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Actors unable to afford city life spent 2020 building an incredible tiny home
After spending 3 years in their hand-built tiny house, both of them agree it’s “the best decision we’ve made by far.”
Jessica Adler
11.03.23

In the quaint countryside of the UK, a couple’s quest for autonomy and affordability has culminated in the creation of a tiny home that is as charming as it is functional.

Harrie and Joe, both actors by profession, found themselves at a crossroads.

The high cost of city living clashed with their desire for personal space.

Their solution? To build a tiny house that not only provided a roof over their heads but also a sanctuary that resonated with their creative spirits.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

The couple’s journey began with the purchase of a chassis in September 2019, with the goal of making the structure watertight before the relentless rains of November set in.

Their timing was impeccable.

As the world slowed down in the face of a pandemic, their project picked up pace, transforming into the perfect lockdown endeavor.

The result is a home that is not just a dwelling but a vibrant extension of their personalities, complete with a recording studio for Harrie’s audiobook narrations.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

The construction of the tiny house was a family affair, with Joe’s father, freshly retired from building, roped into the project.

Despite his initial reluctance, the trio embarked on a DIY adventure, learning and adapting as they went along.

The design process was organic, with the couple sketching out their vision on the back of an envelope, ensuring that the top bedroom areas could be unbolted for easy transportation.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

As the tiny house took shape, so did its surroundings.

The couple has embraced the outdoors, cultivating a vegetable garden and creating a habitat for bees and butterflies, adding a splash of color and life to their little corner of the world.

Their home, though small, does not skimp on comfort or style.

The interior is a testament to their resourcefulness, with most furnishings sourced from online marketplaces or repurposed materials, like the 200-year-old oak flooring acquired for a steal.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

The living space is designed for coziness, centered around a fireplace that serves as the sole source of heat.

Above, a loft provides a separate area for relaxation, a necessity in the intimate quarters of a tiny home.

The kitchen, with its high ceiling and ample light, is a chef’s dream, complete with a cleverly concealed dish-drying cupboard and a butler sink salvaged from next door.

The bathroom doubles as a dressing room, offering a spacious retreat complete with a conventional flushing toilet connected to a septic tank.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

Ascending to the sleeping loft reveals a King-size bed and a surprising amount of space, thanks to clever design choices like a circular window that offers expansive views of the house below.

The couple has managed to carve out distinct areas within their compact home.

Each space ensures serves multiple purposes without feeling cluttered.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

Living in the tiny house for over three years has been transformative for Harrie and Joe.

It has afforded them the freedom to pursue their acting careers without the financial burden of traditional housing.

The cost of building their home equated to three years’ worth of rent, a trade-off they consider well worth it.

The tiny house has not only been a financial reprieve but also a catalyst for creativity and personal growth.

YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House
Source:
YouTube - Living Big In A Tiny House

As they look to the future, the couple contemplates expanding their tiny abode or perhaps building another.

The skills they’ve acquired through the DIY process have empowered them to dream bigger, even within the small footprint of their current home.

Their story is a testament to the power of ingenuity and the beauty of living a life less ordinary, proving that sometimes, the smallest spaces can lead to the grandest adventures.

Tour Harrie and Joe’s incredible self-built tiny home in the video below!

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