Gypsy wagons have a romantic appeal that most tiny dwellings can only aspire to. There’s something about the curved rooflines, the compact self-contained interiors, and the connection to a centuries-old nomadic tradition that makes them feel less like a house and more like a story you can sleep inside.
Wooly Wagons, based in Russiaville, Indiana, has been building custom gypsy wagons, sheep wagons, tiny houses, and mobile dwellings since 2008. Founded by Steve Auth — a craftsman with over 40 years of building experience and a background as a horse owner and rancher — the company specializes in lightweight, towable structures built with welded aluminum framing and spray foam insulation.
The wagon featured here is one of Wooly Wagons’ signature builds: a sheepherder-style gypsy wagon that packs a surprising amount of functionality into a footprint just 14 feet long and 8 feet wide.
Photos Courtesy of Wooly Wagons
[continue reading…]
{ }
I was excited to have an email from Victor Summers from Simple Shelter Texas about one of his latest small rustic cabins.
He calls it an eco-retreat because it sits on 40 acres off the grid in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado.
So yes, there are amazing views of the Sangre de Cristro Mountains from the cabin.
Small Rustic Cabin on 40 Acres with Mountain Views for Sale
Victor asked me to let you know that the cabin, along with the property, is up for sale for $275,000.
But if you tell him you saw this post he’ll reduce the price to $225,000. So tell him Alex, from TinyHouseTalk.com sent you if you happen to be interested.
Photos Courtesy of Victor Summers
The 650-square-foot cabin is miles away from the electrical grid and sits at about 8500′ elevation in the southern part of Colorado.
[continue reading…]
{ }
This Colorado mountain cabin demonstrates how downsizing can lead to a simpler, more satisfying lifestyle. What started as a rental property investment became a permanent home when the owners discovered the benefits of small-space living.
Colorado Mountain Cabin Exterior
Photo Credit: Nanci Bliss
[continue reading…]
{ }
This 14 by 30 foot Amish-built shed resembles a small log cabin and arrives ready for interior finishing. The two-story structure includes a full staircase to the upper loft, single-hung residential windows, and 2×6 stud walls ready for insulation. The sharp roof pitch provides standing headroom in the upstairs bedroom area.
Structure Details
- Size: 14 x 30 feet
- Stories: Two (main floor plus loft)
- Builder: Amish construction
- Type: Pre-built shed/cabin shell
- Access: Full interior staircase to loft
- Windows: Single-hung residential style
- Framing: 2 x 6 studs
- Finish Options: Insulation, tongue and groove pine, or drywall
Log Cabin Shed Exterior
Images via YouTube/TheeAmishMarket
[continue reading…]
{ }
Derek and Dustin Diedricksen built this tiny cabin retreat in Northern Vermont as a weekend escape from Boston. Purchased in 2000, the property has been developed incrementally using mostly hand tools without power equipment. The cabin provides a quiet getaway for family and friends to enjoy nature, play music, and disconnect from city life.
Cabin Details
- Builders: Derek and Dustin Diedricksen (brothers)
- Location: Northern Vermont
- Land Purchased: 2000
- Construction: Weekends and spare time over years
- Tools: Mostly hand tools, minimal power equipment
- Utilities: No running water
- Purpose: Weekend getaway from Boston
- Website: RelaxShacks YouTube
Vermont Cabin Exterior
Images via RelaxShacks/YouTube
[continue reading…]
{ }
The Pod, a compact rounded A-frame structure from the UK, inspired this larger cabin design concept. The original Pod units function as glamping accommodations and garden rooms, while this scaled-up version at approximately 14 by 14 feet provides 196 square feet of interior living space.
Design Details
- Inspiration: The Pod UK
- Style: Rounded A-frame
- Interior Size: Approximately 196 square feet (14′ x 14′)
- Windows: Large rear window (9′ wide x 4’6″ tall), two front windows (2’6″ x 2’8″ each)
- Entry: Glass-panel door for natural light
- Design Tool: SketchUp 3D modeling
Rounded A-Frame Cabin Concept Front View
[continue reading…]
{ }
The Camping Cocoon from DH Log Cabins resembles a miniature A-frame house, creating a compact shelter suitable for camping, backyard retreats, home offices, or hobby spaces. The distinctive shape provides weather-shedding roof coverage while maintaining a small footprint.
Design Details
- Manufacturer: DH Log Cabins (UK)
- Style: A-frame / cocoon shape
- Features: Built-in corner seats on front porch
- Windows: Window in door, window in back
- Uses: Camping shelter, garden office, hobby room, meditation space
- Availability: United Kingdom
Cocoon Cabin Exterior
[continue reading…]
{ }
An artist and musician couple built this tiny cabin as a retreat in Delhi, New York. Inspired by photos of hand-built homes from the 1960s and 70s, they constructed the cabin over four years with help from friends and family, learning carpentry skills along the way with no prior experience.
Design Details
- Location: Delhi, New York
- Builders: Artist/musician couple (DIY with help from friends and family)
- Build Time: Four years
- Style: Rustic handmade
- Features: Stained glass windows, fireplace, musical instruments
- Kitchen: Small refrigerator, mini oven, magnetic knife rack, storage
Cabin Exterior
[continue reading…]
{ }
This cordwood cabin retreat demonstrates how natural building techniques create beautiful, functional tiny spaces. The unique structure features cordwood construction with decorative bottles, large windows, and a matching outhouse companion building.
Design Details
- Construction: Cordwood with decorative bottles
- Materials: Recycled and reclaimed
- Purpose: Writing, reading, and day retreat
- Features: Large windows, custom screen door, built-in refrigerator
- Companion Structure: Matching outhouse (The Wee Wee House)
Cabin Exterior with Cordwood Walls
[continue reading…]
{ }
