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From Nomad to A-Frame: Van Life to Renovated 1970s Cabin

on October 30, 2023

Summer is an incredible woman who has been living tiny for years! She started off in a 1969 Shasta that she converted, and then other small nomadic spaces like an RV and a van. Eventually, she purchased this great 1970s A-frame cabin.

It needed a lot of help and a lot of paint, and after a year of renovations, she moved in! We got the chance to interview her about her tiny life below, so please enjoy reading her story.

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Renovated 1970s A-Frame Cabin Exterior


Summer’s Tiny Living Journey

I purchased a 1969 Shasta Compact travel trailer I planned to renovate for weekend trips. This trailer was around 70 square feet and by the end of the renovation, I decided I wanted to travel full time in it.

Years of Nomadic Living

For the next 3 years, I travelled the country in travel trailers, RVs, and vans and fell in love with the tiny living lifestyle. When I finally decided to settle down again, I knew a smaller home was the only option for me.

The A-Frame Renovation

I purchased my A-frame and spent the next year completely renovating it. My cabin was built in 1974 and was in need of some upgrades. The renovation included a kitchen and bathroom remodel, a lot of painting, and even creating an open ceiling living room.

From Teacher to Content Creator

In the beginning, I was an online English as a Second Language teacher. I taught English to students ages 3-15 while living in the RV. After a little over a year on the road, my social media began to grow, and I transitioned into becoming a full time content creator.

What Tiny Living Taught Her

Tiny living has showed me what is really important to me. Before I started travelling and living tiny, I had a 3 bedroom, 2-bathroom house over a basement. It always felt like I was working just so I could pay the bills on a house I was rarely at.

Financial Freedom Through Tiny Living

Going tiny has allowed me to have a life full of beautiful experiences I would have never been able to afford otherwise.

The Challenge of Small Spaces

The hardest part of tiny living for me has always been how quickly the space can get messy. Especially when I was travelling in the van, cleaning up daily is necessary to feel like you have a functional home.

The Joy of Customization

But one of the most rewarding parts for me is getting to customize the space and make it exactly how I want it.

Creative Problem Solving

When you’re living in a smaller space, you really have to get creative to make it work for your needs. I love the process of coming up with those innovative solutions.

The Flexibility of Low Living Costs

As I mentioned before, the flexibility this lifestyle has given me is also a huge plus.

Saving for the Dream Home

By keeping my living costs low, I have been able to travel the country and even save up for my dream home in the process.

Advice for Aspiring Tiny Dwellers

My advice is to try some type of rental before jumping all in! If you are thinking of a tiny home or a van, try finding a rental option in a similar size to see if that space really works for your needs!

Finding the Right Size

I often see people who are just starting out in tiny living go either too big or too small so I think feeling out what your needs actually will be is a great idea!

Video Tour: Renovated A-Frame Cabin

Design Details

  • Home Type: A-frame cabin (stationary)
  • Year Built: 1974
  • Renovation Time: 1 year
  • Renovation Scope: Kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, painting, open ceiling living room
  • Previous Tiny Homes: 1969 Shasta Compact (70 sq ft), RV, van
  • Years Nomadic: 3+ years traveling the country
  • Previous Home: 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house with basement
  • Current Work: Full-time content creator
  • Previous Work: Online ESL teacher
  • Lifestyle: Solo tiny house living

Lessons from This Journey

  • Try Before You Buy: Summer recommends renting a tiny space before committing—many people go too big or too small on their first attempt
  • Nomadic Life Can Lead to Settling Down: After 3 years of traveling in trailers, RVs, and vans, Summer knew exactly what she wanted in a stationary home
  • Low Living Costs Create Options: By keeping expenses minimal, Summer was able to travel extensively AND save for her dream A-frame
  • Daily Cleaning Is Non-Negotiable: In small spaces, messes accumulate fast—staying on top of tidying makes the difference between chaos and comfort
  • Your Career Can Evolve with Your Lifestyle: Summer went from ESL teacher to content creator as her social media grew—tiny living can open unexpected doors

Learn More

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
{ 3 comments… add one }
  • RvNut
    October 30, 2023, 6:07 pm

    This home is gorgeous! Well done!

    Reply Link
  • Paul
    November 3, 2023, 4:16 am

    That… is… one… very… nice… home. Can I come and live with you…???

    Seriously, you have done an excellent job turning that into your home. Well Done.

    Reply Link
  • Victoria
    November 5, 2023, 5:49 pm

    WoW!!! I love your home! It is so homey and comfy looking. Beautiful garden and it seems to have a lot of space. I love the swing chair in the living room. I’d only leave it for a hammock outside. LOL I love the triangle spice cabinet and book shelf. Perfect use of those spaces.

    Reply Link

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