Tours
Retired woman gives tour of cozy 399-sq-ft tiny home and shows how she makes it work
She's so happy in her home, and her joy is reflected in her decor.
Patricia Lynn
01.03.24

In the enchanting world of tiny living, Kim’s story unfolds as a beacon of inspiration and a display of the joys of downsizing.

At the heart of Mills River, North Carolina, lies Acony Bell Tiny Home Village, where Kim’s 399 sq ft park model tiny house, named Journey’s End, stands as a symbol of her commitment to a sustainable, minimalist lifestyle.

This solo woman, a passionate vegan and owner of a vegan tour company, has embraced tiny living not just as a housing choice, but as a way of life that aligns with her values and aspirations.

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Kim’s journey to tiny living was a gradual shift from a fast-paced life in Boston to a serene existence in North Carolina.

Her previous abode, a 200 sq ft studio apartment, set the stage for her transition to a tiny house that’s double the size yet still embodies the essence of minimalism.

The park model, crafted by Green River Log Cabins, is a 40-foot-long and 10-foot-wide marvel, offering a private, serene living space with a picturesque view.

The screened-in porch, doubling as her office, is a highlight, providing a tranquil space for work and relaxation.

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Inside Journey’s End, the openness and light-filled interior create an inviting atmosphere.

The living room, with its comfortable futon sofa that doubles as a sleeper, offers ample space and clever storage solutions.

Kim’s commitment to minimalism is evident in her decision to limit her book collection to a hundred, a move that signifies her shift toward digital media.

The living room, with its door open to the neighborhood, transforms into a vibrant, airy space, reflecting Kim’s love for community and connection.

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The kitchen is thoughtfully designed with sustainability and Kim’s vegan lifestyle in mind.

Her kitchen essentials, including a high-speed blender, food processor, and instant pot, reflect her commitment to a vegan diet.

The absence of a microwave is a conscious choice, further emphasizing her no-waste philosophy.

The kitchen’s efficient layout, with its full-size refrigerator and innovative spice jar storage, showcases Kim’s knack for maximizing space while adhering to her sustainable values.

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Kim’s tiny home is more than just a living space — it’s a hub for her vegan tours, where she leads small groups to vegan-friendly destinations.

The alignment of her veganism with tiny house living is a harmonious blend of her personal and professional life.

The bathroom and bedroom in Journey’s End are thoughtfully designed, offering the comforts of a larger home in a compact space.

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The bathroom, with its oversized shower and ample storage, and the bedroom, with built-in storage and a cozy ambiance, reflect Kim’s attention to detail and her desire for a functional yet comfortable living space.

Kim’s relationship with her community, particularly her bond with her young neighbor, whom she affectionately calls her “neighbor niece,” adds a layer of warmth to her tiny living experience.

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This bond, coupled with the supportive environment of Acony Bell Tiny Home Village, makes it increasingly difficult for Kim to leave for her travels.

The village, with its mix of young couples, solo women, and retired individuals, offers a supportive, communal living experience that resonates with Kim’s values.

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Financially, Kim’s choice to live in a tiny home has been a prudent one.

With her house paid off, her monthly expenses are significantly reduced, allowing her to focus on her passions and travel.

The affordability of living in Acony Bell, with lot rents including utilities and landscaping, further underscores the financial benefits of tiny living.

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As Kim approaches her 60th birthday, she reflects on the richness of her life, surrounded by friends and a community that shares her values.

Her tiny home, Journey’s End, is not just a physical space, but a manifestation of her life’s journey, her values, and her dreams.

Check out Kim’s full home tour in the video below!

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