Embarking on a journey towards independence and creativity, Carol has turned her dream into reality by building her own Tiny House, „The Dragon’s Nest.“
Hidden in a peaceful wooded area on Vancouver Island, this 320-square-foot house is a testament to Carol’s determination and craftsmanship.
In 2019, facing the challenge of building it herself, Carol accepted the endeavor.
She paid attention to every nail, screw, and drop of glue that went into her creation.
This intimate knowledge allows her to take care of it and repair it with confidence.
The Dragon’s Nest reflects Carol’s artistic soul and her love for the 19th-century Roma Vardo style.
Decorated with antiques and vibrant colors, it is a space in resonance with her spirit.
This personalized approach to residence contrasts with her previous homes, ranging from 4800 to 1100 square feet.
The decision to downsize was driven by the desire for simplicity.
The journey began in 2016 when Carol carefully collected recycled items and bargains from flea markets, slowly bringing her vision to life on paper.
The construction of The Dragon’s Nest was a lesson in ingenuity and patience.
Starting with a commercial trailer as a base, Carol framed her Tiny House in 2018.
However, unforeseen events forced her to complete the construction process herself, except for installing some windows.
Her commitment to building a safe and proper house led her to pay for new materials such as plumbing, electrical, and propane gas appliances out of her pocket.
Carol managed to keep expenses under $20,000.
Carol’s meticulous nature extends to her accounting.
She kept a detailed record of The Dragon’s Nest, documenting every penny spent in a book.
This precision not only helped track expenses but also served as a testament to her commitment to the project.
Her craftsmanship skills, honed through years of volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and with the help of her brother-in-law Gary, were crucial to the realization of her Tiny House.
The Dragon’s Nest is a masterpiece of design and functionality.
Its exterior walls in dimensional Douglas fir and cedar shingles cut like dragon scales capture the essence of its name.
Inside, the spacious area includes a living area, a foldable dining table, and a kitchen, all under a ceiling of Victorian tin plates from Upper Canada Village.
Every item in the house has a story, from the recessed bed made from a recycled bunk bed to the antique toilet transformed into a 19th-century-style water closet.
In off-grid life, Carol has adapted to a lifestyle that is both challenging and rewarding.
She transports water, treats it through an electrical system, and relies on solar panels for electricity, supplemented by a generator when necessary.
Heating is provided by a vented propane gas heater, and she manages waste with a composting toilet and a greywater pond.
Despite the challenges, Carol finds comfort in her tiny home, surrounded by her miniature draft horses, Toggenburg goats, chickens, heritage breed turkeys, and bees.
Carol’s journey to life in a Tiny House has not been without obstacles.
Finding a legal place to park was a significant challenge due to zoning issues.
However, she found a willing landowner to make an agreement that allowed her to live on his property in a gray area.
This agreement, while not entirely legal, is not illegal either and provides her with a temporary solution.
At almost 70 years old and suffering from lupus, Carol’s decision to live in the Dragon’s Nest is not just a matter of affordability; it is a lifestyle choice that reflects her values and needs.
Her involvement in the community continues through volunteering at the local food bank and Habitat for Humanity.
She also shares her knowledge and experiences about living in a Tiny House on her Facebook page „The Dragon’s Nest.“
The construction of the Dragon’s Nest was a labor of love, full of challenges, hard work, and moments of doubt.
However, with perseverance, Carol has created a unique space that belongs to her, and it is a miniature paradise she loves to come home to.
Watch the full tour of Carol’s „nest“ in the video!
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