Imagine your entire home was no bigger than a living room. That’s the new reality for those taking part in the emerging tiny house movement. Whether it’s an environmental decision or a financial one, moving into a micro home as small as 100-square-feet forces people to cut down on personal possessions and, inevitably, reduce their footprint. Still, the average size of a new single-detached home in Canada is 2,000 square feet, according to the latest figures from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. That means that most of us are used to the luxury of space and choosing to live in a much-reduced area takes planning and adjustment. Luckily, you don’t have to go into it blind. Try out one of these tiny rentals to see if you’re truly up for downsizing.
8 charming little cabins you can rent across North America
Surrounded by tall pine trees and granite slopes, this tiny cabin is a quiet cottage country getaway just 90 minutes north of Toronto. The cabin itself may be small, but it comes with a queen-size bed and a small bathroom. It also has a private deck, an outdoor fireplace, and is just 50 metres away from a sandy public beach and some docks. While there, you can enjoy pure spring water from the 200-foot well nearby. More info: www.airbnb.com
Described as a “life-sized fairy house,” this small cabin with bark siding and a wood interior is tucked away on a Future Farm in Portland, Oregon. You can lounge on the main floor or cozy up in the upstairs sleeping loft. There is access to a bathroom in a house about 100 feet from the cabin. There are also gardens and barnyard creatures on the property, and the farm is close to shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. More info: www.airbnb.com
This small A-framed wooden hut is in the remote wilderness of Six Rivers National Forest where you might come across creatures as small as furry caterpillars and as large as black bears. It’s on a 160-acre property of lush, hilly terrain with two other cabins and a shared outdoor kitchen that's equipped wit a solar cooker, a wood-fired sauna, a large garden, and pens of chickens and goats. The cabin itself has a double bed and is heated by propane. More info: www.airbnb.com
This tiny cabin with a mushroom cap roof has a large deck shaded by oak and madrone trees near Monterey Bay just south of San Jose, California. There’s a double bed in the dome-shaped loft, in addition to a futon couch on the main floor. Cook inside using the small kitchenette or outdoors on the barbecue. There are also tables both indoors and outdoors overlooking the forest. More info: www.airbnb.com
This tiny wood-panelled house-on-wheels is located in a quiet neighbourhood in Omaha, Nebraska. An L-shaped sofa on the main floor can be turned into a bed but there’s also a queen-size bed in the sleeping loft. The main floor is also home to a galley kitchen with a small fridge, sink, and a single-burner electric stove. Step outside to relax by the fire pit in the backyard and watch chickens run by in the garden. More info: www.airbnb.com
Situated on the Adirondack coast of Lake Champlain, this tiny wood cabin is well placed for sunset affectionados, a small deck and fire pit outside. Inside, there’s a kitchenette, sofa bed, and cozy sleeping loft. Cabin dwellers share access to a private beach, along with kayaks, canoes, bikes, a rowboat, and a paddleboat, with three other cabins. Located in Plattsburgh, New York, it's just a 90-minute drive south of Montreal. More info: www.airbnb.com
Billed as “off-the-grid,” this cottage is perfect for hikers. Inside the brightly-coloured cottage you’ll find a double bed with an additional twin bed sleeping loft. There is a table and chairs both indoors and outdoors. Near the cottage is an eco-friendly outdoor toilet and shower. If you’re itching to visit shops or restaurants, it’s about five kilometres to Main Street in Rosendale village. More info: www.airbnb.com
This cozy wood cabin on North Pender Island on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia is surrounded by greenery. In just 320-square-feet you’ll find a kitchenette, a wood stove, a twin bed, a clawfoot bathtub, and a composting toilet. Outside the cabin is a sun deck and garden. The island, between Vancouver and Victoria, is accessible by air or sea. More info: www.tinyhouselistings.com
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