Stunning Two-Story Tiny Home Built on a VERY Small (and Odd) Spot

Joan Susie dedicated over 30 years to her busy career and was starting to make plans for a new life as an active retiree. As she looked to her future, two things were certain: She hoped to travel the world once she stopped working and she wanted to age in place within her tight-knit Silver Spring, Maryland, community. But she needed extra income to make that happen.

To accomplish these goals, Joan got creative with the assets she had: a great house with a small garage. "How about converting that dusty garage into a tiny home, live in it and rent the house?" she thought. She turned to architect Eric Saul who transformed the space into a two story ADU and her dreams of travel are now becoming a reality. As an added bonus, she’ll have the ability to have a family member or caretaker take up residence in the main house in the future so she can age in place.

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[thisis.michelletorres]

It's beautiful and I love the idea of her renting out her old home to create retirement revenue and thinking ahead/planning for aging in place is very smart! But 300k seems like a lot for an ADU.

[susiedavis]

I love how she incorporated the Hoosier Cabinet into her kitchen. I've always wanted one, but could never figure out how to make it fit.

[nata]

Kind of insane that it cost $300, 000- love the idea though of renting out the larger home if you want to age in place

[debraw]

Very cool, and well planned and executed space. Good job.

[Thomasr]

The itty bitty tiny homes might get all the attention, but its homes like these in the 400 to 600 sq. ft. range that are livable for most people. We seniors usually opt for single level living for obvious reasons, but I won't be surprised when two level ~ 500 sq. ft. retiree homes start being built with elevators.

[chapman]

I love how the natural light bathe the space, to me it is important to consider the orientation of a home to maximize natural daylight. It makes the spaces cheerful and useful if you are a seamstress.

[teresal]

Very smart plan! Now let’s get that large home rented!

[alisongalloway]

Super smart decision and such a gorgeous tiny house.

[linhdasagen]

This is the perfect design. I am saving for future. Good job and am glad going smaller made her life bigger❤❤

[sueweatherby]

What a beautiful tiny house! And Cape Breton will welcome you with open arms. 'Cause we're just like that. :)

[RosaLopez-zwff]

Such an amazing tiny ADU home. Gives me something to think about.

[shawnjackson]

Beautiful house tiny house price sure isn’t tiny

[suehutting]

This is extremely well done! Kudos to ALL of you - owner, architect, builder! Amazing what can be done!!

[jilltesell]

I am so happy it worked out for you. The only thing that would not work for me are those stairs. I was dizzy looking at them. Other than that it was beautiful.
Try Ireland in your travels. Once you visit, it will continue to draw you back. I am leaving in a few weeks on my 9th trip. I have m ade wonderful friends there. 4 years ago my neice and I went ant at each place we stayed had become friends. They preented me with gifts! I was dumbfounded. Later my neice asked if that was common and I told her absolutely not. The fact that 3 separate places in 3 different counties all had the same idea. I consider it home and can't wait to go back. It has been 2 yrs. Totally to long for ne to be away.

[susanr]

Smart woman! I live alone, too, and I wished my community would allow 500-600 square foot homes.

[gingerjolley]

Love the incorporation of the Hoosier cabinet.

[mai_chan]

nicely sized and very livable floor plan! feels light and airy. kudos to architect and builder ❤

[Kelleenaon]

Whats wonderful story thanks for sharing

[andreadeamon]

You have the best girls in your life. Enjoy every moment ❤

[maryrenaud]

It is an attractive home and you can design per your needs. I would prefer a smaller kitchen and bigger living space but that’s just me. $300k is a very high price for the square footage, when you already own the land! If it is 550 SF that is $545 per SF!