The tiny home trend seems here to stay. HGTV's Tiny House, Big Livinghas been going strong since 2014. Google "how to build a tiny house," and 377 million hits come back. There's even a digital magazine dedicated solely to the baby abodes.
And while tiny homes have been available for sale in Houston before, now the Bayou City has a cluster of tiny homes on Dumble Street in Greater Eastwood. Refuge, one of Houston's leading developers, in conjunction with architecture firms Brett Zamore Design and Gibson Design, Inc., have created the mini-development of one- and two-bedroom homes, each between about 600 and 800 square feet, packed with amenities for modern living.
"We've primarily seen single professionals [looking at these homes]," Jonathan Williamson of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, the listing agent for the home at 1510 Dumble St., tells CultureMap. (The home is currently valued at $249,900.) "People are realizing they don't need so much space or stuff. Minimalism is growing in popularity. People are realizing they'd rather have money for travel and other lifestyle choices than a high mortgage."
The tiny home development is the only one of its kind in Houston, according to Williamson.
What to expect
These homes have plenty to offer when it comes to lifestyle amenities. Far from being crammed or crowded, they feature open plans, ample porch and patio space. Buyers can expect beautiful finishes, modern lighting, plumbing fixtures, and appliances that include a self-cleaning induction range, tank-less water heater, and zoned Mitsubishi mini-split heating ventilation air-conditioning system.
The homes also offer structural upgrades such as a standing seam galvalume metal roof and drilled bell-bottom cylindrical pier and beam foundation.
"Those features mean minimal upkeep and low utility bills," says Williamson.
Living large in small space
The tiny homes are, of course, compact, but like Dr. Who's Tardis, they seem much bigger on the inside. Hardwood floors, loads of light, and exceptional use of space make them inviting and a terrific option for anyone looking to downsize, start on the property ladder, or express their love of a minimalist lifestyle.
There are one- and two-floor options, and unlike some tiny homes that feature ladders to a loft space, these two-floor options have actual stairs leading to the upstairs bedroom, each of which feature a closet. Quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances are featured in the kitchens, and there's room for a stackable washer and dryer.
Renderings of the community show the tiny homes with ample street parking and a community pool. Dumble Street is less than a mile from multiple coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, parks, and MetroRail lines, making it attractive to millennials, young professionals, and others who seek a walkable lifestyle. The development is minutes from downtown and University of Houston, meaning convenient access to some of the city's hubs.
If there's strength in numbers, this little community should be a hit with those who seek a neighborhood vibe while maintaining their own space.
These tiny homes are big on value.
