Home Sweet Home?
During this time of high mortgage payments, dwindling property values, and rising heating and energy costs some people are beginning to think seriously about tailoring their housing needs. Some downsizing alternatives have been with us for years, mobile homes, houseboats and caravans; but, these are neither stationary nor controversial. There is another option being explored today that both delights some and infuriates others.
Jay Shafer is a former art teacher who has been invited to speaking engagements in the United States and Canada to promote his ideas on "tiny houses". For ten years he has been residing comfortably in a succession of homes that were all less than 100 square feet in size. This man is not "living large" though he is getting large receptions wherever he speaks to enthusiastic audiences who are concerned with the environment, reducing overhead expenses, and looking for something suitable to their changing needs.
Not all is rosy however in this Lilliputian land of little houses. Many local residents are outspoken and concerned that these miniatures, built in their neighbourhoods, will cause housing prices to drop even further.
* Here is a YouTube link for a tour of his house.
Looks like a wonderful little place to me. In all honesty ~ how much need one person own before such assets actually own the person?
clean IT
dust IT
move IT
repair IT
replace IT
pay taxes on IT
Is it really “Worth it”?
Comment by rebecca — July 19, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
Well said Rebecca! I think they built it next to a tree so they could chain and lock it for safekeeping!
Comment by Cao — July 19, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
Great post! Being interested in the architecture world I have seen these houses before. To be honest, I think I might like one of these compared to the 2000sq ft house I have now.
Jeremy
Comment by Jeremy Day — October 18, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Hi..you have a great & informative blog. Just added and faved you. Thank you
Comment by Our Food Recipes — November 16, 2008 @ 4:07 am
Great blog, photos and articles. Very informative. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work. Rick
Comment by Rick Rosenshein — November 23, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
Who designed this specific house that you’ve featured in this article. (The photo of the house with the porch) I am trying to find it online but I cannot. Can you give us the link to the exact designer of this house? Thanks!
Comment by JR — May 12, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
Jay Shafer designed the house JR, click on the “tour” link at the end of the post and be directed to the You Tube video and other links, thanks!
Comment by Cao — May 13, 2009 @ 9:16 pm