Tiny Cabin with Balcony and Small Space Ideas Galore
A few days ago I ran into a great find on Airbnb.com I wanted to show you. It’s a small cabin with 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 hangout 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.
Photo Credits Airbnb.com
If you’re interested in enjoying a vacation getaway here, rates are available at a reasonable price.
The house is located at Claire Ln, Point Roberts, WA 98281.
As you can see it’s a really small kitchen and they’ve made use of the space everywhere. Notice the corner shelves.
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.
The hanging pots and pans (check this one out, too) save a lot of space. I think they did a great job designing the interior of this cabin.
Double the space in your kitchen with these products
To view more photos and learn more about staying in this tiny cabin with a balcony click here to visit this Airbnb listing.
If you enjoyed this tiny cabin, help us spread the word by sharing it using the buttons below then talk about it in the comments. Thanks! What did you like best about this small space?
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 !
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Thanks, Warp, excellent points
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Warp Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 8:25 pm
I’m glad you like it but remember i sometimes screw up on my spelling if i’m not careful !
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April Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 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?
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overall, i like it.
however, having debris from people’s shoes fall off the stairs and into my cooking pots? bad design!
–sgl
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Hahaha, I didn’t think of it that way. Thanks sgl!
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maryj Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
roughage, lol.
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Dorothy Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
People are not allowed to wear shoes in my house!
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carol Reply:
March 7th, 2012 at 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.
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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 icptba@aol.com (no spammers please!)
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Bob- I’d love to learn more. I’ll send you in email now.
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Perfect. Where can we get plans. Stairs are much easier than a ladder for old folks like me.
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:42 am
Sorry- no plans right now Charlie.
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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.
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Good points Steve, thanks
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John Mauldin Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 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!
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:35 am
Haha, that’s it John, thanks!
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Ross Reply:
March 5th, 2012 at 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!
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Nice work as usual Alex. Keep it up. I really enjoy this newsletter.
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Thanks Nole, I’m honored and glad you enjoy it!
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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!!
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Thanks Tena glad you liked it.
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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.
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Alex Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Thanks Martin!
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I would like to see more pictures of the front room, the bathroom and the upstairs area.
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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!
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Hey Danielle, you can see the loft area in the airbnb listing..
http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17495?af=1726391&c=direct_link
Go there and keep clicking through the pictures in there.
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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.
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Alex Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 8:47 pm
That would be awesome! Great idea.
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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!
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Alex Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Thanks Eroca! Is there anywhere we can check out pictures of your house?
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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.
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:42 am
Thanks BWG, I like it a lot too. Love the balcony and the design throughout. It’d be a really fun place to live/stay in.
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I Love it! My first thought about the kitchen was “dirt from shoes on stairs”, but overall so cozy looking! Perfectly small!
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Alex Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Haha, thanks Mary, glad you liked it!
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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.
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:37 am
Hey Steve, I appreciate and respect all feedback and opinions, including yours. Everyone has different needs, too, so variables are endless. Some folks need a kitchen, others eat out. Things like that..
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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!
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:38 am
Thanks Glendon. Great ideas. Glad you liked this one. The Japanese house is still a favorite for me, too, hehe.
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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.
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:40 am
Charlie, GREAT point. Even though the kitchen is tiny, if you wanted to cook, you’d cook. Some of us cook while tent camping so compared to that, this is a great little kitchen. But as you said, it *is* a couples getaway.
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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:)
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:41 am
Thanks Maryj. I’d be really happy in it too. Especially if it’s close to the supermarket. Great ideas for creating more space, too. And I agree on the ladder!!
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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!
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Alex Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 4:32 pm
So glad you like the house and our newsletter. Thanks for commenting. :)
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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!
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Alex Reply:
March 6th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Great ideas, thanks Sandy
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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?
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Alex Reply:
March 6th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Hey Val, I put together a catalog of most tiny house plans that you can buy plus some free ones too over at http://www.tiny-house-plans.com. Thanks!
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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!!
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Alex Reply:
March 6th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Thanks, Mark!! :)
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oh, how nice. Thankzzzzzz a zillion for sharing.
Hi from sunny south central Arkansas
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Alex Reply:
March 8th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Glad ya liked it, good to see you back!
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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
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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
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Alex Reply:
March 8th, 2012 at 7:05 pm
Thanks Chris. It’s a great idea. Glad you expressed it. I’ll keep it in my mind.
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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
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Alex Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Thank you so much for the kind words Val!
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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.
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Alex Reply:
March 11th, 2012 at 8:14 pm
That’s so awesome, Val, thanks again. So glad you found that out for us.
I like what he said about intimacy because that’s something not talked about very often and seem so true with small space.
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