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!
Woman Finds Diamond Ring On Beach – When Jeweler Sees It, He Tells Her This
A couple is now closer than ever after their misplaced diamond ring was discovered on a nearby beach. This is the tale:
Samantha, who frequents the beach, was strolling down the sun-drenched seashore one day when she happened upon the stunning diamond ring.
She was drawn to the ring right away since it shimmered in the sun’s golden beams. Samantha saw an etching reading “E and J” on the inside of the ring after closely examining it.
Samantha made the decision to take the ring to her neighborhood jeweler, Mr. Dalton, after realizing how emotional it must be for its owner. She was hoping he could help find the diamond’s true owner.
When Mr. Dalton, Samantha’s trusted jeweler, saw the ring, he had an unexpected response. The discovery made him pale, and he looked noticeably scared.
His response surprised Samantha, who was unable to understand why the ring had such a profound effect on him. Samantha was left with a ton of questions after Mr. Dalton suggested they call the police right away.
Mr. Dalton and Samantha brought their concerns to Officer Paula Hawkins at the police station, and she treated the matter seriously. They clarified that the ring was the property of
Mrs. Dalton and was a treasured present that Mr. Dalton personally gave her. Husband of Jennifer Dalton was furious because she had vanished from their lives.
Searching from the shore where the ring was discovered, Officer Hawkins got to work. She looked at security camera footage from a neighboring beach bar and conducted interviews with beachgoers. Officer Hawkins persevered, determined to find Mrs. Dalton, even though at first he was meeting dead ends.
Officer Hawkins made the decision to follow Mrs. Dalton’s path back to the Dalton home from the beach. She saw a woman who looked like Mrs. Dalton on the beach along the way. As she got closer, her heart raced. She was relieved to see that the woman she thought was Jennifer Dalton was indeed unconscious on the beach.
Jennifer clarified that her phone had died after she had taken a nap on the beach and fallen asleep. This clarified her inability to get in touch with anyone. Officer Hawkins offered to drive Mrs. Dalton home, relieved to find her safe.
Mr. Dalton was ecstatic to see his wife safe and well back at the Dalton home. Happy tears streamed down the couple’s faces as they hugged. Mr. Dalton surprised Jennifer with a brand-new, even more exquisite diamond ring that was etched with the words “E and J” to make up for the missing ring.
In a heartfelt moment, Jennifer expressed her forgiveness for misplacing the original ring, and their experience had reinforced and revitalized their love.
We are reminded of the value of cherishing our loved ones and the strength of love by this endearing narrative. The depth of our affection for one another is something that can occasionally be discovered even after losing a priceless item.
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