'I can stay here even when I'm ancient' - Retiring to a tiny home means I can avoid a rest home
ANABELA REA
For retired Stratford resident Viv Perry, 68, her second to last job working as a receptionist at a rest home was what finally convinced her that living in a tiny home for her twilight years was the best way to stay free.
Her 28m² tiny home, set on an approximately 400m² section, is owned outright and has given her room to explore.
“[The job] really made me think of what life's all about,” says Perry.
Divorced and with grown-up children, she wanted to leave work and retire and not have to pay rent.
“You hear so much about people on the Super that haven't got enough money,” she says, “and it's because they're still paying huge amounts of rent or huge amounts of mortgage.”
Living that way was not going to be an option. Having emerged from a “broken marriage” years earlier, she had “not fared particularly well” financially.
She also had a fascination with tiny homes and followed enthusiasts such as Sharla May, of Tiny House Hub and Tiny House Expo, so Perry decided to mobilise and go tiny in retirement.
She knew she would have to downsize a lifetime of collectables and family heirlooms but the self-sufficiency and simplicity of the lifestyle held a strong appeal.
Formerly a keen yachtie and still a regular tramper, Perry says she knew she could live tiny based on her years of outdoor experience.
“I've done a lot of boating, offshore sailing and stuff, and living in tiny houses is kind of like living in a boat.
“You have to downsize and pack properly, so it isn't foreign. It's nice and secure, you're quite cosy. You do what you want, when you want, and you've got no major housework.”
With her plan for future independence in mind, Perry purchased her tiny home in 2019. It was a display model built by NZ Tiny Homes, and after allowing it to be showcased at that year’s Fieldays, she had it relocated to a family property in New Plymouth.
Once the home was fully fitted out, she was able to move in with just her clothes and remaining curios.
Two years later, she shifted again, this time setting up her home on a section she’d purchased in Stratford for just over $80,000, obtaining a building permit, settling the home on piles, and connecting to mains services. A ramp from the deck down to the grass has future-proofed her mobility needs for the coming years.
At just 11.5 metres long by 2.5m wide, Perry’s tiny home is smaller than the average 3m-wide tiny home.
Although it’s tiny, it has a double bed at one end, two bunks at the other and a foldout couch in the middle and can actually sleep up to six people. Though Perry says she wouldn’t recommend a family living like that full-time as “they’d be living on top of each other”.
She hasn’t made any design changes to the interior, instead choosing to focus her energy outside. With the help of her family, she added a large deck of 20m² with a covered pergola to the front of the home.
Recently, Perry has added glass doors to one end to give the area a conservatory feel, although it’s still open to the air.
Two raised vegetable gardens and a selection of other plants have also been grown around the section to soften what was once bare grass.
Her advice for others considering going tiny is to just “do it” – and to maybe watch some Marie Kondo to get your head around what to take with you. Perry still has three large boxes of stuff which she is continually sifting through every few months.
“It’s not for everybody, obviously, but really good for retired people or someone just on their own,” she says.
“I can stay here when I’m ancient.
“I just really love it. And I can go away, and I haven't got any pets mainly for that reason, because then when someone makes me an offer I can't refuse, I can just pack my bag and go.”
Perry says getting through old age is “not for the faint-hearted” and the three main things you need to do are keeping healthy through a good diet and exercise, continuing to do activities you like to do, and being social.
“Don't be a hermit crab and just sort of be at home not talking to anyone,” she says.
All that, and perhaps don’t be afraid to cut your own path, and maybe that’s what tiny living is.
“I've got that sort of mentality that I think they'll play at my funeral, ‘I did it my way’,” she laughs.
“My family, I think they thought that the tiny house thing would be a five-minute wonder and I would change my mind and get sick of it.
“But I haven't, and I've been in that four and a half years now, and I still like it. It’s still really nice, and I am still happy here. And I don't think I'll ever shift. It'll be my forever-place.”
It’s been a passion project for owners John and Paula, who designed and built the property themselves, with Andre Mayo as the Master Builder.
“A lot of love and effort has gone into every detail of the house and gardens. We’ve lived here for eight years and have loved all the space, the incredible water and mountain views and the beach lifestyle,” says John.
Their grand vision was for easy family and guest living, with lots of intimate spaces for people to relax and enjoy all the surroundings. Facing north and with stunning views from most rooms in the house, your guests will have plenty to write home about.
“With a Mediterranean influence from all our travels in Europe, we’ve designed many beautiful details, from the European wallpapers, wrought-iron staircase, granite bench tops and bespoke bathroom vanities, unique soffits and adobe plaster finish. These all add character and warmth and layers of texture to a large property,” says Paula.
“We’ve run a boutique bed and breakfast on the property, and guests from all over the world have loved what Casa Aquila has to offer: luxury, space, tranquility and serenity.
Guests have access to their own suites and lounge and ample space for relaxation. From enjoying a wine by the canal, to soaking in the hot tub admiring the views, it’s a lifestyle dream,” adds John.
This grand residence wows from the get go with its solid concrete masonry construction, sitting proudly across a double site. A statement entryway leads you into a grand foyer, setting the tone for what’s to come - a luxurious and sophisticated interior, where no detail has been spared to get everything just right.
Cleverly spread over two levels to make the most of the views on offer, the home unfolds like something from a dream continental holiday.
Downstairs, three separate living areas and lounges all lead out onto the tiled courtyard, where you can sit back and soak up stunning views over the manicured gardens and canal to the hills beyond. Here you can revel in unsurpassed canal living, with access to your own private 7.5-metre pontoon and 48 meters of exclusive canal frontage awaits.
An expansive kitchen, living and dining area flows seamlessly into an appealing whole.
T he gourmet kitchen with its generous walk-in pantry is any culinary enthusiast’s dream. Here you can cook up a storm on the five-burner gas cooktop while watching the ever-changing scenes on the canal.
A sophisticated formal lounge is tucked away behind a double-sided Belgian fireplace with hinuera stone surround.
An additional lounge, home office and handy bathroom complete the downstairs floor plan.
The beautifully-appointed bedrooms create restful spaces for retreating upstairs, served by four elegant bathrooms.
The master suite would be at home in a five-star resort, bathed in sunlight and featuring its own walk-in wardrobe and private balcony.
Marketing agent Bev Calder says, “Every detail of this home has been carefully curated, including the warmed waters coursing through the underfloor heating from the solar heating system. Currently operating as a boutique bed and breakfast, Casa Aquila specialises in crafting unforgettable romantic experiences, evident in the seclusion of the outdoor private hot tub.”
The owners describe Aquila Drive as a quiet haven, only two minutes from the shops, cafes and farmer’s market of friendly Whitianga, with fantastic fishing, boating and other outdoor pursuits on your doorstep,
“Casa Aquila is not merely a residence but a place where every sunrise and sunset is an invitation to live a life less ordinary. Offering an unparalleled opportunity to own a slice of Whitianga finest, this estate awaits those who demand nothing less than extraordinary living. Call us today to experience it yourself,” says marketing agent Sheree Henderson.