Their journey began during lockdown when their daughter invited them to live in her tiny house for a month. This experience kick-started their love for the minimalist lifestyle, and they decided to downsize from their three bedroom house to a tiny house on their daughter's land.
Peter and Brenda's tiny house measures just three meters wide by 11 meters long, but it provides them with everything they need. They even have a six-meter pod for Brenda's sewing and office. The design of their tiny house was inspired by other homes they had seen while walking, and their daughter Rebecca - Director of Tiny House Builders - helped them realise their dream of living in a tiny house. The couple's tiny house boasts a fantastic outlook that includes sea views and Mount Maunganui, thanks to its location on their daughter's property.
The multi-generational living setup allows them to be entirely self-contained yet remain connected to their daughter and grandchildren. Inside, the tiny house is spacious and single level, with a high ceiling that creates a sloping effect, making the room feel bigger. The light colors used in the design settle beautifully into the hill. The outdoor space has a big deck with a cover, creating a lovely extension to their living space. The deck is five meters wide, bigger than the house itself.
Peter and Brenda's tiny house was awarded the 'Best Commercial Build' at the 2022 Tiny House Awards. The couple can be seen above with their daughter Rebecca, and dynamic YouTube stars - Bryce and Rasa of Living Big in a Tiny House - accepting the award at the 2022 Tiny House Expo.
Living in a tiny house has given Peter and Brenda the freedom to travel around the country, see new places, and spend more time with each other. They say that they have everything they need in the tiny house and do not miss their old, larger home. For them, the whole point of retirement is to spend time doing the things they love with the people they love, and their tiny house has allowed them to do just that.
Peter and Brenda's story is a testament to the joys of living in a tiny house. They have found their dream home, allowing them to travel, enjoy their retirement, and spend time with their loved ones. Their experience shows us that sometimes less really is more, and that a tiny house can provide all the space and freedom we need.
