Retired senior couple finds comfort and community in a rare and gorgeous 2-story tiny house

A senior couple lives in a 2-story tiny house specially made to suit their mobility needs and designed so they can live there comfortably as they grow older.

Unlike many tiny houses with crawlable lofts, this one features a second story with full headroom. It also includes a second bathroom upstairs, a rarity in the tiny house world.

The senior couple, Alice and Ron, live in a 32-foot long, 10-foot wide, and 17-foot-tall house.

They traded their old 1,400-square-foot house for a smaller, easier-to-maintain home with a loft and high ceilings. Both floors stand at seven feet tall.

While their house can be moved, relocating it would be costly.

“In the cities, you don’t know your neighbors. We had neighbors on either side and in front of us, and we never knew them. We would say hi and bye, and that was about it,” said Alice.

But their lives changed after a fall Ron took at their new home. The community rallied around them, bringing meals and lending a hand.

The couple has adjusted well to their smaller space and a simpler lifestyle.

“We’ve been here almost 2 years,” she added.

Meanwhile, the couple’s porch measures slightly over 10 feet and features 5-inch-high steps for easier access.

They pioneered this design, which has become popular in many tiny homes.

Their house boasts a log cabin aesthetic, with wooden spacers between the logs.

This structure is underpinning a purchase from Amazon for $13 per sheet.

Alice’s preference for lower vantage points is evident in the home’s design, featuring shorter windows and some that open directly onto the stairs.

Behind the house is Ron’s beloved tractor, which he operates with surprising skill despite being blind.

Alice and Ron created two entrances to their backyard patio, where they placed a large box that houses their freezer for extra food storage.

Going inside, the couple opted for space-saving outward-opening doors for their 2-story tiny house.

Their living area is also used for dining, religious practices, and entertainment.

They installed a large TV for Ron’s better view. They added an electric fireplace from their Arizona home after moving in.

“I suggest not bringing a lot of furniture with you when you move in; instead, wait to see what fits best. We used camp chairs for a couple of weeks before buying furniture,” Alice suggested.

The kitchen, a compact yet efficient space, serves as the heart of Alice and Ron’s home. Here, Alice effortlessly tackles daily chores.

She can wash dishes, chop vegetables, and cook meals within easy reach. While initially drawn to the open-shelf concept, she now finds closed storage more practical.

As for appliances, the IKEA sink and faucet are familiar comforts brought from their Arizona home.

However, they encountered a challenge with refrigerator size. After discovering a 10-cubic-foot model was inadequate, they switched to a more suitable apartment-sized refrigerator.

Alice’s bedroom is a versatile space that serves multiple purposes. In addition to sleep, the bed often doubles as a makeshift desk or laundry-folding station.

A native of the Netherlands who emigrated to the United States in 1954, Alice has infused the room with personal touches.

To brighten the space, she has carefully selected her favorite photos to display. Moreover, a collection of Dutch teacups lines one wall, offering a nostalgic connection to her homeland.

Functioning as both a bathroom and a mudroom, the space offers a unique blend of utility and comfort.

The deep soaking tub is a standout feature, large enough to accommodate two queen-size blankets.

Having had previous difficulties with front-loading washing machines, Alice prefers an alternative method.

Initially, the couple made a misstep with an oversized vanity, but a custom piece, expertly designed by a young man and Ron, ultimately proved to be the perfect solution.

Moreover, to maintain a sense of familiarity, they replicated the shower model from their Arizona home, a suggestion made by Ron.

Adding to the room’s versatility, a door with a closing screen provides convenient access to the backyard.

Upstairs is Ron’s personal sanctuary and shared workspace, offering additional living areas. A one-of-a-kind, hand-painted picture from Rodeo hangs on the wall.

It’s signed by Ron’s uncle, who served as the model for the depicted old logger.

The upstairs bathroom is a unique space with a bidet and an innovative toilet system that lets you wash your hands while refilling the tank with each flush.

See Alice and Ron’s 2-story tiny house through the video below:

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