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“The Abilene” Model: 20′ Container Home For Sale, $17.5K


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This is such a great opportunity to get into tiny living without spending a huge fortune up front! This 20′ container tiny house, named “The Abilene,” is finished inside and out with electricity, plumbing, siding, and a mini-split. All it needs is furnishings, kitchen appliances, and decor to make it the perfect starter tiny house.

At just $17,450, you’ll get an open-concept space that resembles a studio. There’s a small 3/4 bath on one end, and the original container doors still open wide over by the living/sleeping area if you want to let the outdoors inside!

To contact the builder and make an offer or ask questions, head over to Tiny House Marketplace here.

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Ready For Your Finishing Touch: Container Home For Sale in Austin

The container doors open wide to let the outside in.

There’s space for additional floating shelves and appliances.

A mini-split keeps the space warm or cool.

The front doors and windows let light in.

View from the bathroom.

There’s room for a futon or sofa bed over here.

I’m always up for a butcher block countertop.

Here’s the full layout for those interested.

Highlights:

  • The Build:
    Akin to a studio apartment, this repurposed 20′ container home has it all. Complete with a bedroom, kitchenette, a 3/4 bathroom, and ample space for whatever else you see fit.
  • The Specs:
  • Dimensions:
    Living Area/Bedroom – 10′ (L) x 7′ (W) x 8′ (H)
    Kitchen – 6′ (L) x 7′ (W) x 8′ (H)
    Bathroom – 4′ (L) x 7′ (W) x 8′ (H)
  • Framing:
    Wood Interior Framing Installed on a 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′ Container
  • Insulation:
    R13- 2″ Spray Foam Insulation
  • Electrical:
    Qty 1 – 125amp 12 Slot Panel Breaker Box (interior mount with exterior cutoff)
    Qty 4 – 110v Duplex Outlets (Bedroom/Living Area)
    Qty 1 – 110v Quadplex Outlet (Kitchen Counter)
    Qty 1 – 110v Duplex Outlet dedicated on a 20amp breaker for a refrigerator
    Qty 1 – 110v Duplex Outlet dedicated on a 20amp breaker for electric stovetop
    Qty 1 – 110v GFCI Duplex (Restroom)
    Qty 1 – 110v Exterior Outlet
    Qty 1 – Exterior Light
  • Finish Choices (Select from above menu):
    Base – Drywall with Orange Peel Texture. Any Interior Paint Color
    Rustic – Cedar Shiplap
    Modern – White Shiplap
  • Flooring:
    Traffic Master Vinyl Wood – Natural or Grey
  • HVAC:
    One-ton Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner and Heat (12,000 BTU)
  • Windows/Doors:
    Qty 1 – 36″ Door with Top Panel Glass
    Qty 2 – 3′ x 3′ Windows (1 in Kitchen, 1 in Bedroom)
    Qty 1 – 2′ x 2′ Windows (Bathroom)
  • 3/4 Bathroom:
    Qty 1 – 36″ x 36″ Shower
    Qty 1 – 18″ Vanity Sink with Faucet
    Qty 1 – American Standard Toilet
    Qty 1 – 24″ Pocket Door Entrance
    Qty 1 – Vent Fan with Light
  • Kitchenette:
    Qty 1 – 36″ Kitchen Base Cabinet with Butcherblock Countertop
    Qty 1 – Single Bay Sink with Faucet
    Qty 1 – Two Burner Electric Stovetop
  • Living Area/Bedroom:
    Qty 2 – Low Profile LED Lights
  • Custom Exterior Paint:
    Choose your color at https://www.behr.com/consumer/
    Remove Rust Spots (Used Container Only)
    Primer Applied

Learn More:

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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.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

{ 9 comments… add one }
  • Nancy M.
    January 23, 2021, 11:57 am

    I could live in this, though as far as I am concerned, it is only about half done. Still needed: More kitchen counterspace, a closet, and a pantry. I also would prefer to have access through the original opening, but with a window and door just inside — while still being able to close it off when needed. Nice work, so far, though. Price is good.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      January 25, 2021, 1:32 pm

      Oh that’s a good idea, Nancy.

  • Alison
    January 23, 2021, 10:40 pm

    The horizontal lines on the walls and ceiling is too much; maybe a plain ceiling would be better. But otherwise, it seems like a sturdy, efficient home with potential.

  • Donna Rae
    January 24, 2021, 1:09 pm

    I agree that this is a good start. It would be perfect for creating quick housing in a disaster or for the homeless. The use of the space needs a bit of tweaking, though. If the bathroom is 4′ in width, there should be a 4′ wide shower in the space so there wasn’t that awkward space that can’t be used for much and presents a constant cleaning problem. As it is shown, be sure to have a long handled brush to reach to the back so you can clean it. In the corner of the “kitchen” area by the bathroom door, I would want a corner cabinet with a carousel shelf. They provide tremendous storage without taking up more room than a regular cabinet. I’d move the refrigerator to directly across from it after eliminating that window next to the slider. Instead, I’d put a window above the sink area with an upper cabinet on either side. Open shelving would be ok but it’s also nice to hide the less attractive things behind a door. I like that there is enough room in the living area to put a daybed that would act as a sofa during the day and a bed at night. Put a 9-drawer dresser across from it for good storage and a place to put your big screen TV. You wouldn’t be able to own any clothes that require hanging so maybe there should be a tall closet where I suggested a corner carousel cabinet. I can attest to the efficiency of the mini-split HVAC. They work great! These are just a few thoughts on how to increase the practicality of the space with just a few changes. And just think of what is possible with a 30′ or 40′ container! Lots of possibilities! This 20′ model can provide lots of inspiration and the opportunity to customize it to suit your own needs.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      January 25, 2021, 1:23 pm

      We ended up using converted TV cabinets as our wardrobes in our Master Bedroom after taking the closet and making it a bathroom. We just added the hanging rod — it would be a great option in this space across from a daybed.

  • Mary McGuirk
    January 25, 2021, 1:56 am

    I like the idea of OPEN space…extra counters can be on wheels…I really would consider a WETROOM instead of a shower stall…it could even be wheelchair accessible if done right…storage doesn’t need to be built in, so I think you are on the right track. An AWNING could turn the future porch as a 3-season living room, also out the double doors at the living area to make a 3-season sleeping area. Having storage on wheels or portable permits it to be moved to outdoor or future CHEAP SPACE add-on that doesn’t need any plumbing or anything but DC electrical. I would use the inside as an OFFICE and the 3-season areas for living space.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      January 25, 2021, 1:20 pm

      Those are all great ideas, Mary!

  • Paula Abbott
    January 26, 2021, 5:41 pm

    where are you located?

    • Natalie C. McKee
      January 27, 2021, 1:31 pm

      It’s for sale in Austin, Texas.

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