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| This is adorable |
There is also a severe shortage of affordable rentals for older women. There are subsidized apartments for those who are over 62, but the waiting lists are long, and while I see news pop up constantly about senior apartments that are being built, those apartments are financially out of the reach of many of the women who are baby boomers. Also, they don't help women who are between the ages of 55 and 61.
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| Yes please. I love this. |
I recently came across these tiny houses that are being built in Serenbe in Georgia.
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| Love the screened porch |
Architecture students at Rural Studio, at Auburn University, wanted to design homes that someone living below the poverty line could afford, that anyone would want, and that would provide a living wage for the construction workers.
The materials for each of these houses cost just $14,000. The actual houses cost $20,000. Although these houses are prototypes, they are working on how to get them out into the marketplace.
I think these are wonderful and can see them having a wide appeal for older women. You can read more about them here.
I would love to see small communities of these houses, for women, where there are communal gardens and a sense of community. Communities where women can be proud of their homes. Communities where friendships are formed.
What are your feelings on these small homes? Can you see yourself living in one?
Photo one courtesy of: Wind River Tiny Homes
Photo two courtesy of: Creative Cottages
Photo three courtesy of : Fast Company
These are SO appealing to me, Laura, especially now when it's two of us, a dog and a cat in a way-too-big house with so much upkeep. Aren't these just fun! Thanks for the post today.
ReplyDeleteI think they are fun too, Judy. :)
DeleteI love this concept. I too would love a tiny house but can't do the lofts. The one with the screened porch is pretty darn perfect. A community of tiny home would be amazing.
ReplyDeleteLinda
I love that screened porch. That is the thing I miss most about my house in North Carolina. I spent so much time out there.
DeleteYou know that I want to see little communities for women. I will be 59 later this month, and as you said, there is little for women like me until I turn 62, and then the long waiting lists. This is a big problem, growing ever bigger due to the Baby Boomers aging. It really needs to be addressed. I agree, most tiny homes have lofts, so they aren't practical for women our age.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
It really does need to be addressed, Brenda. There are so many of us who are "economically challenged".
DeleteI could see myself living in a tiny house without a doubt. But not in the 100 sq ft range, it would have to be 300+ - preferably 500 sq ft. I could live very, very comfortably in a 500 sq foot tiny house....providing my daughters had their own place!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe apartment that I will eventually be moving into is 550 sq feet. I think it is the perfect size for me at this point in my life.
DeleteI think they are cute and perfect for one person to live in! I have never been to Serenbe in person, but have seen lots of pictures of it. It's a beautiful community!
ReplyDeleteYou should go, Kelly. I love it. I have been a couple of times and my daughters took me there for my birthday dinner once.
DeleteI love that red roof! Such a pretty home! I think these are perfect for certain life styles. There are four of us in our home and eventually I'll probably have grandchildren and since son is an only child I know he'll always be close or possible with us. So, for now we have to stay in a larger home. We're in a 2600 sq ft house now and it's perfect for us four and I even have a room set up just for my parents. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you're doing great, Laura!
hugs,
Marie
You are definitely not at a stage of life where these would work for you, Marie. Sounds like your home is North Carolina is perfect for your family. It is wonderful to here from you.
DeleteI love the looks of these tiny homes and the practicality especially for those with a limited budget. I do think for myself, at this stage of my life and slowly purging my 'stuff', that I might go a bit stir crazy in such a small space. The idea is catching on here in Canada too, but would be more costly as the homes would need lots of insulation and a good heat source for the winter. I hope this trend will grow though and be available for lower income people. There are some really sweet designs out there. Have a good week Laura.
ReplyDeleteHi, Pamela. You would definitely need more insulation where you are. I really hope these catch on, too as there are a lot of older women who would love to have their own little home but just don't have the income for a larger space. I would love to see communities of these popping up.
DeleteI love this idea. I dream of a cottage by the sea....some day! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteWhat a great concept, perfect in the mountains too!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jemma
Yes, indeed! That is definitely what I want. And not just for women. Everyone seems to have lost their way, living beyond their means, for what? A sense of community is a wonderful thing. And as your blog is so aptly named, simple and serene is what we should all be wanting for. It is what true happiness is all about. :)
ReplyDeleteAre you considering moving into one of these? I think they're a great idea...let's please move away from those McMansions! Personally, I couldn't go TOO small, especially living with my husband, as I do need my own space.
ReplyDelete