Seattle's coolest short-term tiny house rentals

Give tiny a try

By Sarah Anne Lloyd and Sean Keeley Jul 19, 2017, 8:20am PDT

Editor’s note: This article was originally published February 25, 2015. It has been updated with the most current information.

Interested in tiny living but not able to commit? That's understandable. Deciding to live in a 300-square-foot (or smaller) space isn't the kind of thing you want to rush into.

So here's an idea: why not do a little vacation to see how you like it? Thanks to places like Airbnb and HomeAway, there are tons of tiny home or micro-living rentals available all throughout the year.

We've gone ahead and picked out some of the most intriguing cottage and cabin options in Seattle and elsewhere in Western Washington. Take a look and find out if there's a fit. Literally.

Want to try living on the lake instead? These short-term houseboat rentals should do the trick.

Farm Stay Cabin Get Away (Vashon Island)

This quaint, custom-built cabin is located on a working dairy farm and dairy with cows, chickens, ducks and a large garden. Not only can you enjoy a relaxing stay on Vashon Island but the hosts also offer classes on things such as animal milking, making your own cheese and other farm activities.

Private Studio Cottage (Fremont)

If you like the idea of the tiny rental but want mostly-traditional accomodations, this 320-square-foot cottage might be in order. Set back off the street, it's quiet and relaxing. Inside, the big bed provides a centerpiece and a cozy fireplace keeps everything warm.

Teeny Tiny Guestyhouse (Fremont)

It actually costs more to stay here nightly ($75) than there are square feet (68). But there are an amazing amount of things stuffed into that teeny, tiny space. The guesthouse can actually sleep three (they swear!) and includes a teeny tiny full bath (toilet, sink, shower) as well as a secret bathtub beneath the floor. Yes, a bathtub under the floor.

Petite Retreats (Leavenworth)

These itty-bitty houses, ranging from 181 to 307 square feet, match Leavenworth’s Bavarian wonderland. Even better: Each house has its own name and identity, like art-and-culture-loving Hanna or accommodating Adeline.

Tiny House in Seattle (West Seattle)

This itty-bitty backyard cottage near the Alaska Junction was custom-designed and built by the owners. The main, queen bed is nestled up in a cozy loft in the roof’s peak; downstairs, a sofa can sleep another, and an electric fireplace keeps the place toasty even during nastier weather.

Tiny Cottage (Ballard)

This 370-square-foot, wooden-shingled house in Ballard promises a “relaxing, simplified vacation.” Inside, find bright interiors, a cute window bench, a queen-sized bed, and a full kitchen. Bonus: It has AC.

Modern Loft Cabin (Arlington)

Located within Arlington/Darrington farm country, this tiny, two-story, 200-square-foot cabin sits on six acres and features a slide down from the deck. A queen-sized bed in the upper loft sleeps two people, and there’s a cot downstairs for additional people (or those who don’t want to share a bed).

Contemporary Studio (Columbia City)

Want something a bit more modern? How about a 250 sq. ft. studio in Columbia City modeled after a contemporary hotel room and loft studio with its modern design, high ceiling, contemporary finishes, and lots of natural light? Inside you'll find a queen bed with fluffy pillows and blankets, butcher block counters and desk, ceiling fan, microwave, flat screen TV, WiFi, and a Keurig beverage system and small refrigerator--both with complimentary drinks and snacks.

Octagon Treehouse (Whidbey Island)

On Whidbey Island you'll find this 250 sq. ft. octagon treehouse with a cedar tree going straight up through the center of it. You'll have to walk up a 13-foot staircase to get there but if that's no problem, a special forest retreat awaits. The accommodations fit four but that doesn't include the 'resident' deer, owls, ravens, eagles and other birds you'll see.

Quiet & Cozy Tiny House on the Bay (Olympia)

Finally, if you want to check out Olympia, there might not be a better place to stay then in this custom-built tiny house. The home gets peek-a-boo views of the Puget Sound, nestled between fruit trees and surrounded by a lush garden and tall fir trees. You can enjoy a campfire at the private upper fire pit, or take the private trail down to the beach to use the shared fire pit there.

Micro Week [Curbed]

Seattle's coolest short-term tiny house rentals

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