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Tiny Cabin with Balcony and Small Space Ideas Galore


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A few days ago I ran into a great find on Airbnb.com I wanted to show you. It’s a small cabin with a balcony. Remember the cozy cube cabin with a balcony that Kevin showed us a while back? This is.. well, sort of similar.

This one is a little bigger but I’m always a sucker for a small space with a balcony you can hang out in. This tiny cottage is beautifully decorated and surrounded by cedar. Next door sits a 150-acre park with nature trails that lead to a secluded Pacific beach. This small home is in Point Roberts which is also known as South Tsawwassen.

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Tiny Cabin on a Foundation “The Gingerbread Cottage”

Tiny Cabin with Upstairs Balcony

Photo Credits Pat/Airbnb.com

If you’re interested in enjoying a vacation getaway here, rates are available at a reasonable price.

Tiny Cabin with Upstairs Balcony

The house is located at Claire Ln, Point Roberts, WA 98281.

Tiny Cabin with Upstairs Balcony

As you can see it’s a really small kitchen and they’ve made use of the space everywhere. Notice the corner shelves.

Tiny Cabin with Upstairs Balcony

As you see they created a really simple kitchen with a two-burner stove, tiny refrigerator, and a microwave.

I really like how they added a back-splash to the staircase to help it have that look and feel of a kitchen.

Tiny Cabin with Upstairs Balcony

Photo Credits Pat/Airbnb.com

The hanging pots and pans. I think they did a great job designing the interior of this cabin.

To view more photos and learn more about staying in this tiny cabin with a balcony click here to visit this Airbnb listing.

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 62 comments… add one }
  • Warp
    February 29, 2012, 3:26 pm

    This is amazing centurys ago many people and families used to live in a small home and it was all they could afford then , now today were going back into tiny homes cause cozy peaceful and you don’t have to pay morgtgage your utility is very low and plus if you like you can hual your house anywhere you like , plus your relatives won’t come to live with you in your tiny home just you or someone to enjoy the comfort !

    • Warp
      February 29, 2012, 8:25 pm

      I’m glad you like it but remember i sometimes screw up on my spelling if i’m not careful !

    • April
      February 29, 2012, 9:15 pm

      I clicked on the link and looked through all the pics. This place is positively beautifully serene! I’m sure the location helps, but it would transfer well to any setting. I would love to own this home! The shoe/dirt in food can be easily solved by wearing house slippers, the stairs would be awesome as Charlie said, you would use the table as your prep area for cooking, and converting the first three or four stairs into storage would take care of the food storage needs. 🙂 The bedroom is gorgeous, the balcony magical, and the living room, not picture in this post but at the link, WOW! I am in love. 🙂 Someone mentioned something about plans for this house? Can they be viewed somewhere?

  • sgl
    February 29, 2012, 3:51 pm

    overall, i like it.

    however, having debris from people’s shoes fall off the stairs and into my cooking pots? bad design!

    –sgl

    • February 29, 2012, 4:39 pm

      Hahaha, I didn’t think of it that way. Thanks sgl!

      • maryj
        February 29, 2012, 9:18 pm

        roughage, lol.

    • Dorothy
      February 29, 2012, 11:37 pm

      People are not allowed to wear shoes in my house!

      • Sketcer93
        January 26, 2013, 7:03 am

        I always wipe out my fry pans before I use them now. I don’t know what rodent may have walked across my pan as it sits in my cupboard. This is not an issue in my mind.

    • carol
      March 7, 2012, 2:53 pm

      Put a thin glass cube handrail/wall on the stairs. You could make it stained glass or bottle bottoms motif so the light can still pass through.

    • sc
      February 17, 2013, 10:05 pm

      i thought of the same thing! lots of easy remedies, though.

      • maryj
        November 28, 2013, 9:11 pm

        yes, I’m sure there’s a cure for that 🙂

    • Eric
      May 1, 2019, 6:57 am

      Easy fix… put a panel of acrylic there. Problem solved. But as someone else said… roughage.

  • BOB SHERATON
    February 29, 2012, 4:07 pm

    I would be curious to knbow if the owner has any idea of the origins of this house. It looks exactly like one i redid and lived in in new castle Delaware. it was very old and believe it or not, kit built! It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I found a few more around Delaware. I was told they were kits that were sent mostly to the islands for the sugar workers. Cheap, easy to assemble, etc. If anyone would like further info i can be contacted. Bob [email protected] (no spammers please!)

    • February 29, 2012, 4:41 pm

      Bob- I’d love to learn more. I’ll send you in email now.

  • Charlie
    February 29, 2012, 4:38 pm

    Perfect. Where can we get plans. Stairs are much easier than a ladder for old folks like me.

  • SteveR
    February 29, 2012, 4:39 pm

    That kitchen is for people who don’t cook. There is no work surface and where do you keep the food? My RV kitchen is better designed. I have two workspaces, sink, 4 burner stove and grill and oven and cupboards below and above but still I find food storage to be an issue. With a house that size ( huge by my standards), the kitchen could be much better designed.
    Hanging pots is not a good storage solution, IMO, since it takes away from valuable cupboard space.

    • John Mauldin
      February 29, 2012, 6:55 pm

      Waa, waa, waa! Steve, why not some constructive criticism and maybe some positive’s added to the comment? Gee, you have an RV. Well I own one too and with all it’s slides, outside grill and shower, etc., etc. it still looks like an RV. That house is really nice! And I am sure that the tenants once had empty space to plan before they decided on their kitchen, etc. And I would have to bet that if this tiny home was your’s, YOU would lay it out differently. You did not say anything about the outside, the balcony, etc. which I tend to this was a focal point of this tiny home. Now let’s get positive, OK!

      • Theo
        January 8, 2016, 4:31 pm

        I go along with Steve.

    • Ross
      March 5, 2012, 2:56 pm

      Gorgeous little house, it’s given me a few ideas to incorporate into my own build (when I get there!)
      As for lack of space in the kitchen, I would add a bench-on-wheels. Gives you workspace that can be adapted to any job on the ground floor that needs more space.
      And I love the hanging pots, would definitely use that in my build!

    • sc
      February 17, 2013, 10:19 pm

      I had the first impression you did, about the kitchen, SteveR, until I clicked on the link and realized its a hotel room/weekend getaway cabin.
      Its called the “Ultimate Getaway”. Its not a house people would use as a permanent residence, then you would need a larger kitchen. People are eating out, going to the local restaurants. Couple who stay for the weekend dont need a lot of cupboard space, they are not doing a lot of cooking, or buying a weeks worth of groceries, thats why its a “getaway”
      its the same size as most hotel suite kitchenettes. These pics dont do the cabin justice. Its an absolutely beautiful little getaway.

      • Theo
        January 8, 2016, 4:40 pm

        If I wanted a hotel room, I would rent a room in a hotel. At least that way I would have maid service, room service, and a place to eat in the hotel. Probably less expensive too, plus no steps to climb to go to bed, or down to pee, then back up.

        If it were to live in, it would be suitable with some design changes.

  • Nole
    February 29, 2012, 6:34 pm

    Nice work as usual Alex. Keep it up. I really enjoy this newsletter.

  • Tena Northern
    February 29, 2012, 6:47 pm

    This is so amazing, and what people can do with their imaginations! It is adorable! It sure looks very cozy and homey:-) I can’t wait to get mine finished!!

  • Martin
    February 29, 2012, 7:10 pm

    I like to cook, but I would need much more space. So I would build drawers or cabinets under the stairs and a folding table between the kitchen and the bathroom door. The hanging pots and pans might look good, but I would prefer some shelves for all my kitchen stuff.

  • Kandy
    February 29, 2012, 7:24 pm

    I would like to see more pictures of the front room, the bathroom and the upstairs area.

  • Danielle
    February 29, 2012, 8:02 pm

    I absolutely love this cabin! I wish we could see the loft area. I am bookmarking this page, I would love to build one of mine own to live in. Thanks for sharing!

  • Danielle
    February 29, 2012, 8:08 pm

    Just had a thought for extra storage. Possibly making the first three steps have tops with hinges, or pull out drawers to keep pots, or other things in.

  • Eroca
    February 29, 2012, 9:47 pm

    Beautiful House, and such an amazing woodland setting, I love it. I have a very tiny house (10×10) and love to see what people do with a small space, love that balcony!

    • March 11, 2012, 8:09 pm

      Thanks Eroca! Is there anywhere we can check out pictures of your house?

  • BigWarpGuy
    February 29, 2012, 9:51 pm

    That is definitely my kind of little house. It is really nice looking. I like the stairs to the second floor. The balcony would be cool to look out on.

  • February 29, 2012, 9:51 pm

    I Love it! My first thought about the kitchen was “dirt from shoes on stairs”, but overall so cozy looking! Perfectly small!

  • SteveR
    February 29, 2012, 10:28 pm

    Alex brought up the point that there were some good space saving ideas and I happen to disagree. Yes, it’s a cute little house but tiny houses are not just junior versions of big houses – they have to be great in order to be livable. So, a litle bit of discussion about good points and bad points is not a bad thing. This site is called TinyHouseTalk – not TinyHouseHappyHappy.
    I happen to live in an off-grid 7×17 space and I am currently building my own tiny house, so I am looking at things from a different perspective. It’s one thing to look at it and say it is cute, it’s quite another to live in it and make it your permanent home.
    Sorry if anything I comment on is not to your liking. The tiny house movement benefits from critical evaluation and making things better, not just smaller.

  • Glendon
    February 29, 2012, 10:36 pm

    Really nice look and feel to this place. Do you know its sq footage? I like the use of the understairs space, and especially the idea of drawers or cupboards there, but agree with sgl about the debris in the pot problem. Perhaps a spiral staircase that stays in the corner would fix the issue, and give a little more room to play with for the kitchen. Thanks a lot, Alex. This cozy spot ranks right up there with Cape Falcon’s Japanese House for me!

  • Charlie
    March 1, 2012, 12:51 am

    Let us not forget that it’s designed as a getaway not a full time house with a gourmet kitchen and people can take their shoes off when they climb the stairs so debris won’t get into the cooking pots. It’s a couples getaway, most of the cooking won’t be in the kitchen anyway. It doesn’t hurt if some of us enjoy even if it not the most practical design in the world. Practical isn’t necessarily romantic and I think that’s what the owners are going for, a romantic and/or relaxing weekend.

  • maryj
    March 1, 2012, 5:59 am

    some like it – some don’t, but looking at this little house i would be very happy to call it home. check out the photos on the original site – moving the dining table to under the window would free up room for more bench space in the kitchen. the stairs are a great improvement on more usual tiny house ladder – especially in the middle of the night:)

  • cescka54
    March 1, 2012, 4:08 pm

    Hi Alex,

    Love this newletter. I’m dreaming of my own tiny house. I love a lot about this little house. I too would put drawers in the stairs. You could put a sheet of plexi to block anything from falling in the food. Perhaps a shallow pantry on the wall between counter and bathroom? I see lots of opportunities for built-ins for books/storage, etc. Also, I would consider a pocket door for the bath. I love the french doors in the main area…keeps it feeling big and airy! Excellent little house!

    • March 1, 2012, 4:32 pm

      So glad you like the house and our newsletter. Thanks for commenting. 🙂

  • Sandy
    March 1, 2012, 4:31 pm

    I would fill the staircase “open wall” space above the kitchen with glass brick to match the window of same. This would allow natural light coming through to the kitchen from the exterior glass brick window, and keep any debris from falling off into the kitchen work area. I had a walk-in shower-for-two once made from glass brick, and it was wonderful!

  • Val
    March 2, 2012, 12:43 am

    i am new to this whole concept of Tiny Houses but hope to build one this coming spring. I have viewed a number of small/tiny houses and plans on line and I must say this house has captured my eyes and heart. I see a number of people have indicated they would be interested in seeing/buying the house plans….does anyone know if they are available?

  • Mark
    March 3, 2012, 12:33 pm

    Alex, keep up the good work finding these amazing places. I fully agree that, as this is listed in a bed & breakfast website, it was not designed for full time living, but it sure could be with some of the modifications mentioned. I know I’d change a few things, we all personalize out spaces to meet our lifestyles. The fact is, the bare bones structure/design is a great starting point.

    More! Encore!!

  • sesameB
    March 7, 2012, 1:52 pm

    oh, how nice. Thankzzzzzz a zillion for sharing.
    Hi from sunny south central Arkansas

  • sesameB
    March 7, 2012, 6:29 pm

    Happy family: The Pullans, who are all albino, live in a small one-bedroom flat in Delhi—
    Meet the Indian couple and their children about to set a new record – as the world’s biggest ALBINO family

  • chris
    March 8, 2012, 10:50 am

    Alex, I think Val above was looking more for the pans etc, to that house, not the ones you have compiled? With as many smart computer saavy people that are out there, surely someone could come up with plans using a program for the basic general construction or “shell” of the house? Custom design from there could be incorporated for everyones personal likes, preferences, and needs. Once the basic structure was designed and codes followed, there is no limit to the options!
    Everyone! Is there someone that could design something in reference to this structure that we all could share and make it available to all? Of coarse, with all approvals and permissions from the owner or builders.
    Thank you Alex for everything you do, you inspire me everytime I get a chance to read your inputs, Chris

  • Val
    March 8, 2012, 9:49 pm

    Thanks Chris/Alex. Yes that is exactly what I was looking for Chris, In fact I so like this cabin, I have been thinking that if plans cant be made up or acquired, I might take a stab at renting this place for a weekend (I live about 10 hours away). I could no doubt take some measurements and make some sketches etc and of course see if this was truly the place for me. However if someone as you mention Chris could do up some basic plans this would be a lot simpler. Off hand does anyone know the apx square footage on this house? I am not great at estimating based on photos but someone else out there might be. Love this site and activity here though! Great job Alex…thanks

  • Val
    March 9, 2012, 9:32 pm

    Hey everyone! I contacted the owner Pat of this wonderful abode and he gave me some wonderful feedback. First off this cabin with balcony is 450 square feet. It is his own design He views this house as large by tiny house standards. In Pat’s own words “I have a real fascination with ‘shelter’ as one of the prime human drivers. My bible is Christopher Alexander’s ‘Pattern Language’.” He went on to say that the building and designing of the cottage was ” plagued by good luck. Things just seemed to work out.” Again quoting Pat “It is my belief that intimacy is the key element in shelter. If you can achieve that you have won the game. That is why I find large houses so amusing. They just don’t seem to get the intimacy thing.”

    I found these words to be so inspiring and enticing to someone who is moving towards the Tiny House lifestyle!

    Just thought you all might enjoy this….

    val
    ps…he was thrilled to know that his little cottage caused so much interest in the this tiny house community.

  • Pam McCreary
    January 26, 2013, 10:24 am

    This is exactly what I want when I get a small house!

  • DJ Spell
    January 31, 2013, 9:50 pm

    I wish you’d had more pictures. I’d love to have seen more of the bedroom and balcony space, as well as the bathroom layout. Laying out a small bathroom that doesn’t feel like a coffin can be quite difficult.

  • val
    February 1, 2013, 9:59 am

    DJSpell: Click on the link under the first photo and you it will take you to loads more photos.

    link: Airbnb.com

    • Rodger
      February 13, 2013, 10:02 pm

      Hi All,

      I will try to lay out the basic structure in SolidWorks. I just finished building a large shed from Better Barns. http://www.betterbarns.com/

      Before I built it I modeled everything just to check fit. I can model the basic structure of this cottage, of course without dimensions it will be a guess from the photos.

      Best Regards,
      Rodger

      • suse vita
        April 28, 2013, 9:28 am

        i’m another fan of this very sweet cottage, and would also love to see some plans too. we have a summer camp with an old camper to replace next year–this would be so ideal with just a few tweaks.
        thanks for posting it!

  • Dominick Bundy
    November 28, 2013, 4:19 pm

    Beautifully done, nice to look at. But lacks on storage areas, no closets or place for food and other kitchen utensils. ie:(cups, plates, silverware) Reminds me of a prop for a movie setting, rather than a place one could use and live in any length of time comfortably.

  • Two Crows
    December 14, 2014, 8:51 pm

    I guess this is a vacation cottage so the lack of storage is acceptable. If it were to be used for long-term living, though, that would be a real drawback.

    For instance, the back-splash could rise to the top of the bottom stair behind the counter and the higher stairs could support drawers. The step that is covered by tile could have a flip-up tread for storage, as well. Ftm, the lower stairs could do the same.

    The inset microwave is a great idea, though and I absolutely COVET that balcony! And I’m with the other commenters – – wish I could’ve seen the loft/upstairs interior.

  • thomas
    June 13, 2015, 1:46 pm

    Hello i am very interested in obtaining the floorplans for this house if anyone could help me that would be steller!!

  • Brian
    September 19, 2015, 10:42 pm

    up stairs must not be very nice…

  • Patty
    January 8, 2016, 4:25 pm

    This is a beautiful house, in a beautiful setting. Love that it is cozy throughout, has real stairs and a real bedroom. One of my favorites.

  • Kim W
    January 9, 2016, 3:47 am

    This cabin is so pretty. I love the balcony, too. Only changes I would make are
    1) a fold down table instead of the permanently up one (my face is the Norden table from IKEA, which has storage drawers), with folding chairs and
    2) a clic clac sofa in the living room, to provide a downstairs sleeping option with storage for bedding.
    This would free up space for a cooker and fridge-freezer and a washing machine in a rearranged kitchen area. I really can’t manage without those in a house I live in or spend longer than a weekend in!
    It would also allow 4 people to stay in the cabin. I am sure children would love the surrounding woodland etc.

  • Maria
    January 9, 2016, 6:47 am

    Well kitchen and bathroom placement would have to be changed. I don’t like eating dirt. I don’t like wet baths. Other wise this is a great house. Would love the blue prints or name of builder.

  • Marsha Cowan
    January 10, 2016, 1:26 pm

    I have seen this tiny house before and fell in love with it. Whoever designed it had a real feel for flow and a flare for beauty. The finishes and decorating add much to its charm. The tiny kitchen is my favorite feature, especially the recessed microwave oven. I have seen pictures of the loft bedroom, too, and it’s just as charming as the rest of the house. Wish there were more pictures of the bath, but what I have seen is very pretty.

  • Kimberly Hunter
    January 19, 2016, 7:37 pm

    Love seeing how different the people make these tiny homes. I am impressed.

  • Kimberly Hunter
    January 19, 2016, 9:35 pm

    Love you website, alot of helpful plans

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