The Little Lodge Turns Downsizing Into a Glamorous Experience

The Little Lodge looks like the ultimate embodiment of what glamping is supposed to mean. This would be a money-making vacation rental for anyone looking to offer an ultra-fancy outdoor experience; yet, believe it or not, this stylish abode was custom-built as an in-law residence destined to sit in a simple backyard and not some gorgeous natural setting.

Typical downsizing and classic guest homes are certainly not what comes to mind when looking at this gorgeous build. A lot of that has to do with the fact that Backcountry Tiny Homes is not an ordinary house-building company. This is a woman-owned business, and most importantly, it's run by folks who own tiny homes as well. Who could better understand the needs, even the unspoken ones, of a tiny house customer than someone who experienced tiny living first-hand?

The Backcountry Tiny Homes are not only gorgeous and unique style-wise, but they also aim to raise the bar in terms of proficiency and durability. Despite their stunning good looks, this brand is about much more than that; it's about building a solid foundation and making sure that every detail is added wisely to improve quality and safety and to pass the test of time. This is why, for instance, this New Hampshire-based builder doesn't work with reclaimed materials unless they come from a specialized source. Safety comes before everything else, and it's a trademark of all Backcountry Tiny Homes models.

This doesn't take away any of the homes' beauty. The Little Lodge looks effortlessly elegant and even glamorous despite its rustic-inspired décor. Although meant to sit in a simple backyard humbly, this custom beauty flaunts the glam charm of a luxury mountain chalet or lake house.

There are no lofts inside this Lodge and no sumptuous separate bedroom downstairs, yet comfort seems to predominate. At its core, this is a basic single-level home on wheels with an open-plan layout. The living room doubles as a bedroom and even as a dining room, and it transitions smoothly into the kitchen area. A compact bathroom hides at the opposite end of the house behind a rustic barn door.

Although simple, this layout focuses on comfort and accessibility, the main requirements for an in-law residence. There are no hard-to-reach areas, and the open-plan configuration makes this place even cozier, just as you would expect from something named "The Little Lodge."

This custom tiny doesn't boast the typical side entry. In fact, the main door that's located at the back connects the living room directly with the ultra-compact, covered porch. This is a lovely spot to take in the view and enjoy the fresh air, and it also helps to expand the living area. Although The Little Lodge looks indeed like a traditional wooden cabin, the living room design with huge windows and a glass door leading to the exterior porch add a contemporary touch.

An oversized picture window makes this tiny room seem instantly bigger and connected to the outdoors. The custom-made sofa turns into a cozy bed at night and also comes with ample storage underneath. Storage was also added above it in the form of full-length shelves across two of the walls.

The sofa is virtually surrounded by oversized windows that seem to bring the outdoors in. This particular layout also creates enough space for a tiny foldable table by the window for a compact dining nook. A huge skylight completes this beautiful configuration, adding even more natural light and ensuring the best view of the starry sky at night. Cozy and intimate, this living room also feels like an observation lounge designed for those who want to stay in touch with nature throughout the day.

Last but not least, a rustic-style wood-burning stove keeps the atmosphere toasty, contributing to that luxury chalet vibe. The kitchen is also surprisingly sophisticated for a backyard residence. The matte black cabinetry adds an elegant touch in contrast to the natural-toned woodwork, mixing functionality with aesthetics. The L-shaped countertop provides a generous surface for preparing meals, with ample storage underneath and above, as well as all the basic appliances.

Having a separate nook for a washer/dryer combo is another unexpected amenity that translates to luxury when it comes to compact, tiny living. The bathroom only had room for basic equipment, but its minimalist décor still created a sense of understated elegance. To add functionality without taking up precious space, the separating wall that partially divides the living room from the kitchen doubles as a bookcase.

The lovely Little Lodge was custom-created, which means it's not available in this exact form. Still, the team at Backcountry Tiny Homes custom designs all the "bones and guts" of a future home for each customer, making every build unique in its own way. The Little Lodge is here to inspire future owners to dream about their own perfect homes on wheels and to know that their dreams can come true.