A Cozy, Compact Adventure: The Tiny House Journey of Meredith, Cody, Toasty, Wiggly Bean, and Snickers
In the world of tiny houses, the story of Toasty, Wiggly Bean, and Snickers might seem as unique as their names. However, their transition to tiny living is a classic tale among the enthusiasts of this movement. These two dogs and one cat have adapted to the whims of their owners, Meredith and Cody, who are ardent tiny home aficionados.
For many outsiders, the concept of tiny living raises questions: who buys these diminutive dwellings, and where do they place them? Tiny home buyers span a wide demographic, from 18 to 83 years old, encompassing all genders and various family sizes. However, there are two prominent groups: young couples aged 25-35, often with pets but no children, and single women aged 45-60, typically with children who have recently left home or are about to. Meredith and Cody fit into the former category.
From Hurricane Ruin to Tiny House Dream
Meredith’s story begins on the picturesque shores of Black Water Bay in Florida. Her childhood home was tragically destroyed by Hurricane Ivan, leading her family to install an RV pad on their property for future vacations. This spot, rich with memories, became the canvas for Meredith and Cody’s tiny house dream two decades later.
Initially, Meredith’s parents were skeptical of the idea of placing a tiny house on their beloved property. However, they were soon won over when the Tumbleweed RV arrived, nestled perfectly in the serene Floridian landscape.
Designing the Perfect Tiny Home
Cody’s experience in the Navy, where space is at a premium, made him comfortable with the concept of tiny living. Together, he and Meredith designed a home that reflected their unique tastes and needs. Their dream house closely resembled the Tumbleweed Farallon, and with the help of designer Erin Card, they customized it to perfection. Extra kitchen counter space, additional cabinets, and an enlarged closet were essential tweaks to suit their lifestyle.
Meredith, a chef with a passion for baking, recently launched her own bakery, The Makery. This venture made the stair pantry option a non-negotiable feature in their tiny home.
The Double Loft Solution
Although Meredith and Cody chose to sleep downstairs, they opted for a double loft layout. The larger loft doubles as their living room and game night haven, affectionately dubbed the “tiny nerd room” by Cody. It’s not uncommon to find up to seven friends squeezed in for a fun-filled evening. The smaller loft serves as a spacious storage area, keeping their tiny home organized and clutter-free.
Financing the Tiny Dream
Financing a tiny home can be a significant hurdle for many. About 75% of Tumbleweed owners secure a mortgage for their tiny houses. Over the years, Tumbleweed has forged strong partnerships with top lenders in the industry. For Meredith and Cody, this network was instrumental in making their dream a reality.
“…it was the only company that we could find that would help us with financing.”
In most states, we have financing available for borrowers with scores of 600 or higher. See what you qualify for.
Embracing the Tiny Lifestyle
The journey of Meredith, Cody, and their furry companions is a testament to the tiny house movement’s appeal. Their story, while unique in its specifics, echoes the common themes of resilience, creativity, and the desire for a simpler, more meaningful way of living. As more people discover the joys and challenges of tiny living, tales like theirs continue to inspire and illustrate the boundless possibilities of life in a tiny home.
Meredith and Cody take you inside her tiny home in this amazing video by Tiny House Expedition.
Photos courtesy of Tiny House Expedition.
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