Retired Woman Builds Her Own Tiny House for Affordable Living

Brigitte is an inspiring woman with a wonderful outlook on life. She built herself a tiny house with the help of a contractor and she has been living in it full-time for 5 years. She's a retired teacher who now grows and preserves a lot of her own fruits and vegetables, she carries her water into the house by hand, she gets around with an electric bike rather than a car, and she makes time for volunteering, book club, learning piano, friends and family, meditation, and more!

The advantages of living in a tiny house, including her low cost of living, far outweigh any challenges she has faced. In fact, what an average person might see as a challenge, Brigitte finds a way to turn it into a positive. For example, shovelling snow to walk to the toilet in the morning is an opportunity for fresh air and exercise rather than an unpleasant part of daily life.

Although she currently has a loft, her seating area can be converted into a bed if she ever decides she doesn't want to use the ladder anymore.

Living in a tiny house as a retired woman hasn't limited her ability to enjoy her life, either. She's got a beautiful garden, she's an active part of her community, and she's one of the happiest people we've ever met.

Thank you, Brigitte, for sharing so many delicious meals with us, for the great chats, and for taking the time to share your tiny house experience with us!

And thank you for watching!

Mat & Danielle

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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives

Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

Building Footage:
Provided by Brigitte

[ruevarennes]

I'm German and she reminds me so much of my beloved mom. My 85 year old mom still rides her bike everywhere, grows her own veggies, works out at the gym twice a week, flies to the US once a year by herself (because that's where I live, she stays with me for 2 months every year). She is so incredibly fit, independent, and full of wisdom, just like this lady.

[jenniferjackson]

“I had to get over the fear of making a mistake.” A great lesson for all of us. I love how she looks at life and how practical she is.

[aya]

The video was about the house, but man this lady and her wisdoms was far more interesting.

[alessihermes]

"That's not a problem to me", this type of mentality makes the whole difference! This lady has an attitude some people in their 30s' already lost... amazing!!

[coffeebaptist]

"If you get exposed to different ways of living, then you don't have to feel afraid for the future if things change"


What a lovely and inspiring woman!

[ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs]

This woman is a freaking badass! So much respect to this woman for living her truth.

[aryastark]

Love how nothing is a problem for this lady.

[jmaried.]

This woman emanates so much boss energy. Thank you for the many lessons, Brigitte!

[rebeccapettifer]

I admire this woman so much. My grandmother lived just like this. Never had a bathroom in her home and had an outhouse, But she did have running water but never had hot water. She bathed by running water into her sink, added hot water . Locked all the doors, closed the blinds and did all necessary bathing and washing hair that way. She also lived in a tiny house that had been a garage. She was awesome. She had no money but mom and dad bought he a TV at some point. She taught me everything about living frugally along with mom and dad who had lived during the depression. Because of those lessons I was always able to save money and I am now retired and living very comfortably. We all need to pay attention to the old ways because you never know what the future holds and should be prepared for all changes

[Linda-]

Her husband lost a gem of a woman when he lost her....She is amazing in every way !! Her house, location and lifestyle are all absolutely BEAUTIFUL !!

[legit]

This woman is living her best life! I love it.

[TheLoswade]

My absolute respect, her husband lost a gem. She is such an example to all of us. Love her positive attitude.

[chipchap]

Absolutely excellent . She could have easily just paid him to do it but she helped and learnt . Utmost respect .

[jlrbhj]

Favorite quote: "I had to make the decision and overcome my fear"

[casseylove]

Am I the only weird one that watched till the end and replayed again and watched with the same admiration and awe😍😍🤗 ..

Love her soo much..thank you for the inspiration❤

[arpitadatta]

This video is so much more than a tiny home. ❤️

[michellebarham]

Who else could just listen to this wise and interesting soul all day??
Such an easy going lady and fearless too!

[jenrao]

"We don't need everything ourselves" YES so much yes to this!

[ApproximatelyCee]

This lady should have her own vlog. She’s so courageous to break out on her own and to depend on herself for everything. I’m in awe of her.

[xdoriandanger]

This is such an uplifting view of aging. So many of us are so hesitant to accept it and feel defeated about aging, but she is ready for it and seems to have little fear. She's prepared and seems to be loving life <3