Mom and Grandma live in side-by-side Tiny Homes, offering both safety and companionship

Judy and Gina have created a unique living space on their family homestead with Tiny Homes side by side.

Their multi-generational setup, including Gina’s son and wife, offers an affordable and comfortable lifestyle.

At the same time, it keeps grandma close by for support and companionship whenever needed.

From a-frame to tiny homes: The evolution of a family homestead

Judy and Gina’s family homestead has undergone a remarkable transformation.

What began as a traditional A-frame house has evolved into a multi-generational living space built around Tiny Homes.

As their family grew, so did the need for a new arrangement.

Reflecting on the shift, Gina explained, “When my son was getting married, I had made the decision that I was not going to be able to keep up this property by myself.”

That realization set the stage for a significant change.

Rather than downsizing alone, Gina passed the main house to her son, Andrew, and his wife, Emily, while building her own Tiny Home on the family homestead.

But she wasn’t the only one embracing a new way of living—she also created a Tiny Home for her mother, Judy.

The goal wasn’t just about simplifying life but staying connected while maintaining personal space.

“Being together is very important for our family unit, to have each other, but everyone have their own space,” Gina said.

Judy’s tiny home: Independence on the family homestead

For Judy, the idea of Tiny Home living took some thought.

“When I first thought about moving on the property with my daughter in a tiny home, I thought about it a lot because I’m a very independent lady, and I didn’t know if it would work for us, even though we’ve always been close,” she admitted.

Before agreeing, she listed her must-haves to ensure comfort and independence.

“I decided I would write down what I had to have before I would agree to it. I did get my wishes, and I love it,” she said.

Built by Dirksen Factory and finished by a local contractor, Judy’s home costs about $25,000.

Though compact, it includes everything she needs: a full-sized refrigerator, stove, cabinets, and even her cherished china collection.

A full bathroom with a bathtub was non-negotiable. Despite downsizing, she still enjoys decorating for the seasons and crafting seashell art and Christmas decorations.

“My tiny home is not so different from when I had a large home. I just used fewer decorations,” she noted.

Gina’s tiny home: A creative and culinary haven

Gina’s Tiny Home, nearly twice the size of Judy’s, reflects her love for baking and creativity. Measuring 16×42 feet with a six-foot porch, it offers plenty of space for her passions.

“I really wanted one big room to utilize the space as much as I could, but I do bake cookies,” she explained.

Her kitchen, designed for efficiency, features a spacious island for rolling and cutting dough, custom-built storage, and high-end GE Café appliances.

Her business, Hocus Pocus Confections, has made her a well-known figure in town. “Everybody in town pretty much knows me as The Cookie Lady,” she said.

Baking, Gina is passionate about repurposing and thrifting. “Everything that we built in here basically was a salvage item,” she shared, noting that even her KitchenAid mixer got a makeover. Originally bright red, she had it repainted to match her gold-accented kitchen.

“I just can’t wake up and see that mixer every morning that’s so red,” she joked.

Tiny home living: A dream realized on the family homestead

Judy and Gina say Tiny Home living on the family homestead has been life-changing. It provides affordability, comfort, and a strong sense of togetherness.

“With these tiny homes, you can live comfortably within a budget,” Judy emphasized.

Gina couldn’t be happier with the decision.

“I couldn’t be more happy to live here with my family. Um, I think that this is the best thing that ever happened. It’s a dream come true,” she said.

Their setup allows them to stay close while maintaining independence and privacy.

“We all get along so well, we all have a good time, we all keep to ourselves, and we all have our own privacy. We’re just here for each other, and I think that’s what family should be,” Gina added.

Their family homestead now stands as a testament to the power of family, creativity, and the lasting appeal of simple living.

Here are Judy and Gina sharing the story of their family homestead:

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