Q&A

Why did you come to decide that a tiny home was a housing alternative for your retirement?

I had followed the development of tiny homes for almost 20 years; when Jay Shafer built an 112-square-foot home and traveled with it across the country, introducing what is now called the tiny home movement. Always having lived compact, even in large homes, my gut said that I would be happy with a tiny home. Those years of following the movement—and its development completely online—a took a fortuitous turn when I returned to my Northeast Alabama high school class reunion. Timbercraft Tiny Homes was located in an adjoining town. I visited its location, met owner Doug Schroeder, and walked into my first tiny home. I was "at home."

Fast forward four months—it was over two years into my retirement—and the plan was set: Timbercraft would build me a tiny home and I would settle back near my hometown. Doug responded to my list of "requirements to do this thing" unflinchingly. Family heirlooms were to fill the house with my life and my memories. Doug's first design of that accommodation is the one I am living in now.

It is a 273 square foot cabin-of-a-home, exemplifying the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail that I think makes Timbercraft an exceptional company to work with. Doug and his fine team built me home, yes; but more, this home—now that it is settled on three wooded acres backed up by a creek—visibly demonstrates an aspirational lifestyle.

How many people share the 273 square feet of your tiny home?

“BranchHill,” the name of my house and retreat, is my retirement dream come true. While I live there alone—which was my want, since I am a writer—adding a daybed to the main floor means that having company—which turns out to be often—is easy.

Have there been any challenges that come with transitioning into a tiny home?

Downsizing was not a challenge for me, but finding out, over time, that I need even less than I thought when I moved into the house has been a boon! Some folks might worry that you can feel closed in by a tiny house’s size; I took care of that by having 15-foot ceilings and 20 windows in the 28-foot space. At times, living at BranchHill feels like a cocoon (or a porch), given the natural light and its warmth; it also stays cool, because Timbercraft Homes are exquisitely insulated.

Do you have a favorite part of your home?

Its’ size. A lifelong friend, when I first told her of the project, said: “I am so glad you are doing this, David. You talked about a cabin in the woods when we were teenagers.” Also, my necessary customizations, and Timbercraft’s team’s ability to design the house around them. My antique oak roll top desk and soaring 12-foot book shelves surrounding it are the biggest single feature, but designing room for family antiques and hand-wrought pieces—not to mention using antique wood from a family friend’s long-ago-deconstructed farmhouse on the open kitchen shelving and handmade items from family members—makes BranchHill one big hug. I wanted my home to feel like a cabin, but not to be “rough-hewn.”