottage 18”. We were able to create a nice entry sequence with a nominal slope from the garage to the cottage. Yes, the surface is crushed rock and not paved but as it often the case, we plan for a construction budget now with accommodation for future improvements that can be readily made.
      Designing backyard cottages is both fun and challenging. It is rare that people have the opportunity to design their own homes from scratch. Backyard cottages give the people the opportunity to do just that. We love the challenge inherent in designing small homes and while we recognize that universal design is good design we also recognize that not all universal design ideas are appropriate for every house. The beauty of designing your home is that you get to choose what makes the most sense for you.

      • vee
        October 18, 2015, 8:30 pm

        Thanks for the refreshing comments Bruce Parker.
        I’m just finished construction on a tiny home and everything
        you said was right on — from the architectural and structural comments, etc. We went thru all the city’s ordinances and it was not easy but we ended up with a really nice structure in a backyard
        space. The City rules were unbelievable but we survived! I now am looking so forward to moving into my very new space, which I
        was so happy to be able to design the way I wished. It will be
        my last home (if I’m able to stay for awhile). It was truly a dream
        come true. We discussed, early on, what changes if any would be needed to accommodate my future needs and all that has been
        considered. I feel very happy to have had this opportunity so
        late in my life and especially blessed to have the help from my
        family if I need help in the future. In addition, I can now enjoy
        my granddaughters every day — plus I also have baby sitters
        for my pets so I can maybe even enjoy a bit of travel in these
        my “golden years’! Thanks for your very cogent and understandable post!!

      • Signi Thorleifson
        July 26, 2019, 3:35 pm

        Exactly. Well articulated. I’ve been building renovating for 30 years, I’m now a 70 year old ‘senior’ woman. This house would suit me to a T, as I could eventually use the downstairs room for a bedroom if necessary, and the grandkids can party upstairs!! There are always retrofits available for disability issues, and at some point if mobility deteriorates too far, it just may not suit the occupant anymore. That’s life.

    • CharlotteMo
      October 18, 2015, 5:55 pm

      Well, tons of responses but I still haven’t heard from anyone in the building trade (except Bruce Parker). I couldn’t believe how many people rushed to say they were grannies and could do jumping jacks, as if I had somehow insulted them.
      Thanks to Comet, who at least has first-hand experience and took a battering on here for saying so, and Bruce Parker for his wise counsel on choosing what you label it. If only I’d referred to it as Universal Design, instead of referencing ADA, maybe the grannies wouldn’t have presumed I was wishing them a dismal future.

      • Mahomer
        July 21, 2019, 3:44 pm

        My grandma is 96, lives on her own and manages 20 heavily forested acres with orchard. She would will herself to die if you treated her as fragile as you’re expecting.

        Also to some of the ‘naysayers’ you make it sound like the bed and bath are separate floors. This house was built a number of years ago, and I think the upstairs was just for a music room.

        What’s not to love?

    • Mel
      June 10, 2019, 11:22 pm

      Dad is 91. Please don’t tell him he could not live here because he is old. He lives alone and enjoys cruising and road trips.While some age unable to live independently, many will shooo the nay sayers away. This grandma loves the place. I love a tub to soak in when the bones get cold and those steps would keep my legs healthy, longer.

    • CATHERINE ELIZABETH GUY
      February 15, 2021, 10:16 pm

      There should also be a walk-in shower, not just a tub with a high step-in. Where is the refrigerator? I wouldn’t want one of those hotel-sized small ones. Persons living alone never use everything up, and need shelf space for condiments and other items that need refrigeration, plus an adequate freezer. I also would want a dishwasher!

  • jane
    October 14, 2015, 5:22 pm

    Hi Comet,
    I understand your concerns but if you look on the architect website you will see that the bathroom is off the main bedroom. I am puzzled as to why we assume that we will all need wheelchairs later in life- and if we do then we can adapt as life changes occur.
    My Gran lived until 97 yrs old in a split level flat, my Ma lives in a typical tall narrow Victorian house with six landing! I guess one solution is to enjoy your lovely house as long as you can.I think the Granny house is wonderful and hope the occupant has many pleasurable years living there 🙂

    • Comet
      October 15, 2015, 12:03 am

      This gran of two is 56 and minus a leg and part of a foot with severe balance issues. I do not mention this to gain any ones sympathy; just to show WHY these things are of importance to ME. Your grans long healthy life is great; my great gran lived to 93 BUT with a heavy steel brace on her leg that severely limited her mobility. I am more mobile that she was for most of her latter life.

      I have had to become some what of an advocate for the handicapped—I see so many stupid “designs” that actually make it HARDER for us. Take the bath tub design here–I have stayed in several hotels where they have a similar set up—usually an over the tub “bench” that sticks out FARTHER than the tub edge and as soon as the water is turned on it starts to go OVER the tub side. The first time I used one of these–after a long non-showering vacation due to lack of proper bath seats—I flooded the bathroom AND the adjoining hotel room. Was terrified to get OUT as the floor was awash–and nothing like trying to NOT SLIP AND FALL on slick shiny WET tile flooring. I have since mostly passed on using similar set ups. In fact just last month I was on vacation and stayed at a much more upscale hotel that had a “Handicapped access” room–and they had a HUGE shower that presumably you could roll a wheelchair into or have two people and a bath seat. The flip down seat they had was SO slippery –corian perhaps?—and it was so loosely bolted to the wall that again–I passed! And the shower curtain came no wheres NEAR the actual shower pan. I am pretty used to washing my hair in sinks and giving myself a “sink bath” but not every one can stand long enough to do that. And I once had a “portable” bath seat–until one fine evening it BROKE—apparently these have a habit of doing this if you don’t CHAIN the legs together!—and dumped me on the floor of a lovely tiled shower in a hotel in PA–from which I could not get UP and the local Squad had to come and hoist me up. Not a good evening! So–there are all sorts of things that need to be thought of when designing for some one who IS or might BECOME–less able.

      • Corey
        October 15, 2015, 10:17 am

        Not everyone ages the same way. I don’t think wheel chair when I think of my grand parents or great grandparents, because they don’t use one. Same goes for a walker. Maybe you need one in your house, but I’m pretty sure this grandma doesn’t.

        • Lewis
          October 15, 2015, 12:03 pm

          Guys,

          I’m a granpa – and don’t feel decrepit at my 43 years of age 🙂

  • Luis
    October 14, 2015, 5:38 pm

    Curious on cost of this too

  • Nancy L
    October 14, 2015, 5:43 pm

    A nice little house (I would not call it tiny but it is little). I love that there is a bedroom on the main floor but it looks like you have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom which I’m not crazy about. The grandsons would love to have a sleepover at Gran’s house and sleep up in the loft and you wouldn’t have to worry about any of them falling off a ladder. Good storage area too while Gran was still mobile.

    The stairs to enter the house leave lots of room for a ramp if Gran needs it down the road. Also looks like there should be enough room for moving around with a walker or wheelchair if needed in the future.

    Obviously Gran hasn’t moved in yet as there is no frig or personal items but glad they let us see this little house and it gives some ideas for my own little dream house.
    Thanks for sharing.

    • Comet
      October 15, 2015, 12:13 am

      I don’t go along with all of the ADA rules BUT there are certain parameters that you can’t escape when you are using a wheelchair. These distances are the least room needed to TURN a wheelchair around. And if you don’t HAVE that space–you are extremely limited to what you can do. You can’t reach things in the fridge; you might not be able to reach into cabinets—how do you wash a dish? Just rolling forwards and back in a line won’t work. The key here is–Gran might be agile NOW–but as this young gran can attest-it only takes ONE false move to NOT be able bodied any more. And there are plenty of ways to design these places to not look like a nursing home and still have access and safety. Did you notice–NO grab bars in the bath? Over the head towel bars? No place to even put a toothbrush? No place to keep any bathroom needs–where does the TP go? The cleaners? Where is the mirror? If you HAD a mirror over the sink-then the towels on that over the head towel bar would hang OVER the mirror! Just a poor design for the person and age it was meant to serve. Presumably granny WANTS to age-in-place–this is not going to let her do that if she does have mobility issues down the line.

      • Nancy L
        October 15, 2015, 12:59 am

        As I said, it is obvious that the Gran hadn’t moved in yet and the house was staged for the photo shoot. No frig and no shower curtain. Also maybe this Gran only likes to take a bath, many do.
        Since there is no picture of the other side of the bathroom who can say what kind of storage is available.

        I am fully aware of the needs of a person with a disability as my Aunt spent all of her life with leg braces or in a wheel chair. The last 20 years or so in a wheel chair only.

        The Gran with this sweet little house is enjoying all of it now. Maybe she will have to make a few changes in the future. My mother-in-law is 86 and only this summer did we need to add any grab bars for her. We had to add one for my bathtub 2 years ago so who can tell. We are each different.

        You are making me sorry I even commented on this sweet little house.
        Did you even go to the Architect’s blog (original story)? There was a reason for the way this house was designed and future plans for it too.

        • Eric
          October 16, 2016, 4:01 pm

          “Did you even go to the Architect’s blog (original story)?”

          My observation is probably 90+% of people commenting on this site do NOT use the links. They also ask questions that can be answered by actually reading the articles here, but noooo, they look at the pictures and then ask questions?What the Flip?

  • Ellen Brennan
    October 14, 2015, 6:01 pm

    The bedroom is on the first floor, opposite the bathroom.
    My grannies lived into their 80’s and my aunt is 92. None use(d) a walker or wheelchair.
    Admittedly, each of us will have our own individual limitations. ADA doesn’t mean we must use 100% of options available.

    • Comet
      October 15, 2015, 12:25 am

      With respect–your relatives are the exception rather than the rule. I am 56 and minus one leg and half a foot with severe balance issues–and altho in my house I use a cane even to walk across my porch I use a walker. So—age is not the only factor.

      Some of the ADA rules are absurd; but you cannot escape the fact that turning a wheelchair on ones own is a NEED; and you need the SPACE to do so. You have to be able to turn 360* to access your kitchen and bath furnishings. In my house (built in 1977) I could barely get the wheelchair thru the bathroom and bedroom doors; I had to “back and fill” to get the chair lined up–no room to actually turn in the hall–and then reach forwards THRU the door casing and pull myself thru using the wooden sides as there was NO clearance for my hands to be ON the wheelchair guide rails! I could not turn the chair IN the bathroom so I would have to get out of it near the toilet–on ONE LEG!!!–holding onto the grab bars for dear life–and fold the thing and THEN turn it and repeat the process–backwards this time so no sight lines. At night with the wheelchair I had no room for a portapotty so I had to have the chair take up the entire space next to my bed–just in case!

      Now I use a KneeWalker that is smaller than the volume of the chair; this still needs to live next to my bed but it is much narrower and so I can get to the bathroom on it–I cannot however get past my hallway on it so of there was a fire–I would die. No–my insurance will NOT help modify my house either. Nor would they provide–on even a temp basis–ramps.

      These are the sorts of things that people with mobility issues–old or not–have to live with every day. Think of all these returning Vets who will need these sorts of mods. And NO–our Govt is NOT helping them.

  • vee
    October 14, 2015, 7:07 pm

    Another winner! Love it!!

  • vee
    October 14, 2015, 7:18 pm

    Commenting again — I am a Gran and have to say that not all “grans”
    are not mobile. Realizing that in time, that could happen — I would be sure I could adjust to the situation. Some Grans are in their 50’s! Some Grans are in their 80’s. Some Grans in their 50’s have health issues!
    Some Grans in their 80’s are still very agile, mobile, etc. It all depends on the condition of “Gran” and how long she wants to be close to her
    family and grandkids!

  • Josh
    October 14, 2015, 8:21 pm

    Nice Archetecture!

  • April Asbahr
    October 14, 2015, 8:38 pm

    If someone walked up to me and asked me which home do I dream about owning, I would say I love something about every tiny home I have observed. But it’s a tossup between this beautifully designed home and one other home that had a roof patio, with a swimming pool. I’d like to thank every person responsible for publishing info and pics of these fascinating tiny homes/cottages/containers/buses/and etc. Etc. 🙂

    • Josh
      October 15, 2015, 1:26 am

      What narrow minded comments posted here about a wonderfully designed cottage. It makes me wonder if the comments would have been different if it had been labeled Butches Man Cave. The whole point of the Timy house movement is about ones own personal choice, new concepts in living…. Many of the comments here seem to equate the word grandma with senility, failing helth… No these conditions have less to do with age and more to do with poor diet, poor physical conditioning, poor eating habits, smoking drinking to excess….

      Wow what a nice concept presented here: woman builds buiteful small home to live near/with her grand daughter, maybe her great grand kids? lets applaud how the Tiny House Movement has helped to change how we live and interact with our own family’s. Bringing us back to something that was once common. I think she will find a place for her tooth brush in this lovely home. Have a great life in your new home.

      • MARIAN
        October 15, 2015, 2:51 pm

        THIS I.S A NICE LITLE PLACE. MADE FOR HER MOTHER, TO EACH HIS OWN…..IF ANYONE DOESN’T LIKE IT THE WAY IT IS……..THEN CHANGE IT TO SUIT YOU………..BUT PLEASE QUIT DOWNING IT. THE LADY MADE IT FOR HER MOTHER. HER MOTHER IS PROUD OF IT…………NOTHING ELSE………….

      • Doris
        October 15, 2015, 8:40 pm

        I almost agreed with you about the title of the article leading us to expect something else, Josh, but now I have to ask where you got your medical degree ? Anyone in the healthcare field can assure you that it doesn’t matter how you live your life, and what splendid genetics have given you an edge, it can change in the blink of an eye.
        Then, and only then, can you begin to understand the concerns of those living with disabilities. It isn’t something I’d wish on anyone, even the ones who think disabled people should keep their mouths shut and refer to them as “negative” or “downing it” for their concerns.
        What’s that old adage, there but for the grace of God go I?

        • Patty
          November 3, 2016, 1:11 am

          Thank you! What is worse than downing the beautiful house is downing the comments made by those who have experienced debilitating effects of falls, etc.

      • Sgmaps
        July 21, 2019, 4:50 pm

        Wow Josh, did you get out of the wrong side of the bed *Butches Man Cave*. Nasty, demeaning remark.

  • Phyllis Briggs
    October 14, 2015, 8:49 pm

    Great small houses. Enjoy these designs.

  • b reynolds
    October 14, 2015, 10:06 pm

    At first glance of all the space and rooms, I thought it was very nice, spacious and a very livable home. After reading some of the negative comments, I looked at every room again. Being a “gran” myself (69 yrs young) I wouldn’t have any problem living here. My mother was 90 when she passed and she could have lived here. If you have problems with the stairs that go up to the loft (for guests I presume) don’t go up there. The bedroom and bathroom are very conveinently on the first floor. Yes it could use grab bars (so add them) and the towel bars could be lowered (so lower them) and I personally would add drapes or blinds of some kind for privacy if needed. Other than that, I think the Gran who it was built and intended for will be very happy there. I love the concept and am looking into doing the same thing, possibly on my son’s property in TN. As far as the outside, maybe a railing added to the porch would be helpful and a movable awning over the porch would be nice so as to sit outside and enjoy the rain. (one of my favorite past times).

    • vee
      October 15, 2015, 9:33 am

      I agree with B. Reynolds! (plus some of the other positive comments).
      My mom became disabled when she was 84 and we “adjusted” our living arrangements to accommodate her. Fortunately, it wasn’t all that difficult and she lived to 89. Of course, any senior (no matter how
      fit) can take a fall or become disabled somehow. I think all we
      “grans” are aware of this. I certainly am and I would simply be sure I
      could make the necessary alterations to the space before I purchased it.
      How wonderful that she can be close to her family and grandkids.
      How terrific she will have help to close in case she has an emergency.
      I say “Kudos” to the designer — I love this up-to-date and lovely little house!

  • Susanne
    October 14, 2015, 10:32 pm

    Obviously there are grandmas of different ages, and various degrees of good/poor health… And since people can’t predict the future they must consider the odds… So in this case when spending so much money it would have been wise to predict a worst case scenario and build the house in a way to meet those needs if they were to occur…
    Lovely house; I’d move in a heartbeat!

  • Sonia Ramos
    October 14, 2015, 10:42 pm

    I love it. How much?.”….?

  • October 15, 2015, 12:05 am

    I agree with ALL comments above! Great house — but, I, too thought this house was not “Granny-ish!!” I didn’t think an older person would like such ‘modern’ architecture. But kudos to Alex for posting all of these great little homes. We all love seeing them — and, I think, especially when we can contribute our controversial comments! 😉 –gv

  • MARIAN PADGETT
    October 15, 2015, 12:28 am

    WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. I AM A GREAT GRANY….. AT 82 , I AM QUITE MOBILE……..CAN TOUCH MY TOES…….KNEES STRAIGHT. DO WHAT A LOT OF YOUNGER PEOPLE CAN’T. DRIVE.. FISH.. COOK

  • Penny
    October 15, 2015, 12:40 am

    Love it. Also curious in cost.

  • MARIAN
    October 15, 2015, 12:41 am

    I AM 82, A GREAT GRANDMOTHER… I CAN DO MOST OF WHAT SOME AT 55 CAN NOT DO. I CAN STILL TOUCH MY TOES WITHOUT BENDING MY KNEES… SHOP, SWIM, FISH, TRAVEL FROM KY TO FLA. I CAN PLAY GOLF…..BUT NO ONE TO GO WITH ANYMORE…………..HAHA
    THIS LITTLE HOUSE LOOKS REALLY GOOD FOR ANYONE………..YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE YOUNG TO ENJOY A HOUSE……….OR OLD. THIS COULD BE A CABIN, ON A RIVER, LAKE. STREAM… OR EVEN ON THE GULF……………EVEN OLE PEOPLE ENJOY LIVING LIKE THIS

    WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE TEARING IT DOWN……IT IS A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE HOUSE……..ENJOY IT IF YOU CAN..

  • Broman
    October 15, 2015, 6:59 am

    This is too cool. Go grandma.

  • Kay
    October 15, 2015, 9:38 am

    Strange…if the above TH was built by a couple in their 20’s, none of the above comments would have been made. Each person decides for themselves what they want to build. And if it doesn’t suit everyone, then another place can be purchased.

  • brad
    October 16, 2015, 3:28 am

    I enjoyed viewing the pics this home. It’s stylish and obviously what the owner wanted. If it was not, she woul not have built the home.
    What I grew tired of rather quickly was the comments regarding this house. I can’t believe handicapped people think everyone wants more grab bars in their bathrooms than a nursing home. They aren’t appealing. Furthermore, I don’t understand why readers felt the need to discuss political issues as well as disability benefits! This isn’t the right venue for such topics!

    • Sally
      October 16, 2015, 6:47 pm

      Maybe we discuss political issues and design issues because it’s an open forum and we can? Some of us are not just here to look at pretty pictures and coo. Might as well get irritated at the ones who always ask “how much is it?” without regard to location, or the ones who are offended because the owner didn’t show what’s inside every cupboard.
      As for grab bars, you may not find them appealing right now, but sometimes statements like that come back to haunt you.

  • October 16, 2015, 10:01 am

    Wow!! Your tiny house is absolutely gorgeous!! When you walk through your front door you just feel like your home. It’s very inviting and it’s bright and airy those windows are just amazing!! I just can’t get over your kitchen how pretty it is. I love all your light fixtures, your vaulted ceilings. I like your hardwood floors it’s a nice shade. Your bathroom looks pretty big with the full tub. You don’t normally see a good size tub in tiny houses. I love your stairs, window seats that probably double as storage, awesome loft!! Enjoy your lovely home!! It’s really pretty!! Carol Perry

  • Nanny M.
    October 16, 2015, 7:56 pm

    “these conditions have less to do with age and more to do with poor diet, poor physical conditioning, poor eating habits, smoking drinking to excess…”
    Sorry to be the one to tell you, Josh, but disability can hit the purest, healthiest most fit and careful of us. Hope you don’t end up learning this the hard way.
    This is a lovely home, especially with all the windows maximizing the light, which can be at a premium in this area.

    • CATHERINE ELIZABETH GUY
      February 15, 2021, 10:36 pm

      Thank you, Nanny M! I am in my late 70s, and did not have any of the bad habits listed by Josh. However, I have arthritis, which runs in my family. It is especially bad in my knees, so i understand what these comments are saying. Five years ago, I walked all over Europe on repeated trips, enjoying hilly streets in Lisbon and Dubrovnik happily. Now, I question if I can ever take such trips. When my mother moved into an addition I built for her, she was not disabled, but I built in wide doorways, and one of those all-in-one piece showers with built in seats and grab bars. It pays to look ahead!

  • Mary
    October 17, 2015, 4:22 pm

    Does anyone know how much the overall cost was? I personally love the layout and look.

  • October 18, 2015, 4:42 am

    I came to comment on this house because I absolutely love it. Small is good but looking at the realities, it’d have to be on the high end, around 600 square feet similar to this one.

    I was surprised at all the negative comments. Opinions are fine but some are coming across as angry and bitter.

    I’m a grannie and I’d move into a small house such as this with no qualms at all. But just not in the backyard of my family or anyone’s family (guaranteed to shorten someone’s life for sure 😉

  • danny peto
    October 22, 2015, 3:27 pm

    Iam shure anybody that can get around on two feet wood be happy to live in that house and be close to family, and it beats the old folks home.

  • emilio murillo
    October 15, 2016, 4:26 pm

    nice house

  • Tania
    October 16, 2016, 9:02 pm

    What a beautiful home. I love the windows letting in all that natural light. The open concept living/kitchen area makes wonderful use of space. Nice space upstairs, great for when the grandchildren come for sleepovers! Nicely done!

  • jm
    October 17, 2016, 3:50 am

    Given the aging population in this country universal design’s time has come for sure. However, maybe the houses could be constructed in such a way as to allow easy and inexpensive ADA compliant modifications to the houses. They certainly would be worth more…

  • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
    October 17, 2016, 4:58 am

    Again very nice house, but again I would not call it tiny….!

  • Ronda
    October 17, 2016, 6:31 pm

    I was floored by the negative comments about this lovely little house and the “granny” who would dare to build it without thinking of all the handicapped situations that she should already be suffering or probably will in the near future. The key words in that description was that it was built to meet the owner’s needs just right. Maybe one of these days she’ll have a need for adjustments but at this time it appears this is how she wanted it.

    • Barnie
      October 21, 2016, 5:35 pm

      Amen. It’s a beautiful home, exceedingly so imo… I love it.

  • sara
    August 25, 2017, 9:25 pm

    Very nice!

  • jane
    May 27, 2018, 12:55 pm

    There is no place in the universe where 650 square feet is tiny. You really need to set a size standard and stick to it. I know families with five kids that were raised in no more space.

  • Dominick Bundy
    May 27, 2018, 1:55 pm

    Very well put together and nicely done. But I don’t see anything tiny at all about this place. way too big for being called tiny..

  • Randy Mooneyham
    July 21, 2019, 12:33 pm

    Love this, the exposed floor joists awesome great look

  • Sheila Plourde
    July 31, 2019, 11:25 pm

    This is beautiful!! Classy and very roomy. Love the bathroom, kitchen. Outside is stunning. Grandmother did a beautiful job.

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