Here's someone who understands the true essence of tiny house living. The main house is 240 square feet - and then there's a "small studio for guest overflow". Tiny and then tinier, that's the idea.
It can be hard to imagine that places like this exist; but, for $275,000 there's a zero bedroom, 1 bath waterfront cabin with a sunset view on Vashon Island. The zero part of the bedroom is because the space is basically a studio. Be ready to use your couch as your bed, but that's okay. The kitchen counter takes up most of the wall with the best view; but that means the storage isn't getting in the way. Whether you're washing the dishes or waking up, you have an unobstructed view across Colvos Passage. The first bit of traffic you may see could be whales on their way to breakfast.
The interior is sweetly and simply done in wood slats and ceiling. It's a beach cabin so don't be surprised if a bit of sand is ground into the vinyl and carpeting. If the floors were wood they might be sandpapered by now. It was built in 1966, but basic cabins can be timeless. Simplicity lasts, as long as it is maintained; which it looks like this one has.
The outside continues the wood theme with shingle siding, the technique which gives many Pacific Northwest homes a weathered look that matches the conditions, especially along the water. The house may be small but the lot is 13,841 square feet with more than 100 foot of low-bank waterfront. The low-bank is reinforced with a concrete seawall that has a notch cut out for launching small boats and accessing the beach. A deck beside the house and a patio around back provide more living space, weather permitting. Part of the seawall includes a concrete pad for a picnic bench and yet more places to sit and watch the world go by.
Be prepared for long drives if you have to commute. Tacoma is about an hour away and Seattle is about an hour and a half away; but that may be the very point. Leave the noise and busyness behind for less than the price of most condos in Seattle.
· 14024 SW Bates Rd, Vashon [Estately]