Looking for an \u201cexit strategy\u201d from their hectic city lives, a group of four couples built a community of tiny vacation homes to live out their huge dreams in retirement.<\/p>\n
The environmentally smart micro-housing retreat was custom built for each of the couples, allowing them to retreat to a community populated by their besties.<\/p>\n
Nearing retirement, four Texas couples, who have been best friends for more than 20 years, were looking for a quiet escape from their homes in Austin, where they could reconnect with nature and recharge.<\/p>\n
When they found a ribbon of land near Llano River, a nature lover\u2019s paradise about an hour from Austin, they knew the plot \u2013 that needed some work \u2013 would be perfect.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we first looked at it, it was not really that inviting,\u201d Fred Zipp, a former editor at the Austin-American Stateman, told Garden and Gun magazine. Zipp and his wife Jodi are one of the four couples involved in the environmentally conscious project where they can all minimize their carbon footprints.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a magical place, but it\u2019s arid,\u201d Zipp said, adding that herds of wild buffalo can be seen charging across the rough terrain. \u201cWe\u2019re doing what we can to reserve as much water as possible for the native trees and grasses. Fortunately, they\u2019re beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
First intending on building a shared house, the couples then learned about the exploding tiny house movement and decided that smaller, individual houses, with one communal building would be more suitable.<\/p>\n
And once San Antonio architect Matt Garcia drafted plans for the project, everything came together.<\/p>\n
Working within a $40,000 budget per home, Garcia \u2013 using the tiny house movement as inspiration \u2013 designed four private 350-square-foot cabins, each including a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cBasically we wanted a place where we could spend a ton of time together \u2013 eating and drinking and hanging out \u2013 but still have privacy and separation when people needed to get away from the gang,\u201d said Jodi Zipp.<\/p>\n
Taking it a step further, the roofs of the buildings collect rainwater for later use, honoring the landowner\u2019s requirements for water conservation.<\/p>\n
To keep the indoor space cool from the scorching Texas heat, the tiny houses are insulated with spray foam and have large roof overhangs to reduce heat gain during the day.<\/p>\n
The houses need to look warm, not be warm.<\/p>\n
Garcia balanced out the cold metal exterior with a warm cozy design on the inside that\u2019s lined with grained plywood.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just wanted something warm feeling that would offset the coolness of the metal on the outside,\u201d Garcia said, adding that the floors are poured concrete, left a natural-looking gray. \u201cIt\u2019s a high-design finish that doesn\u2019t cost a lot of money.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adding to the interior warmth is the open plan layout, featuring large windows that draw natural light, also allowing the occupants unobstructed views of the river.<\/p>\n
Garcia then created a 1,500-square-foot communal cabin, a great gathering space that features a guest bedroom, a living space, and a large kitchen for cooking, dining and group activities. The building also has a pool!<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anything good came out of the recession, it was people hitting reset and realizing they don\u2019t need so much space and stuff to be happy,\u201d Garcia said. \u201cI love it. And I feel proud to be working with clients who have had that realization, that less is more.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though the eight best friends aren\u2019t ready yet for full-time retirement, their tiny community \u2013 aptly called \u201cLlano Exit Strategy,\u201d or \u201cBestie Row\u201d \u2013 is a great getaway. And when they\u2019re not using the cabins, they earn extra income by renting the space to tiny house-curious vacations goers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like a Disney movie out here. We have hare, bobcat, deer and all kinds of birds. As we spend more and more time here, we find more and more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The online community had lots to say about the story shared on Facebook about \u201cBestie\u2019s Row\u201d<\/p>\n
One writes, \u201cFab idea we always said it would be a great a great idea if friends build in a close and help each other as you age even share the same carers.\u201d A second shares, \u201cWhat a way to leave the with force! I\u2019m sure they are all just beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
While some praised the couple\u2019s commitment to their friendships, others suggested it\u2019s a risky move.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere goes the friendship,\u201d while another writes, \u201cThey will stop being friends in 3 months flat.\u201d<\/p>\n
What a great idea to build private tiny homes in a community populated by your best friends! Would you build a micro community to spend more time with your best friends?<\/p>\n
Please share this story and let\u2019s get the conversation going!<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed reading about this tiny house mini community, you\u2019ll also like the story on a man who converted his garage into a tiny house for his mother-in-law!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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