A couple are living their dream escape to the country after moving into a tiny 8ft-wide home, with a wood burner and working kitchen, which they built during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dion Cowe, 24, and partner Ben Sawyer, 30, took six months to build the home with a mezzanine bedroom in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
Large arched windows fill the property with light, as far back as the kitchen and a wood burner is on hand to provide heating.
A snug is also found at the front of the 28ft-long ground floor – perfect for reading a good book while taking in country views.
The tiny space is also shared by the couple’s two pets – cocker spaniel Willow and lionhead rabbit Cinnamon.
The couple, pictured on the ledge of their mezzanine floor with their dog Willow, achieved their dream escape to the country by building their own tiny house which is just 8ft wide
Dion Cowe, 24, and Ben Sawyer, 30, took six months to build the home with a mezzanine bedroom and fully functioning kitchen in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
Large arched windows fill the property with light, as far back as the fully-functioning kitchen and a wood burner is on hand to provide heating
The ground floor of their dream home is 28ft-long is perfect for reading while taking in the impressive country views
Dion and Ben, who have been together for six years, have spent most of their relationship travelling in converted vans.
After they tried living in a two-bedroom rented home, they felt the traditional lifestyle wasn’t the right fit for them and started building their own dream home.
Dion said: ‘We came to the realisation that neither of us were prepared to fully settle down, in the traditional sense.
‘We felt that the money we were spending on rent could be put towards something way more beneficial.’
The couple designed a cosy mezzanine floor for their bedroom (pictured) which has two flood lights above to let in amazing amounts of natural light
After trying out the traditional way of life by renting a two bedroom house they decided it wasn’t for them and came up with the idea for their new home. Pictured: Designs for their small but mighty home
The build took the couple around six months but Dion’s partner Ben said it ‘felt more like six years’. Pictured: The entrance to their home
Carpenter Ben did most of the building work, with the help of Dion’s father and were able to create the impressive design
During their six-year relationship, the couple have lived and travelled in converted vans so were used to smaller spaces. Pictured: Dog Willow in the large living room window
Carpenter Ben set about building the home with help from Dion’s father – but he said the six months it took ‘felt like six years.’
The home is filled with quirks to make sure it flows well and is a usable space, including clever storage solutions hidden in the staircase.
The stylish bathroom features a shower and Dion even manages to take yoga sessions in the kitchen.
Dion said: ‘The only thing that has surprised us about living tiny is how freeing it feels. It’s effortless.’
Instead of spending money on rent, the couple (pictured) decided to put the funds towards creating their dream home in the countryside
The tiny space is also shared by the couple’s two pets – cocker spaniel Willow and lionhead rabbit Cinnamon. Pictured: The mezzanine bedroom
Despite the small dimensions, the cabin has a fully functioning kitchen, a shower Dion even manages to take yoga sessions in the kitchen
The 8ft-wide shack has been built with clever storage solutions to optimise every inch of space they have in the cosy home
The couple say living in their home on wheels has allowed them more financial freedom.
Ben said: ‘We both try our best to live a sustainable lifestyle and tiny living ties into that ideology perfectly.
‘It also helps us greatly with working towards financial freedom. Knowing that our outgoings are at a minimum, it takes the pressure off having to work silly hours.’
Dion said their home was even built with their rescue dog in mind.
The couple (pictured) worked tirelessly to get their dream home which gives them the freedom to move around, getting it finished in just six months
They suggest that their choice to live in a home on wheels has given them more financial freedom. Pictured: Their home during the building process
By creating them small and affordable home, Dion says it has allowed them the reassurance of knowing their outgoings are at a minimum and reduces the need to work ‘silly hours’. Pictured: Ben during the build
As well ensuring the home worked for them, the couple also considered their dog Willow’s needs when they designed it. Pictured: Dion in the bath during the building process
In order to make sure they have enough space to move and be comfortable they have cut their wardrobes down by half and built Willow’s bed into the stairs. Pictured: Ben on the mezzanine floor ledge
She said: ‘She was in our thoughts throughout the whole design process, so much so, we even built her bed into the stairs.
‘It might be a little crazy, but we halved our wardrobe space, so she would have her own cosy corner in the house.’
The home is parked-up on a plot of land owned by Ben’s parents but the couple hope to take it for a spin in the near future.
Their future plans include moving to New Zealand.