Welcome to Tiny Homes, an idea that is more popular with minimalists than with neighborhood associations and zoning boards. We'll point out the fun parts. You'll have to check out the logistics and legalities - like, whether you really need to commute.
Would you give up your commute if you could buy a waterview house on an island for $149,000? Puget Sound is dotted with islands too small for the Washington State Ferries, but large enough for private operators to run smaller versions. Live on Hat Island and you're within a short boat ride of Everett and the mainland, and far enough away that Google Street View hasn't gotten there, yet. Spend that much and you get a 2 bedroom, 1 bath rather tiny house with 816 square feet - and miles of views.
The view alone is worth more than the price, if that view was from Queen Anne or West Seattle. On Hat Island you get an entire (small) house for it. Grey whales and orcas feed within view. Otters and seals, eagles and osprey are far more common away from the freneticism of the city. Quiet is more common too. Add that value when you check out the price.
Disconnected from the mainland also means a new version of commuting, shopping, and socializing. But, the ferry runs most days (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays); and the house is within walking distance of the terminal and marina. The house is internet ready, whatever that precisely means. Shopping means you have to think more about what you buy and use, and when you can buy more. Socializing is better than you may expect. It is small town life, with its ups and downs, but the island has a golf course, and a marina (of course).
The house is unpretentious. Some architect could probably turn it into a magnificent dream, but for now it is simple, and for some, sufficient. A bit of resourcefulness accomplishes a lot. Just look at how many beds they were able to fit into that bedroom. The greatest amenity will probably be enjoying the view from the dining room table, and knowing that spending so little would also probably only get you a view of a parking lot in the city.
· 20 E Port Gardener Dr, Hat Island [CS]
· Hat Express [HIC]
· All Tiny Homes coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath