The Serenity is a rare thing: a DIY tiny house we got to follow across its whole life. A couple built it themselves in 2017 for roughly $15K in materials — a figure that says as much about 2017 lumber prices as it does about their resourcefulness — lived in it for years, towed it from Ohio to Texas, and eventually outgrew it and sold it on.
At roughly 350 square feet including the lofts, it’s built on a 28-foot trailer at the full 8.5-foot width, riding on two 7,000-lb axles. The clever part is that it uses both lofts differently: one is the bedroom, reached by storage stairs rather than a ladder, and the other is a second living room with a bed facing a TV setup. Downstairs, a galley kitchen sits beneath the bedroom loft with real counter space, a flip-up table handles meals and work, and the bathroom pairs an RV-style washing machine with a stock-tank tub.
Editor’s note: the Serenity was listed for sale in 2023 and has since found its next owner. We’ve kept the tour up because it’s an unusually complete record of a DIY build — construction, years of living, and resale. Homes available now are linked below.
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Inside the Serenity: A DIY Build with Two Distinct Lofts
Images via Josh
There’s a galley kitchen under the bedroom loft.
Images via Josh
Plenty of counterspace here.
Images via Josh
Storage stairs lead to the loft.
Images via Josh
Here’s a flip-up table area for meals and work.
Images via Josh
Drying rack shelving.
Images via Josh
Here’s the table flipped up.
Images via Josh
The second loft has the living room space.
Images via Josh
The main loft bedroom.
Images via Josh
Beautiful basin bowl in the bathroom.
Images via Josh
Laundry in the bathroom.
Images via Josh
A little stock tank tub shower pan.
Images via Josh
A ceiling fan helps with temperature control.
Images via Josh
And here’s a mini-split for keeping things comfortable.
Images via Josh
The exterior might need a fresh coat of paint.
Images via Josh
It’s been extra-protected under this carport for a bit.
Images via Josh
There are sliding glass doors.
Images via Josh
Could you call this home sweet home?
Images via Josh
Design Details
- Custom built tiny house on wheels approx. 350 sq. ft. including the lofts. 10,500 lbs, Approx. 28 ft long (slightly longer including the tongue), 8.5 ft wide, 13 ft 4 in. tall. Two 7,000 lb axles. Ball hitch.
- We built back in 2017 and lived in it until last year. Selling because we outgrew it. Towed from Ohio to Texas with no problems.
- Modern interior. Custom kitchen and “horse trough” tub. Has an RV style washer, no dryer. Mini split air conditioner and ceiling fan.
- Could probably use some fresh paint here and there. Currently being stored on private property.
- 50 amp twist lock plug and standard water hose attachments. Titled.
- Must be self-towed off of property or I can throw in towing service to your property depending on distance and final price.
What This DIY Build Teaches
- Two lofts used two ways beats one big loft. Making the second loft a living room rather than more sleeping space effectively gives a 28-ft house an upstairs.
- Storage stairs are worth the floor space they cost. They make the bedroom reachable at any age and turn dead volume into drawers.
- A stock-tank tub is the classic DIY workaround. A galvanized trough costs a fraction of a fitted tub and suits a hand-built aesthetic.
- Full width plus two 7,000-lb axles is a serious trailer. At 10,500 lbs this needs a properly rated tow vehicle — worth budgeting for before you buy any build this size.
- DIY builds age honestly. The sellers noted it could use fresh paint here and there. Expect that from any lived-in home, and price it in.
The original seller’s contact details have been removed, as this home sold in 2023.
Looking for Tiny Houses Currently For Sale?
The Serenity sold in 2023. If you’re after an affordable, character-rich tiny home, these are available now.
Browse all current tiny houses for sale »
A few recent listings worth a look:
- Affordable NOAH-Certified Tiny House on Wheels for Sale in Georgia ($24,500)
- The Minimalist: A Modern Tiny House on Wheels for Sale ($32K)
- Storybook Cedar Tiny House on Wheels for Sale in Texas
- Best Tiny Homes Under $75K: 6 Affordable Builds You Can Buy Right Now
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Related Stories:
- Couple’s $15,000 DIY Serenity Tiny House on Wheels
- Semi-Retired Professional Organizer’s THOW
- Cozy 20×8 Tiny House with a Wood Stove
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Natalie C. McKee
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How much are you selling for I really like it