Created for a pair of nomads who were looking to put down roots, the Coastal Retreat is a remarkably spacious tiny house that proves that downsizing doesn't always have to mean sacrificing home comforts.
The Coastal Retreat was designed by New Zealand's South Base Tiny Homes, with architect Chris Pyemont, for a pair of passionate caravan-owning campers – plus their beloved dog. Like the firm's previous English Garden, the dwelling is based on its Abel model line and has a length of 12 m (39 ft) and a width of 4 m (13 ft), making it large, even compared to North American tiny houses. It's not on a trailer, so is transported to the site on a truck rather than towed.
The exterior is finished in redwood timber, with steel accenting and a metal roof. Additionally, a large deck area expands living space outside and includes seating.
The interior is accessed through double glass doors into the kitchen, which is very spacious and open by tiny house standards. There's a useful center island here that serves as dining area, workspace, and storage space. The island also incorporates a slimline dishwasher and a sink, while the main kitchen unit features stone countertops and hosts an oven and a propane-powered stove, plus a fridge/freezer and tons of storage.
Where regular tiny homes often feature cramped living areas, this one really opens the space up and actually provides some walking distance between the sofa and the picture frame hanging on the opposite wall. There's a sizable rug on the wooden flooring as well, along with an attractive storage unit, house plants and additional seating.
The interior layout is entirely single-level, making the bedroom much easier to access than in loft-based tiny homes that require climbing a ladder to get in and out of bed. The bedroom itself is generously proportioned and has ample headroom to stand upright, which is always a welcome benefit in a tiny house. It includes a double bed, separate wardrobes, and a small study/work desk and chair.
The Coastal Retreat's bathroom is notable for its size and has a large shower that spans the full 1.8 m (5.10 ft) width of the room. It also has a vanity sink, a flushing toilet, and a laundry station with storage and a washer/dryer.
As mentioned, the Coastal Retreat was commissioned for a couple, but the Abel model it's based on starts at NZD 230,000 (roughly US$133,000). We've no word on delivery, so those interested are advised to contact the firm directly.
Source: South Base Tiny Homes
