Man leaves chaos of city living, downsizes house to upsize his life in tiny home by the ocean

Ben, who has embraced downsized living, has swapped the busy city life for a quieter, more peaceful existence. His new home is a beautiful tiny cabin on a stunning oceanside property.

Now living off the grid, he enjoys a sense of freedom and tranquility, a stark contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle he left behind.

Previously living in Oakland, Ben had always rented. As a self-employed individual, he found the idea of taking on a mortgage unrealistic due to his work’s unpredictability.

But things took a turn about six years ago when his rent skyrocketed. Ben had already been thinking about downsizing by living in a tiny house as an alternative, so when the pandemic hit and he couldn’t work, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to make a change.

He attended a tiny house expo in Oakland and quickly found himself intrigued by the concept. “I saw a couple of tiny houses there that I really liked,” he recalls.

Finding the perfect land for downsized living

Ben’s next challenge was finding a place to put his new home for downsized living.

He discovered Landshare, a website that helped connect tiny house owners with available land.

After some searching, he found a location close to his elderly parents.

“This is perfect,” he thought. “It worked really well.”

The land, which Ben describes as “Mari land,” is located near the ocean, though it’s not ideal for farming.

Despite its sandy terrain, the developers cleverly created house sites by adding roads and drainage, setting up space for tiny homes.

There are around 20 homes on the property, though they remain largely out of sight.

One thing that stood out to Ben was how the local council had been involved in the process.

“The council came, I was halfway through my build, and they visited all the sites. One of them told me, ‘This place is actually better built than some of the consented houses I’ve been to,'” Ben says with a smile.

For him, it was a sign that his tiny home was coming together just right.

Building the tiny home

Initially, Ben had planned to buy a tiny house. Still, after a conversation with his sister, he was convinced to build one with the help of her business partner’s husband, a former builder.

“We got on really well,” Ben says. “We came up with the idea of two structures—one 3m by 9m and the other 3m by 8m. We joined them with a deck, giving me the space while still staying within the tiny house regulations.”

The two structures were built on piles and can be transported on a low loader if needed.

“The windows were a big consideration for me,” Ben shares. “It’s amazing how much thought went into the size and placement of the windows.”

As a timber lover, Ben used wood throughout the interior and exterior, choosing materials like shadow-clad. This unique paint keeps the wood cool during the summer.

He also worked closely with the builder to ensure the process was smooth, prepping materials in advance for each build day.

Off-grid living

Ben’s tiny cabin is entirely off the grid. He installed a rainwater collection system with a filter to ensure clean water.

He also set up solar panels, which power the home and allow him to charge his car.

“I met a guy up in Oakland who did my solar, and it’s working 100%,” he says. “Free power and free transport—can’t complain about that.”

In addition to the solar system, Ben built an on-site shed to house the heavy solar batteries.

The concrete pad beneath the shed provides a strong base. Ben also added a backup generator in case of extended cloudy periods.

“It gives me peace of mind knowing I can keep my batteries topped up,” he explains.

The cozy interior

Ben’s tiny home is designed for comfort. The interior features grooved plywood on the walls and floors, a nod to the natural surroundings.

“I love the warmth of the timber,” Ben says, explaining how the light, golden tones make the space feel cozy and welcoming.

The furniture in the living area is a mix of old and new, with plenty of shelves to store his collection of CDs and music equipment.

“I used to DJ and I also worked as a sound recordist,” Ben says, showing off his synthesizer and MIDI controller.

The kitchen, though compact, is spacious and fully functional. Ben opted for an island for added bench space and a feature window to enhance the sense of openness.

“I love the idea of having a little more space in the kitchen,” he says. “It feels like a luxury in a tiny house.”

Though he’s simplified his cooking style, Ben appreciates the ample storage and prep space.

“I love the protocol of doing the dishes,” he shares. “I like coming into a clean kitchen in the morning.”

In the bedroom, located in the second cabin, Ben enjoys a peaceful retreat, perfect for his downsized living.

The design of the space, including the positioning of the windows, ensures that the room remains cool in the morning and sunny in the afternoon.

“I wanted to have a darker sleeping environment,” he explains. “But in the afternoon, it’s just beautiful.”

The peace and tranquility of downsized living

Ben’s tiny cabin is more than just a home; it reflects his desire for downsized living and a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.

Surrounded by nature, with the ocean just a short distance away, he has found the peace and freedom he sought.

“I don’t miss the traffic or the noise of Oakland,” he says. “After six months here, I went back to the city, and I was just so happy to leave.”

By embracing tiny home living, Ben has downscaled his living space and his entire way of life—enjoying the beauty of nature, the tranquility of off-grid living, and the satisfaction of building a home that reflects his values.

See how peaceful Ben’s life has become since embracing downsized living through the video below:

If you love the video and want to see more, subscribe to the YouTube channel Living Big In A Tiny House.