The small living movement tends to be all about sacrifices and compromises – there's only so much that can be done with such limited space, after all. That said, those with the means to spend some extra money can look forward to improved amenities, high-end materials, and gadgets a-plenty in their tiny house. Join us as we take a look at the best new luxury tiny houses on the market.
As was the case in our look at the market back in February, we've focused on high-end tiny houses that cost over US$70,000 and include outstanding features, interesting design, or notable technology. We've also highlighted firms we're familiar with, but do urge readers to carry out their own research if considering splashing hard-earned cash on one of these. All except one are based in the USA (the other is in New Zealand).
Head to the gallery to see more images and information on each home or read on for our selection of the best new luxury tiny houses currently on the market.
Escher - New Frontier Tiny Homes
Nashville-based New Frontier Tiny Homes' Alpha was one of the most notable tiny houses of 2016 and its successor looks similarly impressive. Based on the same basic design as the Alpha, the Escher increases living space and adds a second bedroom to make it suitable for a family of three.
The Escher's large sliding glass doors and novel garage-like door open the home to the outside. Its interior measures 300 sq ft (27.8 sq m) and includes a living/dining area with stow-away table that seats a dozen people. The kitchen looks high-end and boasts porcelain countertops, a mini-dishwasher, and stainless steel appliances.
There's one bedroom downstairs in the Escher and another upstairs, plus a home office and a bathroom with shower, sink, composting toilet, and a large walk-in closet.
The Escher can run on or off-the-grid and will set you back $139,900 and up, depending on options chosen.
Covo Mio - Covo Tiny Homes
If you're the kind of person who likes the idea of a totally connected home but wants to downsize, the Covo Mio, by Portland's Covo Tiny Homes, may be of interest. The compact tiny house measures roughly 330 sq ft (30 sq m) and is jam-packed with smart home technology.
Access to the interior is gained by a Schlage Z-Wave door lock, while a Bluetooth sound system and LED lighting are integrated with a Wink Hub to offer smartphone control. An Amazon Echo, Nest thermostat, USB charging ports, 50-inch TV, and a sit/stand desk are also installed.
The Mio's layout is simple and comprises a living room, office/TV area, kitchen and breakfast bar on the ground floor. Its small bathroom has a toilet and shower, while there's a single bedroom and storage loft upstairs. Electricity can come from a standard hookup or an off-grid solar setup.
The Mio is sold in multiple configurations, so while all the high-end tech and luxury materials fetch around $100,000, those looking to save some money can buy the standard model without all those extras from $59,999.
Traveler XL Limited - Escape
Well-known Wisconsin tiny house firm Escape recently announced a new updated version of its 2015 Traveler tiny house, the Traveler XL Limited. It features Escape's usual contemporary styling and impressive build quality but can sleep up to 10 people.
The Traveler XL Limited measures 344 sq ft (32 sq m), split between a living area, kitchenette, and bathroom with bath/shower, toilet, and sink. It comes with two bedrooms as standard: one master bedroom on the ground floor, plus a loft bedroom accessed by ladder. Another loft bedroom that fits two beds is an option, as is a sofa bed. All-in-all, there's almost enough room to sleep a football team.
The Traveler XL Limited starts at $78,500, with optional extras like off-grid solar power and battery kit hiking up the price considerably.
Denali - Timbercraft Tiny Homes
Alabama-based Timbercraft Tiny Homes' Denali is an attractive tiny house that looks like a cottage on wheels. It measures a huge 37 ft (11.2 m)-long and its exterior includes a small outdoor shower and two decks, which can be folded upward when the owners need to hit the road.
Inside, the home looks finished to a high standard and is very spacious, boasting an 11 ft (3.3 m)-high ceiling and large kitchen with full-size appliances. Inside the bathroom is a toilet, bath/shower, sink, and washing machine, while a pipe ladder provides access to a small storage loft.
There's just one bedroom in the Denali, but it's generously-proportioned and has plenty of space to stand up straight and walk around.
The Denali starts at $89,000.
Millennial Tiny House - Build Tiny
The biggest challenge when downsizing to a tiny house is arguably the lack of storage space and the Millennial Tiny House, by New Zealand's Build Tiny, has some of the most interesting space-saving ideas we've seen in a tiny house so far.
The home measures 7.2 x 2.4 m (23 x 7.8 ft). Inside, its center is taken up by a living area with generous underfloor storage, while a hanging chair offers a place to sit. A sliding staircase can be pulled out from the wall manually to offer access to a sleeping loft above.
Elsewhere in the Millennial Tiny House lies a bathroom with shower, sink, laundry area and a composting toilet on wheels, as well as a kitchen with full-size appliances. The kitchen provides access to a loft office above with a ladder and cabinets to climb on.
The Millennial Tiny House costs around $86,700 for a full turnkey version of the home, though cheaper price points are also available for DIYers comfortable taking on a basic shell.
Honorable mentions
Zyl Vardos' Damselfly House has the firm's signature curving style and is currently on the market at a reduced price of $99,500. Finally, Timbercraft Tiny Homes designed another tiny house with similar styling to the Denali that's called the Ridgewood, but you'll need to contact the firm for the price of that one.