Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
HOUSE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL – BUT PEOPLE REFUSED TO BUY IT BECAUSE OF WHAT WAS INSIDE
Finding a house that fits your criteria perfectly can be a challenge. Sometimes you have to compromise on a few aspects in order to find a home. However, there are certain things no one is willing to compromise on.
This is the story of a house that seems ordinary enough from the outside but when you peak a look inside… you understand why no one is will to buy it.
A home listed in the UK seemed to be perfect. The listed described it as a home with four bedrooms, a master suite, a garage and a perfectly manicured garden. The listing also included the fact that the home had been maintained to a “high standard” but it seemed like no one wanted to buy it. The reason for that was soon revealed when the pictures of the home’s interior came to light.
Everything inside the interior of the home was purple. The paint on all the walls was of course purple but it did not stop there. The floor was also purple, and the ceilings and the curtains were all purple as well.
The closet doors in the master suite also happened to be a garish purple color. While one might reason that the walls are easy enough to paint over, fixures such as closet doors can be a hassle to replace.
While the inside of the house is a parade of purple, the outside or the exterior of the house has remained unscathed by the color. The garden is also normal looking, not betraying what the inside of the home looks like. The home is listed for £400,000 which is approximately $500 thousand.
Unless the next owner of the property also adores the color purple, something must change.
Would you be willing to live in this house?
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