It’s exciting to show you this classic 480 sq. ft. tiny cottage in Nashville, TN that’s available right now as a vacation rental.
I know, I know. This isn’t exactly the usual tiny house that we see built right onto a trailer but a structure like this still offers the simple life, doesn’t it? So if you’re seriously considering downsizing, going tiny, or you’re just not sure yet, one of the best ways to figure that out is to invest your next vacation time in a tiny house or a small house like this one.
Try tiny then try small if you have to! And even if you’re curious as to what it might be like to live in an RV or a houseboat, for instance, you can find a way to take an RV or houseboat vacation too. This way you don’t waste your time/money investing big bucks and lots of labor into something that wasn’t going to work out for you in the first place. Makes sense, right? So if you want to explore more tiny and small house vacations be sure to explore this category. But before you move on to that please enjoy and re-share this wonderful little cottage in Nashville below. Thank you!
Southern Style Tiny Cottage in Nashville, TN
Images © Airbnb
Images © Airbnb
Surrounded by peaceful horse pasture, the private cottage has a wide front porch for southern-style contemplation. Just renovated, full of air and light, in Nashville, near Brentwood. Perfect for a small family, or a writer needing inspiration.
Learn more: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5014393
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Alex
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Wow what a cute place. I could definitely live in a place like this, in a more urban setting though.
Like the interior much better than the exterior. It was actually surprising how nice it was on the inside based on outside view and maybe it’s the photography but looks much bigger inside than from the outside.
Thanks so much for sharing more than tiny houses here.
This is NOT tiny house. Its a full sized cape cod. Who are they trying to kid?
KIM,
Did you actually read the post or just look at the pictures??? The article says it is a “small” home.
“So if you’re seriously considering downsizing, going tiny, or you’re just not sure yet, one of the best ways to figure that out is to invest your next vacation time in a tiny house or a small house like this one.”
Somebody has to react like this Every Single Time a small bome is featured. it’s a rule.
It is, isn’t it.
At 480 square feet, it is only slightly larger than the often-referenced 400 square foot maximum for a tiny house. A full sized Cape Cod, usually 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, is much larger.
You do NOT read very well, do you? Or perhaps it’s just your comprehension that suffers. Either way, nobody is trying to “kid” anybody.
like…… 🙂
It is certainly a very SMALL house and not even CLOSE to a full sized cape cod. Some of us WANT to see houses that are a little bit more practical and livable than the tiny houses.
ALEX – I BEG you to continue including small (under say, 600 sq ft?) houses in your newsletter! I want to live much smaller but I don’t want to feel like I’m living in a hallway. And I’m 50 yrs old and anything I get I want to live in the rest of my life so I want a sleeping space on ground level. I also have too many hobbies that I love that requires supplies and equipment to be stored. I refuse to give up the things I love in life simply for the tiny house movement! The THOWs just don’t work for me but a custom designed 400 – 500 sq ft place would be perfect for me and it is still a respectable reduction from the gluttonous lifestyle of our current society.
Thanks Elaine will do 🙂
I am with Elaine, Alex. Please keep posting small houses. To me that means anything under 1000 square feet. Also, more articles are needed on how to fight “city hall” on getting zoning laws changed to allow small and tiny houses. There is such a great need for both tiny and small houses! While you can make a tiny or small house “expensive” due to your design and material choices, you can also make them very reasonably priced. Thank you for your many contributions to this cause.
Hey Alex,
I second that request. I’m looking at “small homes” as most tiny homes have the loft bedroom that I don’t like. This is PERFECT and I’d love to see more examples like it 🙂 still small, still downsizing, but I wouldn’t have to carry my dog up a ladder at night lol
They do show small houses regularly. That is more of where my interest lies, but I do enjoy seeing how inventive people are when a house under 400 sq ft.
Most Cape Cod style houses are 1000 to 2000 square feet… This one is less than 500… Some might call it “tiny” for a cape….
The photography does indeed have a lot to do with it – they used a very wide angle lens, so that the images look like they were taken from a greater distance from the subjects than they were. This really enhances the illusion of space. I’m sure this cabin is quite cozy, and I like the layout – but it is going to be a lot smaller than those interior photos would suggest.
I also agree that the interior is a lot more impressive than the exterior – perhaps it is the lighting, or just a bit of age or even weather (recent rain) but the exterior looks almost shabby compared to the inside shots. I would suspect that the effect is much reduced in person.
Cozy as it may be, I can easily see myself in a place like this – it would have ample room for most of my needs – add a small outbuilding for the woodworking tools, and I’d be set.
For this installation, though, I would question the use of the refrigerator. The one in it is a really nice one, but seems like overkill for a cabin that you’re using as a rental. It seems to me that a smaller nit would be a better choice – just from the perspective of power consumption and maintenance.
On the whole, I think this one is a winner.
Oops, that was an accidental report! Please ignore!
Given how hot it can be in the southern mountains in summer, and how far they might be from a grocery, or liquor store (if in a dry county) a refrigerator big enough for a week’s worth of groceries and beverages and a freezer with icemaker is worth having in a vacation rental. Guests will be very annoyed if they arrive there and find they cant put everything they expect to in the refrigerator.
Those are all good points – though in this particular case, I don’t think they’re entirely relevant. The cottage is located in the suburbs of Nashville – which is not mountainous, and not more than three miles from the nearest anything. That said, I’m not really trying to be critical – it just seems to be a lot to spend on a rental.
Of course, people that live on that stretch of Old Hickory Boulevard generally have money to burn anyway. 😛 It really does seem like a delightful little cottage.
Are there plans available for the Southern Style Tiny Cottage in Nashville, TN
on JULY 23, 2015
I want plans of this one too!!! I think I have finally found the one for me!!!
Thanks,
Doris
We are going to have plans drawn up because we’ve had so many requests. We just drew them on a napkin originally.
Oh! It’s sooo beautiful!! I love the powder blue cabinets and the loft rail. The front porch is such a great addition, and I love the kitchen and bath. This is such a great little house. Just wonderful!
I love this home! Do you have any blueprints or a builder you can refer my husband and I too? This home is just about what we are looking for. I am in a wheelchair and this would definitely work out. My grown children can sleep upstairs while I stay down. Its so bright and fresh. Love it!!
This small house is outstanding! Well done. May not be a THOW, but is definitely a small country house.
Love it!
This is adorable and I love its location, but at $140+/night, $800+/week, or $3000/month, it’s way over my budget for a long-term stay, which is what I’d want.
I LITERALLY LOVE THIS HOME!!!
It’s totally what I have been looking for — Let me know when it goes up for sale … 🙂
I’m only 20 minutes away.
I’d also be interested in the plans/ specs for this cottage. It’s what my husband and I would like to build for ourselves. He’s not sold on THOW but I’m not sold on hamstringing ourselves with ridiculous debt.
Love this, don’t mind the exterior. I do believe that there is a bit too much furniture (no need for 2 dining tables). I think it’s adorable. Anybody know the sq footage or who did the renovation? I too would be very interested in plans for this small cottage.
Are there plans for this small house? Also, what is the square footage of main floor and loft?
What a pleasant feel this place has! Just seeing the pictures perks me up. Maybe it’s the white and the simplicity…
I want one…..prefect for me forever.
My name is also Elaine and I concur! I want one……perfect for me forever!
Wow! I love this “small” house. Alas, I’m older and will probably never live in it. But I can dream.
This is gorgeous! It reminds me of the small old houses in the Texas countryside.
The only thing I’d change is the ladder. Ever since I saw the house with a bookcase under the stairs, I’ve wanted to add it to a small home. The space under the ladder is mostly wasted anyway, might as well make it a useful feature.
What a lovely home–I love the size and interior decorating. A winner! 🙂
Anyone know what the square footage of this place is? It’s delightful…
Isn’t it in the article headline? I thought it was but my computer is so slow I’m not going to confirm it!
Ok – I just checked. It’s not in the article headline but it is in the first sentence – 480 sq ft
I’d live in this little gem in a heartbeat. Small and simple without being cramped, and the interior finishes are almost perfect…sure, I’d make small changes to layout and use my own furniture, but overall this would be just right for me.
I’d love to know the square footage or see plans too, but I suspect this is an older building that’s been renovated – from the cupola maybe even an old schoolhouse?
Hi! This is MY little cottage! I’m so glad that so many people like it! It was previously an office, and had been built on the same spot where a building had been located back in Civil War days (maybe it was a kitchen?). We gutted it last year after a water heater blew up and kept the same footprint. The interior design came about through discussions between an amazing master carpenter, a good friend who is an engineer and loves building stuff, my artistic husband, and myself. We literally drew the plans on a napkin, but changed things each day as we built it, and my engineer friend refined the drawings on his computer bit by bit as we went along. We put two tables – one for cooking on and one for eating on, so that a family could be playing cards or doing homework while others are cooking. I imagined my kids visiting with their children, or my parents living there some day and having great-grandkids sleeping upstairs, so I wanted it to be comfortable for them (all of us like to cook). We’ve since screened the front porch, so it adds additional living space. Our carpenter friend built the cupola from scratch in his garage to match the smaller one on our barn, and put it on top of the cottage. The cupola windows open to draw out the hot air and bring in light (we avoid air conditioning and it isn’t necessary with the right windows open and the fans on). I furnished it with stuff from junk shops and our own attic. That’s the whole story! It is a hundred yards behind our own NOT tiny house (which was built in 1843), and we have it available on airbnb whenever our friends and relations aren’t using it. The building is 20×24, so 480 square feet total (not counting the porch). Come on down and see how you like living in a tiny”ish” house.
Thanks Terry!
kat September 18, 2017, 10:59 pm
Great home! Is there enough room to make the window by the bathroom into a small entry door? Is there a linen closet in the bathroom, if so is there enough room for a stackable washer/dryer. In the main floor bedroom is that a utility closet or a bedroom closet for clothes?
Read more at https://tinyhousetalk.com/southern-style-tiny-cottage-in-nashville-tn/#c3jo6lKFerb4WRIJ.99
We’ve just bought a “scandalously large” home (1,000 sq ft.) to downsize from our 3,000 sq ft home. I am curious about the work you did to open up the ceilings. Wish I had carpenter friends!
1000 sq. ft. is a great size, Dorothy, congratulations on your new home 🙂
Beautifully done! The gorgeous wood floor alone has me sold!
Be still my beating heart! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
I’d like to see any indo of plans you have for the work you did there. This is a great use of space and can definitely serve as a future home/studio for me. I think there is more than enough space for everyone in my family, should they decide to stay with me for a weekend ….. or more. Great job! And definitely the breaks that fear factor when looking at small homes. For those of you that are upset because it’s not 195 sq/ft. Some people are just looking to downsize, and not necessarily in 200 square feet.
Congratulations! What a magnificent home. I love the white interior color and the board and batten interior walls. The cupola is a fabulous feature, the windows open, how clever; it’s a practical way to get air circulation and dispel heat. Among the best I’ve ever seen. The blue cabinets are quite attractive. Touche!
Perfect on the inside! But no A/C?!?!?! I would have to see it to believe it that without A/C there will not be mildew growing soon nor miserably hot due to the constant humidity which doesn’t go away at night, either.
Only the seasonal change will take care of that…:(
It looks like there is A/C. There is an air vent in the bedroom and at least one in the living room kitchen area. There is also a thermostat on the wall next to the TV in the living room area.
Talk about sweet! I really like the cottage style and it looks plenty roomy. I personally would like stairs, but this is really nice. I’m looking for property to put one on in the Portland, OR area. Not having much luck with this and I am hoping someone will have a small piece of land that I could possibly rent. If anyone reading this has any ideas please post them. Thank You all in advance. Darlene
Oh, my!! THIS is my tiny dream house. Love, love, love it. Can I have it, can I, huh? Please?
Just love it…Inside and out.. I would not change anything.. If I was to get a smaller home this would be it.. VERY NICE!!!!!
I think it is very cute.
Jamie, I agree that lens, lighting, etc. can give the illusion of a larger space but I like the way they’ve arranged the furniture to allow for ease of movement around each piece and into and out of all areas of the house. Each (living, working, etc.) space is extremely well proportioned relative to the square footage. Normally I prefer a horseshoe-shaped kitchen but this is perfect for a home this size and would allow for a pleasant cooking experience. They achieved the same space-friendly design in the comfortable looking bedroom. I love the ‘country-style’ kitchen table. You’d think 2 sets of tables and chairs would cramp a home this size but the he 2nd set provides its own functional space for office, homework, board games, cards, extra dining, etc. without taking up much more room. It provides it’s own little recreation area. This is just beautiful and the stunning setting just adds to the beauty, and no doubt the serene and peaceful experience of staying here. And it’s just a hop, skip and a jump into the historic and charming city of Nashville. Love everything about it.
I love this!I would trade my 16 ac. and 2200 sq ft cabin for this smaller home anyday!
Everyone loves this cottage. I AM going to copy some of your design decisions. Anyone with an old school chair in the bedroom has to be good people 🙂
Hi Terry Jo,
I have a couple of questions. First of all. WELL DONE…I love it.. My questions are, Did you find your plans somewhere or were they custom? Second, the cupola was a stroke of genius and was wondering how you got up there to open the windows?.. 🙂 Personally, I would’ve doubled the size and put a circular staircase to it, for a place to enjoy the view..
Thank you for submitting…It gorgeous.. Kevin
Terry Jo, you have a fabulous house!!!!! We just moved into our Tiny Home of 384 sq. ft. A 24×16 in June and it’s wonderful, but I am a bit jealous over yours!! So many tiny things that add up to a absolutely splendid home! HUGE Congratulations!!!!
I love this floor plan and want to build this small house. Can you tell where it can buy a blue print and the cost? Thanks so much for sharing
Is the rental time only for the Summer? I live in Antioch, TN and would like to know how I could rent the space for a day or two in December (for my birthday).
Thanks!
Linda
No, Linda, it is available year around! Just go to airbnb.com to rent it. The link is Learn more: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5014393
It does get booked up pretty quickly though…
Terry Jo
I fell in love with this cozy home immediately! It’s a wonderful blend of old\cozy\country mixed in with modern convenieces. LOVE everything about it. Very warm and inviting.
Is there a rule that says people will refuse to read all the information and comments before they ask for information such as sq ft, plans, location, and costs that is included in the avoided information???????
Love the 16 foot beds in the loft.
Terry Jo, I would love the plans for this little gem. There isn’t anything I would change about it. It’s just perfect for me and my little dog, and enough space for company when they come to visit. A first floor bedroom is a plus for me. Thanks for sharing it.
I would like to purchase the plans for this house. Perfect size for me!
Thanks, Bill
Hi Terry,
Do you mind if I ask how much the house cost to build?
I bet this was a whole lot less to build then the current crop of THOWS.
The whole house is lovely for exception I have to have stairs no ladder.
This cottage is marvelous, thank you for re-posting.
When I saw this posting, I laughed because it is a house that I fell in love with years ago when I lived in TN. Every time I drove by it to go somewhere, I thought to myself: “I could live there and be very happy.”
Then, life took a different turn and I now live in another state. I still think about this house from time to time, and I’m glad it can be rented out. I may have to do that sometime when I come back to TN to see friends. Thanks Alex for sharing it with all of us.
Omg…another one. Love it!!! So bright and cheerful!
Terry Jo, your home is so beautiful. I really like the size and the way everything is arranged. If we built a home such as this, we would put in a small, free-standing fireplace and a walk-in tub/shower in the bathroom. I am 71 and disabled so the downstairs bedroom is perfect.
I adore everything about this small home, especially the kitchen. My husband and I both cook so we appreciate full-size appliances and the design of your kitchen is lovely and functional.
As an aside, I had to laugh at Elaine #1’s comment about not wanting to feel she was living in a hallway. That is the BEST comment I’ve read describing how I feel just looking at some of the THOWs you feature on here. They do look a bit like a hallway. 🙂
Thanks for posting small homes, Alex.
Great home! Is there enough room to make the window by the bathroom into a small entry door? Is there a linen closet in the bathroom, if so is there enough room for a stackable washer/dryer. In the main floor bedroom is that a utility closet or a bedroom closet for clothes?
Well, I read the article but not all the comments, so I may be repeating someone else, but I think this is one of Jay Shafer’s cottage designs. I have always loved it. He had more, but this one was built more often.
Nope. We designed this on the back of a napkin. Never heard of Jay Shafer.