A Spring Branch couple spent two and a half years building an eco-friendly dream house-on-wheels from raw materials in hope of reducing their environmental impact. Unfortunately, the mobile nature of the home allowed it to be towed away from its custom-paved driveway by thieves.
Casey and Jessica Friday constructed the 650 square foot home — which could be attached to a car and transported like a trailer — for only $35,000. The small home "could run on rainwater, compost its waste and get by on very little electricity," the Daily Mail notes.
When the couple found that the home they worked so hard for was missing in late December, the two felt that their efforts and money had been wasted.
The couple says they may now sell off the tiny home as the theft has left them questioning whether they want to live in it.
Following extensive news coverage, residents in San Antonio informed police that they had seen the small dwelling. Bexar County Sheriff's deputies returned the home — now kept at an impound lot — to the Fridays last week, although the couple isn't sure they want to keep it.
The couple says they may now sell off the tiny home as the theft has left them questioning whether they want to live in it. According to the Daily Mail, they have already signed up for an apartment.
Casey Friday tells WOAI 4 News in San Antonio the theft was "depressing, devastating" and "made me angry and shocked all at the same time."
"We probably put in about $35,000 into parts alone on the house. Clearing the (now destroyed) land and adding a paver 'driveway' for my car cost us $3,100," he writes in a blog post. "You can see how they destroyed it while stealing the house. I worked on this house for two and a half years, while building up my businesses.
"The resale value on this highly custom house would easily be $55,000 to 60,000."
Bexar County Sheriff's officials are still not certain who stole the sustainable house-on-wheels, but promise those responsible will face charges if found.
The driveway the Friday's constructed was severely damaged from when the home was taken from their property.
