Freedom in tiny home living is what ultimately led Zanni to stop traveling after two years on the road and settle into a place she could finally call home.
After living full-time in a van and waking up in a new location each morning, she reached a point where constant movement no longer felt right. She wanted to slow down, put her hands in the soil, and feel grounded again.
Zanni had already spent years downsizing her life. She once lived in a three-bedroom chalet-style home on a 150-acre farm in Vermont.
After selling it, she paid off her debts and chose a simpler path. From there, she transitioned into van life, living in just 77 square feet.
While the experience brought freedom, it also revealed a missing piece. Life on the road lacked the sense of stability and community she craved.
“I’ve been traveling for two years and decided to stop and ground into a tiny house,” she said.
How family helped shape her path to freedom in tiny home living
When Zanni struggled to find community while traveling, her children helped guide her next step.
They suggested she live in their backyard, even temporarily. Not long after, her daughter-in-law spotted a tiny house for sale just five miles away.
Zanni went to see it, and the moment she noticed the front doors, she felt a connection.
“When I saw these front doors, I just fell in love with the tiny house,” she said. “I really like this.”
That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter—one centered on freedom, grounding, and intention.
The tiny house: Size, cost, and smart planning
Zanni’s tiny house measures 35 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and 14 feet tall, totaling 397 square feet. After years of van life, it felt like a major upgrade.
The structure was sold as a shell. She made an offer of $19,500, which the seller accepted.
“He paid I think 26,000 for it, but he just wanted to unload it,” she said. “So I scored.”
Zanni set aside a $50,000 budget to complete the build. While she did not keep strict records, she tracked expenses through a dedicated bank account.
When the project was finished, she had just $1,000 left—placing the final cost just under budget.
Being able to pay for the home outright changed everything. With no mortgage and minimal expenses, Zanni says freedom in tiny home living gave her financial peace she had never experienced before.
“When I sold the house, I paid all my debt off,” she said. “Because I was debt-free it was enough to enjoy life without having all those financial burdens.”
A kitchen designed for cooking, healing, and daily life
The kitchen sits at the heart of the tiny house and reflects Zanni’s love of cooking and her work as an herbalist.
Designed around existing plumbing, the layout focuses on function rather than excess.
“I did this layout because I love to cook,” she said. “I’m into natural foods and I’m an herbalist.”
The kitchen also serves as her herbal apothecary, where she prepares tinctures and remedies. Deep counters, a compact stove, and a full-size refrigerator support her daily routine.
“I got the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator, which makes it flow really nice when I’m in here cooking,” she said.
Zanni chose quality cabinets from a discount supplier, opting for soft-close features and extra storage.
This allowed her to keep meaningful items after downsizing from her former home. One detail stands out most.
“My favorite part about the kitchen are these shelves that my son hung about 10 minutes before he was getting ready to leave for the airport,” she said.
A multi-use space that reflects freedom in tiny home living
Just beyond the kitchen is a space that serves as a dining area, office, and herbal apothecary. A small dresser doubles as a desk and storage for essential oils and tinctures.
Fresh air flows through the door and window, while views of greenery bring nature indoors. An arched doorway adds warmth, and layered ceilings create depth.
These thoughtful details reflect Zanni’s belief that freedom in tiny home living does not mean giving up comfort or beauty.
A meditation room rooted in stillness
One of the most meaningful spaces in the home is the meditation room, which Zanni calls her temple.
A futon converts into a guest bed, while a custom bookcase—built by her daughter-in-law—holds part of her book collection.
Four windows, including a large east-facing one, fill the room with morning light. Zanni uses the space for meditation, yoga, and quiet reflection. In the evenings, candles create a calm atmosphere.
When her grandchildren visit, they ring a bell outside before entering during her morning practice. Inside, small meditation cushions invite them to sit together.
“It’s been fun to share with my grandkids and teach them how to quiet the mind,” she said.
Bedroom loft and thoughtful storage
The bedroom loft sits above the kitchen and is accessed by open steps that also serve as storage.
Cubbies beneath the stairs hold jars and household tools, while an antique cabinet stores tea and baking supplies.
The loft includes a queen-size bed, skylight, and an additional window for airflow. Limited storage pushed Zanni to downsize her wardrobe even further.
“It’s a small bedroom,” she said. “It works for me.”
Bathroom design and outdoor living
The bathroom combines storage for clothing, a tiled shower, and a composting toilet. Jewelry hangs openly, treated as art.
Zanni’s son helped tile the bathroom and install custom features, including shower cubbies.
The composting toilet includes a fan and a urine collection system that feeds into her compost.
Outside, an exterior shower with an on-demand water heater allows her to rinse off after gardening.
The tiny house sits on a slab that once held a damaged shed. After clearing the space, the slab became the perfect foundation.
While she plans to add a deck someday, the shaded outdoor area already supports her lifestyle.
Final thoughts on freedom in tiny home living
Today, Zanni works as an herbalist, massage therapist, yoga teacher, and sound healer.
She continues to grow her herbal business, Soulroot Botanicals, while living simply in Florida.
She believes freedom in tiny home living has given her something priceless—time. Time to garden, reflect, meditate, and connect deeply with her grandchildren.
“My reality has gotten smaller and smaller,” she said. “So I have more time to be in nature… things that are really important.”
For Zanni, tiny living is not about having less. It is about living with purpose, intention, and true freedom.
Watch Zanni share her story and give a full tour, showing how freedom in tiny home living shapes every corner of her home.
Subscribe to Tiny Home Tours for more inspiring tiny home stories that celebrate freedom, creativity, and simple living.
Discover more from My Positive Outlooks
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.