A 300-Square-Foot Tiny House (Built from a Kit!) Lives Way Larger Than It Looks
Rebecca and Jonathan Moody purchased a tiny house kit from Summerwood Products nine years ago to build a little backyard getaway and Airbnb rental. “We did as much of the original build ourselves as possible,” Rebecca begins.
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“Jonathan built the pier and beam foundation (the amount of concrete was staggering), and then we had an install day with lots of family and friends who helped us get the main part of the kit constructed. Some of the most expensive parts were getting water and electric to the build. Roofing and drywall too were out of our wheelhouse at the time,” Rebecca recalls.
“But everything else: the flooring (which we bought on-sale from a local salvage shop), the denim and spray foam insulation, the tiling in the bathroom (salvaged from Habitat Restore), many of the windows, and the interior design were all us,” Rebecca continues.
“All-in originally we paid around $40K. The kit from Summerwood was under $20K, including delivery — prices on their kits have since gone up, but we love the customizability and quality of the designs,” Rebecca says.
“The build took nine months to complete and cost more than we’d originally budgeted, but it has been so rewarding.” In fact, Rebecca and Jonathan’s tiny house is the most wish-listed in the state of Tennessee.
Rebecca describes the entire build — from its original iteration right after the kit’s purchase to the customized, smart space it is today — as a total labor of love. “We love hosting family, friends, and guests in the space. Our kids love the space as well (our 11-year-old got to host a sleepover in the space for his birthday!)” she writes.
“The natural world is everything to us, and we wanted a design that invited you in, but once inside, made you want to go out and explore the gardens again.”
Resources
MAIN LIVING SPACE
- West Elm chandelier — Facebook Marketplace
- Morris & Co canvas print — Etsy
- Wood sconces — Etsy
- Audubon prints
- Stools — World Market
- Bed — IKEA
- Apartment-size fridge — Frigidaire
- Kettle — Fellow
- Cabinets and countertops — IKEA
- Mirror — Vintage, in my family for decades
- Bedside cabinets — Amazon
- Dining table — IKEA
- Bedroom art — Etsy
BATHROOM
- Sconce — Etsy
- Tile, tub, window — Reclaimed
Thanks, Rebecca and Jonathan!
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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