A 195-Square-Foot Hand-Built Tiny Home Proves Basic Is Beautiful

Name: Maximilian Monahan
Location: Boise, Idaho
Size: 195 square feet
Years lived in: 1.5 years, owned

I am a classic car dealer and I specialize in importing and retailing affordable Italian vintage cars. My father and I bought this 25′ x 120′ property in 2005, and it had a 550-square-foot concrete cottage built in 1948 that my dad used as his retirement pad. I decided to relocate to Boise and start up my own dealership a year ago, but the front cottage was too small for the two of us, so we decided to build a tiny house in the backyard to keep my startup overhead costs low. My father is a veteran project manager and I had the cash, so we built a tiny house for me to live in.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? OH! I must say my favorite item is the desk that my father built me. He would be pissed if I didn’t give him a shout-out.

But the truth is the “Vernal Equinox” framed print by Nat Reed near the entry door is the inspiration for the decor. Everything is inspired from that color scheme and attitude.

I found this print with my old boss in Palm Springs while working a classic car auction. I oddly feel like Nat’s depicted character reflects a bit of myself.

Any advice for creating a home you love? Know your budget and have the cash to back it up. For something this small and cheap even someone at 24 shouldn’t be intimidated by home ownership. Make your money work for you.

Thanks, Max!

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