A single mom moves to a tiny home and farm with her two sons for a fresh start after divorce

Cherisse, a single mother of two boys, made a significant choice to move to a tiny home and farm after her 15-year marriage ended.

Facing the challenges of starting over, she wanted a fresh start to create a stable and nurturing environment for her sons, George and Frankie.

Reflecting on her journey, she said, “I had to reinvent myself,” recognizing the need for a more manageable lifestyle to meet her family’s needs.

For years, Cherisse had thought about living in a tiny house. After her marriage ended, it felt like the right time to make that change.

“It was one of the best paths for us,” she explained, envisioning a simpler life immersed in nature.

Designing a tiny home

To make her dream come true, Cherisse teamed up with Carriage House Northwest, a local company that builds tiny homes.

Together, they created the shell of her house, which measures 40 feet long, 11 feet wide, and 14 feet high.

This compact design ensures it is safe for the road while maximizing living space. Cherisse was able to design the interior to meet her family’s needs.

She said, “It feels like a love letter to us,” emphasizing the personal touches in her home.

The total cost of the tiny house was about $80,000. The shell cost around $50,000, and the finishing touches and furnishings added another $30,000.

Cherisse cleverly sourced materials to save money, choosing used laminate flooring and custom-made live-edge wood shelves that she installed herself.

“I tried to be really creative with sourcing materials,” she remarked, showcasing her resourcefulness throughout the building process.

A perfect location for a tiny home and farm

Cherisse’s tiny home and farm are on two acres of leased land in Duvall, a small town east of Seattle.

The property, owned by friends from her church, offers her family access to gardens, chickens, and bees.

Her sons, George and Frankie, enjoy exploring the outdoors. “They can just go play out in the woods and have fun, and I don’t have to worry about them,” she said, appreciating the safe environment.

Although the house does not have full utility hookups, Cherisse has adapted well. She uses city water and a composting toilet, typical in off-grid living.

Additionally, her neighbors help by sharing electricity, making daily life more manageable.

“It’s not perfect, but it works for us,” she noted, embracing the trade-offs of tiny house living.

Inside the tiny house

The design of Cherisse’s home showcases her dedication to minimalism and creativity.

She refers to the kitchen as the “crown jewel” of the tiny house, featuring a beautiful gas range and custom shelves made from live-edge wood.

“I absolutely love to bake and cook, and this is the heart of our home,” she said.

The kitchen also has a small pantry and a compact fridge, demonstrating her ability to maximize limited space.

Cherisse’s attention to detail goes beyond the kitchen. She has adorned the walls with a lovely garland made from foraged and dried flowers, bringing a touch of nature indoors.

The tiny house also includes a cozy bathroom with a deep soaking tub, serving as Cherisse’s retreat.

The bathroom’s wallpaper, sourced from Etsy, showcases a Pacific Northwest bohemian style, adding to the home’s unique charm.

Family life in a tiny home and farm

Cherisse’s two boys have their own cozy bedroom in their tiny home and farm, while she sleeps in a compact loft that features a king-sized bed, ideal for nightly snuggles.

She emphasized her desire for her boys to feel comforted and close whenever they need to be.

The boys’ room is thoughtfully designed to spark their imagination and creativity while keeping their toys organized to maintain a tidy living space.

Living in a tiny house has provided Cherisse with more than just shelter; it has given her a sense of stability and peace during a challenging time.

She often expresses gratitude when she walks into her home, reflecting on the love and support she received from friends and family during the building process.

This gratitude also extends to the valuable lessons she learned, ranging from tiling to woodworking.

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle

Building and living in a tiny home and farm has changed Cherisse’s perspective on life. “It’s helped us focus on the important things,” she said, explaining how her family’s priorities have shifted toward valuing experiences rather than material possessions.

Owning her home outright has provided her financial freedom, allowing her to work part-time as a nanny and bookkeeper. This arrangement gives her more time to spend with her sons.

Cherisse intends to remain in the tiny house while her boys are young. She understands that this lifestyle may not be practical as they grow older. Still, for now, it offers a comfortable and simple living situation.

She recognizes that their needs will change over time, and living in a tiny house may not be suitable when her boys become teenagers.

Ultimately, Cherisse’s tiny house journey has been one of healing, growth, and gratitude. After years of pain and heartbreak, she has created a safe space for her family.

“It’s very cathartic to be able to create a space and see your dreams come to life,” she expressed.

Here’s a virtual tour of Cherisse’s tiny home and farm:

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