Trying out tiny home living
CROYDON, N.H.— Hilary and Shane Lentz were hooked on the idea of a tiny house, but they weren’t sure the reality would be so appealing.
Their curiosity led them to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where a business that started at Harvard University rents out tiny houses for $99 (U.S.) a night. The company, Getaway, has drawn visitors from afar who come to sample life in a 15-square-metre house before they dive headlong into the lifestyle.
“It’s a way to test-drive tiny house living,” said Jon Staff, the founder and CEO of Getaway. “We operate them a little bit like hotel rooms in the woods.”
Across the United States, more businesses are letting the curious try out tiny living. Advocates tout the environmental and financial perks of it.
The Lentzes, from Pittsburgh, had been considering a major downsize for years. It could free them of the mortgage on their three-bedroom home. They could build the house on wheels and take it anywhere. By shedding some belongings, there would be fewer distractions.
“Having a smaller living space allows you to be more open to experiences, and to really enjoy your day-to-day life,” said Hilary, 27.
Getaway is the first project at Harvard’s Millennial Housing Lab, a group of business, law and design students exploring new housing ideas. Staff, a graduate student in business, said his stints living on a boat and in an Airstream trailer inspired him to help spread the tiny house movement.
“Small spaces force you out into the world, and I think that’s a good thing,” he said.
During their tryout, the Lentzes played board games and went hiking. They built a campfire and looked at the stars. The cramped kitchen had plenty of space to prepare a spaghetti dinner.
“It was very comfortable,” Hilary said. “I was pretty surprised.”
Shane and Hilary Lentz rented a tiny home.