The Tiny House Movement is often thought to have been inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden. Thoreau’s study of the individual human’s return to nature and simplicity are key founding principles for most modern-day tiny homes, especially as we progress towards a more robust and online world. The movement had a gradual start in the 1970s when Allan Wexler, an artist and architect, began exploring the use of compact spaces. Other authors and architects picked up the idea and the movement slowly snowballed into TV shows, books, and an entire market dedicated to smaller living.
For most, the lower cost of living associated with tiny homes allows them to focus on design rather than size. Owners can save money on space and spend more on curating a home fit for their specific needs and taste. Most notably, smaller living spaces generate significantly less environmental damage than regular-sized homes and can typically subsist on solar energy and smaller power grids. People looking to lower their carbon footprint have the most to gain from transitioning to a smaller home. Tiny homes often act as a gateway between the resident and the local ecosystem. The closeness of the outdoors forces us to live within nature rather than against it, and the tiny homes listed below provide the perfect opportunity to try your hand at sustainable living.
Meadowlark Luxury Treehouse – Columbia Falls, Montana
Located in Columbia Falls Montana, this tiny treehouse makes the most of its 500 square feet of space by utilizing height. A spiral staircase winds up into a lofted bedroom where you’ll be greeted by the two living trees that serve as both a structural necessity and a humbling reminder of the distance between your feet and the ground below. The décor inside is funky and fun, with natural wood tones and textures complimented by accompanying bright greens, reds, and oranges. It’s rustic, homey, and a beautiful way to get high on life.
Rate: $399
Tiny Meets Luxury – Idaho City, Idaho
Right outside Boise and located in the center of Idaho fun is a bright and beautiful cottage that welcomes anyone looking for a way to sink into the cleansing effects of a nature retreat. The entire home feels like a breath of fresh air and the minimalistic décor highlights the beauty of simplicity. No matter what, you’ll certainly find that this rental is the perfect place to clear your mind and focus on the things that matter. Either jump up into the loft to sleep with a window to the stars or spend your night sitting outside around the fire pit.
Rate: $160
Creekside Tahoma Park House – Ashford, Washington
If you’re searching for a rustic cabin in the woods that still provides the cozy effects of home, look no further than Ashford, Washington. This cabin is completed by an indoor wood-burning stove, bunk beds, and a beautiful loft. The outside is surrounded by towering evergreens, ferns, and a fire pit for your enjoyment. Try your hand at relaxing and reading a book in the hammock or listen to your adventurous side and try out some axe throwing before you sign up for the next Logger’s Playday. Either way, this cabin is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to escape to nature.
Rate: $280
Hikers Hideaway – Leavenworth Washington
With 400 square feet and a 5-minute drive from the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, there’s not much more to ask from a tiny home. This cabin is friendly to lovers of all seasons and is open year-round as a destination for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wine tasting, horseback riding, and more. If all that sounds tiring, then don’t be afraid! This cabin is beautifully constructed with a gorgeous wooden interior designed for ultimate relaxation. Take a break in the sitting loft, chill on the porch, or utilize the full kitchen and make yourself a meal to enjoy in the living room. For such a tiny home, this one certainly packs a mighty punch.
Rate: $188
The Cabin – Packwood, Washington
The perfect winter or summer cabin, this tiny home in Packwood Washington is split between Mount Rainier National Park and Mt. Saint Helens National Monument; it is a spectacular location for anyone hoping to explore Washington’s Cascades. It comes with plenty of amenities that can be enjoyed in any season, including a backyard firepit for roasting marshmallows, an outdoor hot tub for soaking after a long day, or a brief 5-minute nature walk to private river access. It also comes with fast internet WiFi so you can research your next adventure from the comfort of your cabin.
Rate: $250
Whidbey Island Tiny House – Greenbank, Washington
If you’re tired of the mainland and in need of a great escape, consider this tiny home located on 5 acres on central Whidbey Island. Only available for a minimum one-week stay, this cabin demands that you escape the busy hecticness of everyday life and transition to island life, where whale watching, and slow sips of morning coffee go hand-in-hand. The tiny home makes the most of its space with a spiral staircase that leads into the bedroom, and the main living area is warmed by a wood stove. The outside includes a front porch, patio, and barbecue where you can make the most of warm summer nights.
Rate: $135
Mt. Rainier Cabin – Paradise Estates, Washington
Newly built and snuggled up against the side of Mount Rainier, this cabin offers a decadent vacation with top-of-the-line amenities and first-class adventure. The tiny home features a propane fireplace where you can throw your feet up after a long day, and a wraparound porch with forest views on all sides. If you prefer to take things outside, try the outdoor firepit where you can drink a cold one while gazing at the stars. Only 5 minutes from Mount Rainier National Park, there is a plethora of activities to fill your days whether you prefer gorgeous views or strenuous exercise.
Rate: $229
Wooded Wonderland A-Frame – Ashford, Washington
If you love A-frames as much as we do, then you’re already sold on this miniature hygge wonderland located in Ashford, Washington. Tucked away in the woods and close to Mount Rainier, this cabin is situated on the Nisqually River. The inside is loaded with cozy elements combined with natural wood, including a variety of nooks perfect for a good book and a wood stove to keep you warm. If you’re worried about space, then rest assured that there is a lovely loft to sleep in which leaves the entire downstairs for living. Out back, be sure to check out the firepit where you can settle down after a long day of exploring the local wonders.
Rate: $194
Waterfront Tiny Home – Cowlitz County, Washington
Including guaranteed seclusion and privacy, this tiny cabin is a luxurious stay surrounded by wildlife. Located on rural waterfront property that offers a peaceful opportunity to forget about life’s greatest stresses, there are a multitude of activities that allow you to escape back to nature. Enjoy the covered outdoor firepit, host a barbecue, or take in the scenery from the elevated deck, just make sure to appreciate the outdoors. The inside is a beautiful mix of rustic and modern that will leave you wanting for nothing. Enjoy the full kitchen, peek outside while sleeping in your loft, or just sit back and enjoy how beautiful the interior woodwork is.
Rate: $114
Breakers Cabin – Lincoln County, Oregon
Rock climbers rejoice! This tiny home comes with a rock-climbing wall located on the back exterior of the structure. Finally, you can stay in a home that combines both sustainable living practices and thrill-seeking adventure. Located on the Oregon Coast and only a 5-minute walk to miles of beaches, this affordable rental also comes with a jetted soaking tub that you can enjoy after a long day of exploring. The interior is clean and refreshing with a hint of nautical to keep you grounded in the coastal Oregon life. While it may be small, it provides a full kitchen and queen-sized bed that will make the perfect temporary home for any couple.
Rate: $155
The Flying Pig Treehouse – Topanga, California
Another treehouse, except this one is located farther south in California. The Flying Pig makes your wildest dreams come true and even ventures on making the impossible seem possible as it lofts you into the sky to live amongst the trees. This rental is situated in an oak tree and overlooks a seasonal waterfall set back against regal forest views amidst Los Angeles. If you’re worried about missing even a split second of the nearby scenery, then fear not! The bedroom opens into a balcony where you can wake up and look out over the treetops from the comfort of your bed.
Rate: $214
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