Hiding within the hustle and bustle of Oakland’s city streets, a self-proclaimed “house hacker” is redefining the concept of living space.
Anzel’s journey began with a simple idea- maximize the potential of his property by adding tiny houses.
This venture not only expanded his living space but also transformed his financial landscape, turning these compact dwellings into a thriving business.
Anzel started with his 840-square-foot home and a detached garage that sat at the back of his driveway.
Inspired by the tiny house movement, he purchased his first tiny house, kickstarting a journey that would lead to a unique transformation of his property.
Anzel’s approach to house hacking involves creatively adding multiple tiny houses to a single property in a legal manner that maximizes both space and income.
Think food cart courts but for tiny houses.
Initially, Anzel was skeptical about the appeal of his location in Oakland, a city with a reputation for being dangerous.
However, his first listing on Airbnb proved to be a success, attracting guests and dispelling his doubts.
The positive response encouraged him to expand his venture, adding another tiny house to his property.
Financially, the impact of Anzel’s tiny houses has been significant.
With a mortgage of $1,600 and the tiny houses generating around $6,000 a month, Anzel found himself not only covering his bills but also enjoying a comfortable living.
This venture became his primary source of income, changing his life dramatically.
Anzel’s creativity is not limited to just adding tiny houses. He also transformed his garage into a living space, challenging the traditional use of a garage.
He designed the space to be minimalist with a spa-like vibe, featuring a bathtub and shower under a skylight he installed himself.
The transformation of the garage into a studio is a testament to Anzel’s belief in rethinking space and what is needed for happiness.
The tiny houses on Anzel’s property offer an experience.
Each space is carefully designed with unique features like a glass garage door for natural light, a large TV, and a record player with a selection of music from different eras.
Anzel’s intention is to create spaces that are not only functional but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
One of the tiny houses, named the “Tiny Hotel,” is an 18-footer built by a carpenter and his daughter.
It features a bathroom with a unique propagation wall, a macerating toilet, and a kitchen with vintage vibes.
Anzel’s attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the dual induction cooktop to the vintage stove that doubles as storage and a sink.
The second tiny house, a 25-footer called “Forever Tiny,” is a testament to Anzel’s belief in the potential of small spaces.
It includes a living area with a couch that doubles as a bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower.
The loft area serves as a cozy bedroom, complete with a TV and a record player, offering guests a comfortable and unique living experience.
Anzel’s adventures in house hacking are challenging to conventional living spaces and business ventures.
He encourages people to rethink their needs and the potential of their properties.
With no background in construction, Anzel learned everything through resources like YouTube, proving that with creativity and determination, anyone can transform their living space.
It’s inspiring to see how reimagining space can lead to both personal fulfillment and financial success.
Anzel hopes that more cities will embrace the concept of tiny houses and allow individuals to creatively utilize their properties.
His tiny house “hotel” in Oakland is a bold statement about the possibilities of modern living and the power of innovative thinking.
See how well his idea has turned out so far by taking the tour below!
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