Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
My Neighbor Ruined the Peach Orchard I Received from My Grandparents, I Ensured She Regretted Her Actions
Lisa inherited her grandparents’ cherished peach orchard after they passed away. It had been a part of her family for over fifty years, filled with memories of joyful harvest parties with friends and neighbors, especially her beloved neighbor Sam, who had taught her woodworking and shared many stories.
Determined to honor her grandparents, Lisa planned to host the harvest party that year. However, her plans were soon disrupted by a new neighbor, Karen, who seemed intent on ruining everything. On the first day Karen moved in, she complained about the peach trees, demanding that Lisa remove them because their leaves were blowing onto her property.
Taken aback by Karen’s harsh attitude, Lisa explained how the trees were important to her and the community. But Karen was unsympathetic and made it clear that she wouldn’t stop until the trees were gone.
Soon after, Lisa began hearing disturbing news from her neighbors about Karen’s actions, including a cruel incident where she had a dog put down by falsely claiming it attacked her child. At their annual peach harvest party, Karen called the police, claiming the noise was too loud, forcing Lisa to end the gathering prematurely. Things escalated further when Lisa discovered that her truck tires had been slashed and her cat was injured, all signs pointing to Karen’s involvement.
One evening, Lisa caught Karen smirking from her porch, further infuriating her. Lisa felt compelled to defend her family’s legacy but needed proof of Karen’s wrongdoing. When she and her father discovered copper nails driven into the peach trees, they set up cameras to catch the culprit.
It didn’t take long to capture Karen on tape, and when they confronted her, she pretended to be remorseful. But Lisa knew she couldn’t let her get away with it. She gathered evidence of the damage and filed a lawsuit against Karen, even launching a website detailing Karen’s misdeeds. The site gained traction, and Lisa reached out to a friend in the news.
With media coverage and community support, protests against Karen’s actions emerged, forcing the authorities to take action. Karen was held accountable for the damage she caused, and she was ultimately forced to sell her house and leave the neighborhood.
With Karen gone, Lisa set about restoring the orchard, excited to host the harvest party once again. The community celebrated together, and Lisa felt proud to continue her grandparents’ legacy. She learned the importance of standing up for what is right and the power of community support in overcoming challenges.
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