The rise of the Tiny House Movement

Could you live in a much smaller house? Should you live in a much smaller house?

Over the last few years – and especially since the start of the property crisis and financial downturn – the idea that we can be just as happy living in a (much) smaller home has been gaining ground in the USA. It’s an extremely democratic movement with a number of eloquent advocates such as Jay Shafer, Kent Griswold and Michael Janzen but no real leader, all of whom are suggesting that living small is not only more affordable but offers a more ecologically-friendly alternative.

The trend has yet to really catch on in the UK, though architects such as Richard Horton have experimented with smaller housing designs and a new six-part prime time Channel Four series on micro design is currently searching for Britain’s most exciting and innovative small spaces. To get some idea of what size we’re talking about, take a look at the past winners of Apartment Therapy’s Annual Small Cool Contest (the ninth one launches tomorrow) and also watch the video below:

Watch The ‘tiny house’ movement on PBS. See more from Need to Know.

If that whets your appetite, here are some smallish properties on the market around the UK:

Archibishop Cottage (pictured top)
This Grade II Listed property is believed to be one of the oldest houses in Ropley, Hampshire. Archbishop Cottage is constructed from brick and flint under a thatched roof. The cottage has been extended over recent years to provide a sun room and bathroom – period features include an inglenook fireplace, a bread oven and brick flooring. Price: £245,000. Agent: Hamptons International

Former Telephone Repeater Station10sq meters in size and being offered with a guide price of £45,000. It has planning permission to convert to a short term eco holiday home. The property situated on the outskirts of Carlisle is adjacent to the Cumbria Way Cycle Route. Planning Consent would allow the property to be used up to 21 days at a time but is not suitable for full time residential use. Full details can be found on www.hhking.co.uk

Currant Cottage
A unique, timber framed detached ex-Forestry Commission property located in a beautiful part of the Suffolk countryside abutting Rendlesham Forest. The property sits in a level lawned plot extending to about a quarter of one acre: the total area of the property is approximately 70.8sq metres with countryside views in all directions. It features a galley kitchen, sitting room, bathroom, dining room and two further bedrooms on the first floor. £360,000. Fine & Country Woodbridge www.fineandcountry.com

Yew Tree Cottage, Esher, Surrey
With views across the Thames Ditton and Esher golf course, this one bedroom period cottage is in the Thames Ditton conservation area, and also within walking distance of Esher mainline station. Freehold, 1 Bed, 1 Recep, 1 Bath, House, Garden, Patio, 474 approx sq ft. John D Wood & Co. Guide Price £280,000

The Barn, Fron Isaf, Chirk, Wrexham
£295,000 from Strutt & Parker Chester, this is a conversion of a former small barn in a rural setting. 3 Bedrooms / Bathroom / Gardens and Conservatory / countryside views

Useful web sites for more information

• Independent Property Search Engine
• Independent House & Home section

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• http://home.comcast.net/~tomleem BigGoofyGuy

  Smaller can be better; especially with this economy and and not really needing a big house. With me, I just like small and neither want or could afford a big house.

• http://twitter.com/getawaystyle Jennifer Knight

  It’s amazing how many people in the USA are interested tiny houses, particularly baby boomers who grew up in the “bigger is better” housing boom. Tiny houses are also great choices for second homes. http://www.getawaystyle.com/content/article/tiny_retreats

• ruralwriter

  Just curious to know if it’s the same Apartment Therapy husband and wife team who have just announced their separation – due in part to living in such close quarters once they had a child?  

• claustrophobic miss

  judging from the prices of the ones above, it’s a shame that even tiny houses in the UK are unaffordable for most!