Imagine having the most special person in your life just a knock away, in a prefab tiny home where you can visit anytime you want.
Grandmothers, often affectionately called “Nana,” “Granny,” or “Grandma,” hold a special place in the hearts of their grandchildren and the wider family.
These matriarchs are a source of love, comfort, and wisdom, enriching the lives of those they touch.
Take Alice Marozas, for instance. She had been living alone in a 5-bedroom home for seven years since the passing of her husband.
Then, her daughter had a unique idea. Instead of moving into a retirement community, why not live in a prefab tiny home in their Los Angeles backyard?
Alice loved the idea of being closer to her daughter and grandkids but didn’t want to be a burden.
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, a charming 1940s house has transformed remarkably.
What was once a modest family home is now a modern, functional, and compact prefab tiny home that not only preserves the historical charm of the property but also adds a new dimension to the family’s living space.
The house, originally built in 1940, had seen generations of families and countless memories. Over time, it had evolved from a children’s playground to a space that accommodated an extended family.
The house may not have been large, but it had a substantial backyard, offering ample space for various activities.
Yet, this house came with challenges due to its age and design. One of the most significant challenges was the limited access to the property. The original design featured a narrow driveway and a garage with a peculiar seven-and-a-half-foot-wide entrance.
This made it impossible to park cars in the garage. The family decided to gate off this portion of the driveway and garage, never really using it for its intended purpose. This limitation required creative solutions for the construction project.
To accommodate the new tiny home, the family had to bring in construction materials and equipment through a narrow six-foot gap, which posed quite a challenge. However, skilled craftsmen navigated this tight space and brought in the necessary materials.
This paved the way for the construction of the tiny home and the expansion of the living space.
The prefab tiny home features modern amenities and architectural design, contrasting with the traditional charm of the 1940s house.
The tiny home’s main living area is open with abundant natural light. The interior design reflects a minimalist and contemporary style.
The tiny home includes two bedrooms, an office that can serve as an extra bedroom, and a stylish bathroom with unique Swedish design elements, including a wooden floor and a cleverly hidden drain.
The kitchen has built-in appliances, creating a clean and uncluttered look. There’s a dedicated space for the washer and dryer and a practical pantry.
The interior uses subtle colors and thoughtful lighting to create a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, making it a peaceful oasis within the bustling city.
One notable aspect of the prefab tiny home is its sustainable features. The property uses rain barrels to capture rainwater, providing a sustainable water source for the garden.
The garden boasts a variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees, allowing the family to enjoy fresh produce.
This sustainability reduces the property’s environmental impact and contributes to a healthy and self-sustaining lifestyle.
For Alice, the tiny home has brought a new sense of purpose and tranquility. The smaller, simplified space has allowed her to focus on what truly matters.
The minimalistic approach to design and color reflects her artistic sensibilities. The tiny home’s layout promotes a calm and serene environment far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Most mornings, Chris and Claudia cross the hedge. Chris tends to the garden while Claudia enjoys her morning coffee on her mom’s prefab tiny home’s porch.
In the afternoon, their youngest son also crosses to visit his grandma’s house for a snack or to watch sports together. It’s a routine that brings them all closer and creates lovely family moments.
Take a tour at Alice’s prefab tiny home by watching the video below:
To see more Tiny Home videos, be sure to visit Kirsten Dirksen.
Backyard home designed & built by Cover.
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I would love to have my tiny country home
2-3 bedrooms do not equate a tiny home.
That is a great idea. To bad all states and towns do not allow this!!!
I do have to say that the house is NOT a tiny house. It is a small house. Tiny is 600sq’ or less.
How lovely for this Grandma. She still has her independence but is close to the family, with everyone having their own space. A 1000 sq ft is a lovely size and easy to maintain. In Canada, we would consider that small. I hope she has many lovely years in her tiny house.
@Kim,
Tiny home ? It sickens me because it’s bigger than my bungalow here in the UK !!!!
Why not just move her in her home so she can be with family rather then build a smaller unit…. 🤔
Privacy
Grandma said she didn’t to be a burden. I guess she wanted her daughter to maintain her own space. This also affords her a continued sense of independence. If all parties agreed, what’s the issue. If it works for them, wonderful. Its hard to maintain a five bedroom house as you get older. At least she is wanted.
Many seniors cherish the independence of having a home of their own.
@Patricia,
I would like that set up. I love my grandkids dearly but I also love time to myself. I don’t lead the same lifestyle as they do. This set up would be perfect. Separate yet together
Despite feeling lonely, older people still value their privacy! Understanding that, her family gave that to her while simultaneously bringing her close enough that she doesn’t have to feel lonely all the time. She’s close enough to have dinner, lunch, breakfast & snacks with them as she chooses, and accompany them on family outings without a whole lot of rigmarole. And when she’s ready for some space, Voila, it’s only a few steps away from those who keep her company.
And not to be morbid, but the smaller unit can serve as a great source of income in the future, if grandma comes to need long-term professional care, or (God forbid) passes away.
I think it is wonderful. Living in a beautiful home with a loving daughter and her family in their home in front of yours.Coffee with her daughter on her porch in the morning,visits from her grandson in the afternoon, able to enjoy the chickens and vegetables garden,paint when she wants. Bless all of them.💕⚘
@June. Nelson,
@Carol,
I think that is the best thing I’ve read. “All in the Family”
@Carol,
They never mentioned costs?
@Albertquintanilla,
Im surprised they were allowed to build it. Some places have zoning laws, especially if the fire dept can’t get to it easily.
This is the smartest thing in the world. Some people feel that when you reach a certain age it’s nursing home time…Being independent no matter what your age..What a beautiful and loving thing to do. Her tiny home is beautiful and perfect.
@Keepa, if you listen closely, you will hear her say she sold the house. No one is taking over. She probably paid for the small home herself and banked the rest.
How is a 2+ bedroom a tiny home?
Because it’s under 1000 feet
It is good to have a two bedroom in tiny house I’m look for a place to live I can just rent it for 500month and 800month please I need a place to rent it
Exactly, it’s bigger than my bungalow in the UK!!!
@Linda,
I like to be independent and my own space is perfect. I embrace grandma idea. I too don’t want to be a burden for my children because they need their space too.With having my own place they are free to come visit as they please.
FG