Staying in a “Tiny House” has been on my bucket list for a few years. I recently found one on Airbnb in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and I jumped at the opportunity to stay a couple nights. Staying in this tiny house satisfied my curiosity about it and has now been checked off my bucket list.
I likely won’t repeat staying in one again!
For those who asked, “What is a tiny house?” Bing AI says, “Tiny houses are small homes that are typically less than 400 square feet in size. They are designed to be compact and efficient, with a focus on minimalism and sustainability. Tiny houses can be built on wheels or on a foundation, and they can be used as permanent residences, vacation homes, or guest houses.
One of the main benefits of tiny houses is that they are much more affordable than traditional homes. They require less building materials and labor, which means that they cost less to build. Additionally, tiny houses are much cheaper to maintain than larger homes, as they require less energy to heat and cool. Tiny houses are also more environmentally friendly than traditional homes, as they use fewer resources and produce less waste.”
So, my rustic adventure began using my GPS to find my tiny house rental located on Blowhole Road. This tree-lined, dirt and gravel road is about a mile long near Madison, NC, leading to a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I reflected that I was going where civilization is nearby, with many conveniences of civilization, but still far from real civilization.
The pictured tiny house has two tiny propane gas burners, electricity, an RV-style toilet, and a tiny shower. The bed is in the “head-banging” loft that is only accessible by a ladder. The house is really compact and not made for anyone with claustrophobia or who needs to pee during the night when the ladder challenges you to see how long you can “hold it.” LOL!. The tiny shower had only 5 tiny minutes of hot water! Can you shower in 5 minutes? I can’t so I visited my brother about an hour away to shower.
The farm has alpacas and goats surrounded by strong electric fences to keep mountain predators away from having a goat or alpaca buffet. The mountain views are spectacular! A treehouse provides some amusement and walks around the farm are very enjoyable with the Redbud and Dogwood in bloom.
Excluding the ladder in the tiny house, banging my head in the loft, 5 tiny minutes of hot water, and icy 32-degree mountain temperatures in the morning, my tiny house stay was relaxing. It is off my bucket list. I have no intention of repeating the adventure.
Barry's Adventures Following Retirement 
Barry, sounds interesting. I’m sure I would have no problem with the low ceiling!! Thanks for your acount.
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Ben, I think you would still bang your head in the loft!
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LOL!!
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I’d have trouble getting into and out of the loft! Too small for me, but I’ve seen them on tv and wondered how it would be like to live in one. Thanks.
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It certainly isn’t for me!
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Hi Barry! That was really a Very Tiny, tiny house. I’ve seen a few that looked a little larger & more comfortable with better facilities but this sounded like a great adventure just being on a farm & in the NC mountains but not the cold.
Glad you are traveling & doing well!!
Iris L
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Thank you, Iris. It was cold!!!
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Enjoyed the blog. Blue Ridge Mountain area is beautiful. Thanks Barry.
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It certainly is a good place to relax in the mountains
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Interesting read. I won’t be adding that to my bucket list. I prefer stairsteps to my bedroom & not a skinny ladder!
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I agree with you, Ruby
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Thank you for the insight. It was not on my bucket list of things to do but it was on my “Curious about this” list. I am now satisfied…..although, I am sure there are a lot of different options….lol
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I think that all tiny houses are not created equal. I think I was in a itty bitty one! LOL!
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Thank you for the clear description of your experience. I like being away from it all and this would satisfy that longing. As a Scout, I ejoyed camping with minimal to no enhancements. However, age has caused me to adopt a different lifestyle with seemingly increased need for comforts that are dramatically outside the constraints of a minimalist. Your creativity and description of topics of intrigue are fascinating and engaging.
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Thanks, Johnny. It is an experience to remember.
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Barry, though I like you always wondered what it would be like to live in a tiny house, I have decided that the experience is not something I will plan to do!
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I am one and done! Thanks, Pam.
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Barry-Enjoyed hearing this tale from you on our visit and also reading your blog about your itty bitty tiny house experience. It was entertaining story-telling as only you can do! It’s never been on my list-guess I am more of a ‘glamping’ kind of gal! Kudos to you for giving it a try; I admire your sense of adventure.
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Thank you, Marie. It was different!
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Also I, as usual, enjoyed your blog a lot. The BingAI article brought out the point well that these tiny places are cheaper to build and maintain. They could be a partial answer to the housing problem.
I have never stayed in a tiny house, but my husband and I lived in a tiny apartment in Vienna for seven years. My husband build a loft with a space-saving ladder to save space. We became best friends with our neighbors who had an even tinier apartment. One main difference to the U.S. houses is the height of the room, probably about 4 meters, so the apt didn’t make you feel claustrophobic!
I especially like your summary at the end.
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Thanks, Marge. Yes, the height of the rooms in Vienna provides opportunity to be creatively used.
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Would be great for a play house for the grandkids, a dog house for the hubby, and a wonderful quiet place for the wife.
A little too small for two, Barry
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You are absolutely correct, Anna! Thanks!
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