Stay in this adorable, Tiny Doll house in Altadena, California!
A tiny home can teach you a lot about yourself and what truly matters in life. Perhaps one learns that enough is enough, and that less really is more. In world of constant consumption and collecting, living in a tiny house demands that you keep only what you use/value and leave everything else behind.
Although this may sound like a terrifying and drastic decision to make, those who have taken the leap to tiny-living often report it was the best choice they’ve ever made.
At less than 400 sq. feet it’s no surprise tiny homes are more eco-friendly. They use fewer building materials, requiring only half a truckload of lumber instead of 7 truck loads for a standard home. This means fewer trees cut down and less fuel burned in transporting materials.
Building tiny also allows for the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials that aren’t available in large quantities during normal builds. The largest environmental impact of a tiny home is the significant reduction of energy use, simply because there are less outlets, smaller or less appliances, less space to light, less air to be cooled/warmed and some even fully function off-grid using solar power, etc.
The financial freedom that accompanies this lifestyle is something I have to mention. It allows a quality of life to pursue and spend time doing what you love, isn’t that what life is ultimately about?
It was a windy, fall morning when we arrived at the Tiny Doll house in Altadena, CA. With the change in seasons, I was longing for a staycation and this tiny home was the perfect price and distance from our “real” lives should they come calling.
From the moment we arrived I was overcome with a whimsical state of escape. The little olive, tiny house was nestled in nature on an estate property, filled with giant fruit trees, a swimming pool, hammocks to nap in and little sitting areas for outdoor eating or morning coffee with the birds. It didn’t take long but I was so excited to look around and not to mention, climb the ladder to the bedroom loft.
The word quaint doesn’t do this place justice and my heart melted the longer we stayed. Tiny trash bins, tiny kitchen sponges, a tiny coffee maker- I loved every detail. Two stained-glass windows made the common room glow with wild colors as the sun set on our first day.
We made dinner in the kitchenette and watched a (rare) thunder and lightening storm that night from the giant, bedroom loft window. In that loft, as the rain fell and lights flashed in the night, I felt like a kid in a tree house for the first time. It was a magical moment I’ll cherish forever.
It was the little things (pun intended) that made the difference in this stay. The small yet open space felt so homey and secluded, while the nature that surrounded us felt so much closer. This tiny house was so charming without sacrificing functionality. I imagined all the things I’d be forced to give up if I ever made the choice to live in a tiny home and there was a sense of freedom I could almost taste.
Less space would ultimately mean less waste, and over a lifetime what an impact that could make. Tiny home owners also find themselves in nature way more often than the rest of us, its almost like a second living space for them, and to me, that sounds amazing. We only stayed for a weekend and what I packed in my bag proved to be enough, in fact- I didn’t miss a thing I left at home.
Learning to let go of what we don’t truly need (in all parts of life) is a valuable tool in self discovery and real happiness. It might sounds strange but without all the clutter, you find a deeper appreciation for everything else that actually matters. I often look back at my time at the Dollhouse and long to return to it’s humbleness. I have a feeling I’ll be back again and perhaps some day having a tiny home of my own.
Book your stay at The Doll House in Altadena, CA on AirBnB.com
If you like going on tiny vacations, you’ll love Toad Haven Cottage in Crestline, CA
Until next time..
Erin
xoxo
