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She Built a Tiny House After Divorce And Raising Her Children (Interview and Tour)


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This is Michelle’s Pawsitively Tiny House near Columbus, Ohio. She just sent us some new pictures in response to some reader requests.

Michelle went tiny after spending a year living in a boat in New York City! Her small space allows her to spend time with family and do what she loves — rescuing and caring for animals. Read our interview with her below the pictures!

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Michele’s Pawsitively Tiny House – Built for Independence and Freedom After a Divorce

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

She built the tiny house herself, with no blueprints.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Her total material costs were about $11,000 back when she built it.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Inside the tiny house is decorated much like any other ordinary home.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

It’s nice that there is an actual staircase to the sleeping loft, making it safer to get up and down.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

The staircase is built to meet this cabinet and shelf. It’s a pretty smart way to do it in a tiny house!

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Function and more function. That’s the way of the tiny. 🙂

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Her tiny house even has a beautiful chandelier.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

It’s easy to feel at home with decor like this.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

What’s your favorite part about her tiny house so far?

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

The idea for a tiny house came when she started watching them on TV.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Being that her four children are grown and on their own, and that she got a divorce in 2014, she decided it was time to go tiny.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

So in 2015 Michelle bought a 16-ft. camper and tore it down to the bare frame to prepare to build this wonderful tiny home that you are seeing here.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Related: DIY Tiny House Couple Now Saving More Than Half Their Income! (Interview and Tiny House Tour)

She started the project on her ex-husband’s driveway.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

It took about a year and a half until she was finished.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

In the interview below, Michelle admits that there are challenges with her tiny house.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

She describes there not really being enough space inside for her granddaughter to play.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

There are also other challenges, like living with a dog and several cats in a tight space, and them not having the space to run around inside.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Finding the land to park and live was the biggest challenge, but she was able to secure an acre of land for herself on a 300-acre farm.

She Built a Tiny House After Divorce

Related: Interview with Neha about her Tranquil Taos Tiny House

Interview with Michelle:

How many people are living in your tiny house?

I am living in my home alone, but I share it with a Boxer and 6 rescue cats.

Where do you live?

I live on an acre of land in Beloit Ohio about an hour east of Cleveland Ohio

Why did you decide to go tiny? What are you hoping to get out of living tiny?

I decided to go tiny after living on a boat in NYC for a year. My 4 children are adults and live on their own, and I got a divorce in 2014. By living tiny with very little expenses, I am able to pursue my passion for rescuing animals and working in a non-profit animal shelter.

How did you first learn about tiny houses?

By watching the TV shows

When did you officially start your tiny house?

I started the build in August of 2015. I bought a 16-foot camper and tore it down to the bare frame.

Is your house completed? How long did it take to finish it?

The house is about 95% completed. I need to finish up a little bit of molding and finish painting the loft. I currently have a composting toilet but plan on installing a flush toilet in the summer. It took me about 1 ½ years to complete.

How did you build your tiny house? Did you have any help? Did you do it yourselves?

I built the house with the help of my ex-husband in his driveway. He helped me complete the outer shell, but I have completed the inside, windows and outside deck and siding myself. I lived in just an empty shell for a few months and designed around what was important to me. I built a L shaped window seat for seating for 4 or most of the time just me and my dog. I also built a china cabinet to display my mom’s antique china which is very important to me.

How did you find a place to park and live in your tiny house?

I found the empty lot on Craigslist. It had a mobile home on it that was torn down. It is part of a 300-acre farm, that the owner separated. It had electric, water and septic already installed. I have an acre which I planted a large garden last year, and this spring I will complete the chicken coop and goat house and put up the fencing. I also plan on having a storage shed moved to the property to open up my own animal rescue, which will probably be bigger than the tiny house. I have no intention of moving the house. Finding a place to put the house was my biggest challenge.

Before going tiny, what was life like?

I lived on a boat for a year and the transition was easy going tiny. I raised 4 children as a single mom and worked 2 jobs just to pay the bills and live in a big house. By living tiny I can do what I want, not what I have to.

What benefits are you experiencing after going tiny?

Working less, relaxing more, visiting family more, pursuing my love of animals and devoting my time to rescue them.

What about some challenges?

I would love to be able to babysit my granddaughter but she is almost 2 and there is not enough space for her to explore. My biggest challenge was finding a place to put my litter box for the cats. It is currently in my shower, which works out. Also living with a large dog and 6 cats in a tiny space you deal with little paw prints everywhere when they come in from outside with mud on their little feet.

What helpful advice would you give to others interested in going tiny?

Live in a tiny house before jumping in. Know what is important to you space wise, and where you will spend most of your time. I built a lot of built-ins to display my collection of things I was just not willing to do without. Personalize the space for yourself.

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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.
{ 135 comments… add one }
  • ROSEE
    February 22, 2017, 5:08 pm

    WOW! This TH is so adorable! Don’t know whether to call it an English style or East Coast cottage?! Either way, it’s lovely both outside and inside. Thanks for sharing.

  • Rose
    February 22, 2017, 5:24 pm

    Such a sweet house. I love the shabby chic style and all of the custom display space she’s built. It’s my dream to one day own a feminine tiny house and share it with pets, so this story really made me smile.

  • jon bon
    February 22, 2017, 5:30 pm

    Wow! Just when I thought TH’s were going generic! Lovely and richly personal. Fantastic details. Like a magical Victorian cottage! Thank you for sharing!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:32 am

      I loving seeing something unique!

  • Sondra
    February 22, 2017, 5:38 pm

    Love the outside it’s adorable inside a little cluttered for my tastes but looks good in general !

  • Claude
    February 22, 2017, 5:52 pm

    There is no waste of space anywhere. How do reach the stairs to the loft, by climbing on the cabinet? Love the fireplace.

  • Wendy
    February 22, 2017, 5:52 pm

    I prefer a modern clean-lined style but I fully appreciate how adorable, cozy, and personalized this little home is. It looks like such a lovely place to live. I love the fact that this little home has made it possible for this woman to rescue animals. I wonder if there are more stories of people doing great things in the world because they decided to live tiny.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:30 am

      I bet there are Wendy!

  • Paul Larsen
    February 22, 2017, 6:19 pm

    I love the Victorian styling! Great design and love the look of the light colours. It has a nice calming effect to it. A loft with a real stairs and railings too??? Like how awesome is that? Even loft disliker me could get use to that. I suspect the lower part of the stairs ( not shown in any of the pictures) is between the cupboards and the top of a cupboard is like a landing?

    • Holly Phillips
      March 4, 2019, 7:41 am

      Note how she has two steps from the ground (under which one is a bookshelf) and then she turns her back to the window and goes up… cleverly using rhe built in cupboard as the landing for her stairs to perch on

  • Emily c.
    February 22, 2017, 6:29 pm

    This has to be the cutest little shabby chic tiny home! She managed to put a lot of her treasures in such a small space. Really love the little fire place. I wish they had posted more pictures. I would have loved to see what she did with the loft and how the stairs work. I think there are steps next to the dresser that you climb first than turn. Great idea building the stairs into the dresser.

    • michele wilson
      March 14, 2017, 11:53 am

      Emily I sent more pics in showing the staircase as so many readers were interested, so take another look

  • kathleen veltsos
    February 22, 2017, 6:36 pm

    You have made this into a beautiful home. Cozy and sweet.

  • Shirley Henderson
    February 22, 2017, 6:56 pm

    Oh my goodness….My such a girl is on overload.. Your little house is so girly and precious. What a great job you did…I love every nook and crannie…Thank you for sharing.

  • Lisa E.
    February 22, 2017, 6:59 pm

    I’m going to ad to the echo chamber: “Wow!” This is totally fabulous. So homey and cozy; I’m just loving every inch of this THOW. I envy the owner having such a beautiful place to live! Enjoy!!! 😀

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:25 am

      🙂 Yay!

  • keepyourpower
    February 22, 2017, 7:38 pm

    What do you cook on? How do you bake?

    • michele wilson
      February 24, 2017, 10:46 am

      At the end of the kitchen counter I have a built in that has my fridge, induction cooktop, microwave and toaster oven. It is perfect for cooking for one, and any time I have family out, we always barbq outside.

  • C.F.
    February 22, 2017, 7:41 pm

    I’d love to see the entry to the stairs. Looks like there may be a couple of steps to the right of the cabinet, then a small landing (top of the cabinet) to continue upwards. Adorable.

  • tegmapat
    February 22, 2017, 8:41 pm

    This is one of the most adorable tiny homes I’ve ever seen. It’s a little too shabby chic for me, but I think it’s wonderful that you made it the kind of home you enjoy, with all that’s important to you. It looks like you have quite a bit of storage, but I don’t see a bathroom. Is it a side bath like in a little travel camper? I loved your story…. so many of us single women can relate to your experience. Enjoy your home and also the work you do with animals!

    • oxide
      February 24, 2017, 8:17 am

      Yes, there’s a bathroom that I think is just a shower and toilet. The doorway to the bath is directly across from the kitchen sink. The door itself is a sliding wood barn door. If you look at the picture just below the fireplace picture, you can see the sliding door and the shower curtain (blue and white horizonal wide stripes). You can’t see the toilet, but it would be positioned on the other side of the wall where the “cupcake” apron is hanging.

      • michele wilson
        February 24, 2017, 12:45 pm

        Oxide, your eyes spy’d right. There is a sliding barn door across the front and shower stall and toilet across. Nothing fancy since it is the room I spend the least amount of time in. I do have a outdoor shower which I LOVE in the summer!

        • Natalie C. McKee
          February 27, 2017, 8:10 am

          Oh an outdoor shower sounds lovely!

  • Sandi B
    February 22, 2017, 8:57 pm

    This is the greatest little home. Such a terrific job was done on all aspects. The inside is just charming and inviting. You should be proud of yourself. Also, major kudos to you for working with rescue animals and following your passion — so many find excuses as to why they can not do so and you found ways to make it happen. The space use and warmth of your interior design, just fantastic and in 16 feet no less! Thanks so much for sharing.

    • Susan Armstrong
      February 23, 2017, 8:01 am

      I was going to say the EXACT same thing….Just adorable. Living tiny and working with rescues is my passion also. You have gotten me motivated to actually do something and not just dream!!! Thank you.

  • Danielle DiLisio
    February 22, 2017, 10:03 pm

    WOW!!!! I love it! She is my hero and only lives a little over an hour from me. I have a lot of cats also and a dog, which is one reason I haven’t gone this tiny yet.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:20 am

      It’s amazing how little space we can fit in!

  • michele wilson
    February 22, 2017, 10:17 pm

    There are actually two stairs in the middle of the closet and cabinet you cant see, that are on top of the tire wells and I use to store books under neath.

  • Becca
    February 22, 2017, 11:56 pm

    I spy, with my little eye, at least 7 different clocks. She certainly does display this collection and it takes up a fair amount of space. I wonder if they get knocked over by the cats!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:19 am

      I had an evil cat, and I also thought hers must be so well behaved that she’s able to display things 🙂 That’s awesome for her!

    • oxide
      February 23, 2017, 8:48 am

      That was my thought too, Becca. This is an adorable home, but the cats must have a field day just climbing around and knocking over all those knick-knacks.

  • Linda L. Taylor
    February 23, 2017, 2:14 am

    This is the time when much more is wonderful!! Totally love the space, really love everything!! I sound a lot like you. The kids are grown with families of their own. And, I can’t pass a fur baby dumped on the side of the road..!!!! So, 3 dogs and 3 cats later I have my happy,most of the time, wonderful collection of fur babies. At my age, the only problem I would have is the steps going to bed.. Can you please send me one just like yours please?? lol. Super fantastic work..

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:17 am

      🙂 Gotta love fur babies!

  • Patricia Chang
    February 23, 2017, 2:37 am

    Michelle and I are kindred spirits. I love this rose-infused cottage. I love animals and have 1 cat and 1 dog, both rescued. I did have 2 cats, but one of my babies passed away. I have my Mothers dishes and enjoy decorating. This is a lovely place.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 23, 2017, 6:16 am

      I’m so glad you found a kindred tiny house spirit 🙂

  • Arlene
    February 23, 2017, 8:04 am

    Love this Tiny House…..I think this is my all time favorite. Maybe it’s the decorations, but this is awesome. Great job !!

  • Eileen
    February 23, 2017, 9:08 am

    Your home is adorable! I love all of the unique and personal touches you’ve incorpoated! I plan to do something like this soon so this is definitely inspirational! Thanks for sharing!

  • Andrea
    February 23, 2017, 10:29 am

    Impressive build! Love the cozy seating nook….I want one!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 24, 2017, 5:44 am

      Yes! Cozy seat nooks are my favorite.

  • michele wilson
    February 23, 2017, 11:08 am

    Glad I could share my house, and thank you for the wonderful comments. There are two steps in between the cabinet and closet not shown in the pic, the top of the cabinet is the landing for the stairs up to the loft. Yes there is a bathroom, very simple and small 3 x 6, metal walls and a rv shower pan. My cats are far from well behaved!! Pretty much everything up high is attached with velcro or sticky tape for devilish paws..

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 24, 2017, 5:41 am

      Hahah Michele I love that you have things stuck on your shelves!!! 🙂 That is just the cutest. You are a good mom to those fur babies 🙂

  • Karen
    February 23, 2017, 12:10 pm

    Charming isn’t a word that comes to me regularly, however, this is absolutely charming. I love all of the personal touches. Despite it being small, one could spend a lot of time just looking at all of the lovely details. Nice job, Michelle.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 24, 2017, 5:39 am

      Charming is the PERFECT word 🙂

  • Sparrow
    February 23, 2017, 1:23 pm

    I love this! I want her to build a house for ME!

  • Eileen M.
    February 23, 2017, 1:40 pm

    Such a lovely and charming home! Unique and cozy. Thanks for sharing!

  • Laura Joseph
    February 23, 2017, 2:04 pm

    This s the most beautiful tiny house that I have seen. I think you did a great job on displaying all of your stuff, dont listen to the people who say it’s too cluttered. Everything inch is perfect! I LOVE the fireplace. Can you help me build mine I live right next door to you in Indianapolis Indiana. Thanks for sharing your home

    • oxide
      February 24, 2017, 8:07 am

      It’s cluttered, but it’s *organized* clutter, which makes all the difference. I think that staircase rivals the Trinity for ingenuity (Trinity is the THOW with the staircase on the end wall). And I do love all the corner cabinets fit into corner dead space, as well as the overall rose color scheme.

      • Natalie C. McKee
        February 27, 2017, 8:16 am

        Yes the staircase is so awesome and unique!

      • Denis
        February 28, 2017, 1:54 pm

        This is such a tidy home. I am betting all items in her “clutter” are very prized possessions, and fit well with the KonMari method of decluttering. The organising of what you love and each item having its own place where it gets returned once its task is finished seems to be a major part of having a tiny house. Clutter in a tiny house would make having a tiny house an unhappy home. Makes me wonder what size dumpster I need to order to reduce MY clutter! Love the way she has it organised!

  • Elizabeth Rubio
    February 23, 2017, 3:09 pm

    Well, I can’t add anything to everyone else’s comments, as they have said it all for me, except I will say that I love the bright white exterior, which is rarely seen on a THOW. It is right on point for aVictorian cottage. I hope Michele gets around to adding a window box or two filled with old-fashioned garden blooms, although I expect caring for animals takes priority! I have much admiration for you, Michele.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 24, 2017, 5:38 am

      It’s quite the spot 🙂 And ya! White exteriors are quite rare.

    • michele wilson
      February 24, 2017, 12:42 pm

      Elizabeth, window boxes are in the process of construction right now! No cottage would be complete without, right? And of course, the white picket fence which will surround the entire house and wildflower garden which I am setting posts for now!

      • Elizabeth Rubio
        February 24, 2017, 4:12 pm

        Michele, I just knew window boxes had to be in the plan, but picket fencing, too! Don’t forget the lilac bushes; they were very popular in that era, and their scent is so lovely when in bloom. When I was young, I was always designing tiny houses. Wish I could do what you are doing, but at 74 and in process of moving into assisted living, the prospect doesn’t look promising! You are an inspiration, Michele.

        • michele wilson
          February 27, 2017, 12:07 pm

          Elizabeth, wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone came up with a tiny house village for assisted living? 74 is still young!! I am 57 and I am hoping I do not regret my loft in years to come. And lilacs are my favorite! Every house I lived had a lilac bush, and every mothers day I had an entire kitchen full of the lovely sweet aroma from the many, many flowers my kids would pick me, so it is one of the first things I will plant come spring!

  • Anthonie
    February 23, 2017, 10:51 pm

    Just goes to show you can have your stuff and go Tiny too LOL Amazing home for your and the kits, I wish you many, many years of happiness doing what you love.

  • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
    February 24, 2017, 5:38 pm

    It may be tiny, but it is such a beautiful tiny house, that you just have to love it ……! I have seen many tiny houses, but non of them compares to this one , and only because someone had the ability to decorate this tiny house with a lot of good old fashioned taste…..!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 27, 2017, 8:08 am

      Ya it’s truly remarkable because it’s just so different!

  • maryJ
    February 24, 2017, 11:10 pm

    A tiny house with huge personality and this tiny house reminds me why I fell in love with tiny houses to start with. They are all so individual and totally respond to the individual living in them…….size almost becomes a non-issue as long as you plan carefully for what you want to keep of once-was much bigger footprint.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      February 27, 2017, 8:00 am

      Yes having a unique home is such an awesome thing!

  • Faith
    February 27, 2017, 8:39 am

    YES!! What THEY said! Your personality-filled home and passion for pets is so inspirational, Michelle.

    Thanks so much for sharing. Best wishes to you and your critters from a fellow rescuer.

  • February 28, 2017, 2:16 pm

    In light, between vintage and romantic, a spirit of light.

  • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
    February 28, 2017, 6:54 pm

    You know what this tiny house owner really enjoys living tiny, and it shows so much in the way it is decorated.. It just shows contentment with the way they live… I hope to feel someday that same feeling, that I would make my tiny house a part of me, and decorate it with the same contentment…! I don’t know if I said that quit right, but I’m sure you understand what it is I am saying…!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 1, 2017, 8:01 am

      Absolutely! I totally see it 🙂

    • michele wilson
      March 1, 2017, 1:01 pm

      Zachary, you said it very well, I am very content living in my tiny house. I am surrounded by the things in life that are not just stuff to fill a room, rather things that bring happiness to my soul. Plus the satisfaction of defying all odds at my age, low budget and level of experience to build something that is uniquely mine makes my heart smile.

      • ZACHARY E MOHRMANN
        March 1, 2017, 3:35 pm

        Well said Michele…! And thank you for sharing your beautiful tiny house with us…

  • Daniel A Kullas
    March 1, 2017, 11:15 am

    Now this is a COOL tiny house!!!???

  • Cyndi ann
    March 1, 2017, 2:36 pm

    I adore your Tiny Home. I am in awe from reading your story. I have had in mind to do some research in my town to find a small spot that may have had a trailer home on it at some earlier time. It would be easier to get the permit to park a Tiny when I finally get my own.

  • Janelle
    March 2, 2017, 11:48 pm

    Michele, your home is my kind of place. I am 76 and have just started my tiny home, hope to have it completed by Christmas. Doing it all by myself so that may not happen. I’m slow but I’m sure. Ha,Ha. I have so many things that I treasure that I will be using in my home. Will began my walls within the next week. Thanks for sharing…

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 3, 2017, 5:15 am

      Good for you, Janelle!

    • Michele Wilson
      March 3, 2017, 2:46 pm

      Good for you Janelle and good luck. It took me longer than I thought, and I am still not finished with it completely. Its the last minor details that are taking forever. Not that they are difficult, just got complacent or maybe its exhaustion…lol…I lived in just a empty shell and mattress on the floor with one window for a few months until I decided how I wanted the layout. Yes, it was totally backwards from what everyone else does, and yes it was a lot more work adding the window after the sheating was up, BUT, everything is exactly where I wanted it to be and no “wish I would have done this”..Good for you!

  • Kathy
    March 3, 2017, 8:30 pm

    Absolutely charming! The use of a dresser as a landing for the stairs is genius, and because it goes up toward the wall and then turns, I think I would feel safer using it than on opensided stairs. I love the corner sofa, but I think I would want my TV hung on the wall in place of that cute fireplace. (I know, but I can’t do without my Netflix!) Congratulations on your design and completion of your tiny!

    • Michele Wilson
      March 4, 2017, 6:30 pm

      Kathy, right up above the fireplace I built a cabinet that hides my TV and cable and internet box. I too love Netflix on a cold winter night.

  • Victoria Suesz
    March 12, 2017, 12:55 pm

    This just goes to show that you can live tiny and have it all too. I love my china and was wondering how to keep the things that mean something to me and yet scale back.

  • Darlene
    March 12, 2017, 7:48 pm

    First ,I would love to say it’s perfect ….all the details are just me. I don’t understand the stairs ,how do you get to the top of that cupboard? How big is the measurements of that area. What are the overall measurements of the whole structure? I love the fireplace, it is great.

    • michele wilson
      March 13, 2017, 11:36 am

      Darlene, I have two steps in between the cupboard and the closet that are kind of hidden in the picture, so the top of the cupboard is actually the landing where the steps turn to go up. I have a hand rail on the side of the closet so very useful coming down. The steps are over the tire wells and I have book storage under them, so very useful space of only about 20 inches wide. Total length is 18 feet.

  • Patty
    March 13, 2017, 1:52 am

    I’m glad to see someone with collectibles in a tiny house. I think it is important to personalize our spaces. Really nice and cozy home.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 13, 2017, 9:28 am

      I totally agree 🙂

    • Patty
      March 24, 2017, 1:53 am

      After seeing this again and the new photos, I love it more! So very homey. Great tiny home. Now I want to do my small house like your tiny. Thanks for letting us see it.

  • Maria
    March 13, 2017, 7:50 am

    Love it! More pictures please.

  • Diane Kerr
    March 14, 2017, 4:39 pm

    Thank you for sharing your tiny home, every corner has a focal point. I especially like the porch.

  • Kayte Hardesty
    March 14, 2017, 7:25 pm

    I absolutely love this little house. My grown children scoff at my live for little house. (Which has been a life long love). They like to call my belongings crap. My painted ponies collection and Cowboy memorabilia can be tastefully displayed. (Just where to put my sewing supplies?)
    My little house would look just like yours only in Cowgirl style, with a hitchin’ post out front for my horses!

  • NaniMadrina
    March 14, 2017, 8:09 pm

    I love how this home reflects the life of the owner — old family portraits, heirloom china, books on storage, her clock collection, a set of encyclopedia. Tiny living doesn’t mean living without the things we love. Thank you for sharing you beautiful home, Michele!

  • terry
    March 14, 2017, 9:31 pm

    The stairs are so clever ! Everything was adorable. Wish I could see other angles.

  • Liz
    March 15, 2017, 2:09 pm

    Very, very well done! So comfy and cozy. The stairs are especially interesting with their purposeful white-worn wood finish that gives the whole house a warm, lived in feel. Love this house!

  • Holly G Clift
    March 17, 2017, 7:51 pm

    another one of my favorite. So feminine and pretty. I love it.

  • Kimberly Duncan
    March 17, 2017, 7:57 pm

    I am absolutely in love with this tiny house. I expect it’s against the rules to speak with the owner; I only want to say good things and ask questions but if she’s open to the idea my email is [email protected].

  • Sandi B
    March 17, 2017, 11:26 pm

    Michele:
    I have commented on your tiny home before when it was first shown. Absolutely love it. I just wanted to say thank you for giving us more pictures. You are an inspiration and that you built it mostly yourself is fantastic. What we can do when we put our minds to it. The stairs are unique and you should have no problems with them as you age, the same with the loft. You will have developed your leg muscles 🙂 LOL. A fun place and a great thing you are doing for animals in need. My hat is off to you!

  • penny coberly
    March 17, 2017, 11:57 pm

    I love it..want one

  • Trevor
    March 18, 2017, 1:02 am

    Great little place! I always enjoy looking at tiny houses but after seeing so many they start looking the same and your house definitely does not look the same! The staircase is great and such a grand statement in a little place. Are the floors reclaimed or how did you find that material, the worn look of the wood coming through is just fantastic and so interesting. The distressing whether it is natural from wear and tear or more of a designer finish adds so much interest to the surfaces. Great job!

    • michele wilson
      March 20, 2017, 11:13 am

      The floor is actually new from Lumber Liquidators. It has a built on backing and was so easy to put down. I loved the look of it, with half the weight of real barn wood, and a snap to put down. It is actually called Bull Barn Oak and was only about $2.15 sq. ft, much cheaper than real barn wood.

  • Sunni crowley
    March 18, 2017, 8:36 am

    Ok,,,,,so now we both love this Little jewel.
    If you ever wish to sell it, please contact me first.!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      March 19, 2017, 5:02 pm

      🙂

  • Wolf Lacey
    March 18, 2017, 4:47 pm

    I wish we had been given the dimensions on the shell. I think that this is one of the finest interiors I’ve ever seen. What’s in the loft; just the bed?

    • michele wilson
      March 20, 2017, 11:11 am

      The shell is 8 x 18 and yes the loft is 6×6 and only has a queen size mattress and small wall mounted tv. I opted instead of wall space to have 4 windows which gives me great light and ventilation…

  • Pam Stalker
    March 26, 2017, 6:29 pm

    Such a quaint cottage style tiny house gives me hope! I’d need to add a second building for my art studio but seeing how your organized your “stuff” in such a charming way is encouraging. I hope to sell my house in the next 5 years and go tiny if I can find the property. I thought about your cat litter dilemma – The area on the steps where you have books- if you cut a hole there and on the other side build a doghouse with a second floor that can be the litter room with a roof that you can lift up and get easy access to the box. Then your dog has a nice shady place when outside and the litter smell is contained. No more walking on litter in your bathroom. Thank you so much for sharing your home!

    • michele wilson
      March 28, 2017, 5:12 pm

      Pam, WOW that is an awesome idea!!! Never thought about adding on to the outside…My dog is almost 80lbs so he wouldnt fit, but the 7 cats will, thanks!! Another spring project!

  • Annelize Ferreira
    March 27, 2017, 3:39 pm

    I love your home and please send more photo’s. I would like to see everything. Your style and decor is really good. You should be so proud. Well done Michelle

  • Pam Stalker
    March 30, 2017, 1:30 am

    The Dog House portion would be a normal doghouse accessed from outside in your yard with the cat box on the top floor accessed from inside the house, guessing by where I think the steps/bookcase is in relationship to the ground. I can just imagine how cool your dog house would look in your style.

    • michele wilson
      March 30, 2017, 7:03 pm

      Wonderful idea!!

  • Vicki Godfrey
    April 2, 2017, 2:10 am

    Beautiful ! This is the first tiny home that will look somewhat like mine .. I also have beautiful things belonging to family and can’t get rid of it either but have been saving to build my own tiny home too . WOW!! WHAT A FANTASTIC JOB!!

  • Joan
    May 29, 2017, 10:09 am

    I live in a tiny efficiency with no loft.I have one indoor cat can only have one.is this good for my cat or does he need more space.how many sq.ft is your house.it is very cute.

    • michele wilson
      July 29, 2017, 7:08 pm

      The dimensions are 8 x 18 with a 6 x 6 loft so total of 180 sq. ft.

  • August 13, 2017, 1:08 pm

    Infinite Grace, Tender Romance, immersed in a Delicate Color Harmony.

  • Holly Clift
    August 13, 2017, 1:55 pm

    only thing I would change here is the toilet. I’d but in a regular toilet. I’m not into compost. jmo

    • michele wilson
      August 14, 2017, 10:41 am

      Actually I do have a septic tank that my gray water is hooked into, so putting in a toilet is not a big project. I was planning on doing it, but actually a compost toilet is not bad at all. I still use my outdoor shower, so refreshing! Push yourself past your comfort level, its a beautiful new adventure waiting..

  • Cate
    August 13, 2017, 2:40 pm

    This, by far, is the cutest and best tiny house I have seen on here Looks like a REAL house. Disappointed that the upstairs and shower were not shown.

  • Annette
    August 13, 2017, 3:14 pm

    So pretty! Thanks for sharing this. I particularly love the stair organization and utility. So much in only 18′. Amazing job. Maybe I missed it – did you use a specific house plan?

    • michele wilson
      August 13, 2017, 9:03 pm

      Thank you! I did not use any specific plans, I built the house myself and lived in a empty shell for a few months until I decided how I wanted the layout to be.

  • Cheryl Mellblom
    August 14, 2017, 8:05 am

    I am fascinated by tiny houses, but realized I cannot live a minimalist lifestyle relinquishing family photos and momentos. Looking at this homey tiny house I realize I won’t have to!

  • Jill
    November 1, 2017, 7:54 pm

    This is the cutest, coziest, most livable tiny house I’ve seen so far. I love it.

  • Jill
    November 1, 2017, 7:57 pm

    Wanted to add, it looks like something you’d see in a national magazine, it is so beautifully done. Thanks for sharing and giving us procrastinators something to ponder.

  • michele
    November 2, 2017, 7:26 pm

    I just wanted to add I did put up a white picket fence all around, window boxes and a new perennial garden. The newest addition to the ever growing family is 4 rescued pot bellied pigs..

  • November 8, 2017, 2:35 am

    I am beyond grateful to have seen these pictures. I love the idea of a tiny home, but I too have many beautiful treasures that I really don’t want to part with and I love the cottage look. It seems almost every tiny house I’ve seen is beige and plain and boring to me anyway and they didn’t look like you could add even one more thing without it being too cluttered. Somehow you have taken a house half the size of what I was contemplating and filled it with ten times more stuff. I am seriously impressed and inspired. Congratulations on a lovely ,cozy home!

    • michelew
      February 21, 2018, 4:14 pm

      Thank you for your kind words. I have submitted more pics so look for them soon.

  • Cindy daniels
    March 14, 2018, 6:44 pm

    i just love this! is there a way to buy. blue prints for this? how do you find a builder for a tiny house? and if I may ask what was the price and square footage? thanku so much! your house is perfect!

    • michele wilson
      May 2, 2018, 8:06 pm

      Thank you Cindy for your kind words. There is no blueprint for my house, I did the design myself. All the blueprints I found did not personalize it enough for me to feel like a real home. My final cost for materials was about $11,000. I did all the labor myself except the plumbing which saved tremendously.

  • Janet
    July 31, 2018, 7:37 pm

    This is ADORABLE.

  • Toni
    July 31, 2018, 11:17 pm

    This is so beautiful! Talk about inspiration! I can’t quit looking at the lovely woodwork and accent handles. Not to mention someone who isn’t afraid to show off their beloved collection. This home has style and character in spades! I tip my hat to you ma’am, and hope that my tiny can reflect my interests in such a well thought out and gorgeous manner!

  • Sheila Plourde
    August 1, 2018, 12:26 am

    This is classy and decorated with a lot of style. Love this tiny house. Love the pig on the shelf. Beautifully done Michelle.

  • Diane Gray
    September 6, 2018, 5:18 pm

    I love this house inside and out. It’s so nice to see feminine decorations for a change. It is beautiful, and I am happy for your new beginnings!

  • Rando Thyr
    September 25, 2018, 2:02 am

    One of my favorite staircase ideas with a set of drawers under the landing.
    Bravo!

  • September 25, 2018, 10:20 am

    Blessed Fridom!! If it produced these Fruits !!! You breathe Spring,
    and I dedicate “La Primavera” of Antonio Vivaldi🍀

  • Eric
    March 5, 2019, 10:00 pm

    The owner loves it. And that’s good, for what is a house if it isn’t a home.

    For me, from the photos, it just seemed claustrophobic. But maybe in real life it isn’t.

    There was a popular song in New Zealand by a band called Hogsnort Rupert… and the words to that song had this to say… you can’t build a home with a hammer and nails, it takes love to make a house a home.

    And that’s what this woman has done… turned it into “her” home. Good on her.

  • Cindy
    March 6, 2019, 12:01 am

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE this space!!! I just moved in to my tiny house and still have so much to do, so much to figure out but this place is just so comfy and cozy looking, great job!!!!

  • Tracy
    March 6, 2019, 7:48 pm

    Oh my goodness! I absolutely LOVE this house! Perfect in every way! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

  • Sherry McLaughlin
    April 6, 2019, 11:48 am

    Just a fabulous home, this is so darn beautiful. I could move right in and not change a thing, the very best use of space I have seen in all the tiny houses I have looked at. Thank you for sharing your home with us, love love yr decorating, just my style…….a comfortable homey feel to it, you walk in and it says, *Welcome to my home*…..

  • Karen
    November 22, 2019, 9:43 pm

    I have been thinking about a tiny home since my husband passed away. I research and look for ideas all the time. I have NEVER written a comment on anything but this home is astounding and I just had to tell you how much I love what you have done. It is perfect! LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
    Karen

  • linda montgomery
    July 10, 2021, 11:45 pm

    Love you tiny house you build look real nice and relax to you

  • Debbie
    July 11, 2021, 9:50 am

    Would love to read an update from Michelle regarding all the goals she mentioned after this article came out.

    • Alex
      July 13, 2021, 12:49 pm

      I’ll see if we can get a hold of her 🙂 Thanks, Debbie!

  • Valerie Wanderer
    August 20, 2023, 1:37 pm

    If you haven’t done so already, have you considered starting a business? This is the cutest tiny house I’ve seen

  • Tammy Rich
    January 17, 2024, 11:51 pm

    I am so in love with this tiny little house. I have been looking for this little tiny house again for a while. I would love to know who the builder was? Was it Michele or did she have someone else build it? This has been my style of what I have been looking for, for a good while now. I am divorced, medically retired, and absolutely love the style. I am wanting to return to Texas to live near my oldest daughter son-in-law and grandsons. I would like to find out what the price was for this home and how long it took to build? You did an amazing job on the decor and everything.

    Rev. Tammy Rich

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