65-year-old retiree swaps her home for a 400-square-foot prefab in her daughter's backyard: "I even have a loft and a cellar"

Living in a house of just 37 square meters may seem like an overly limiting option for those used to having several rooms. However, Denise Martin, a 65-year-old American woman, has found in this type of home a way to enjoy retirement without giving up her personal space. Since December 2024, she has been living in a tiny house located in her daughter and son-in-law’s garden, a decision that allows her to be close to her family and take part in the day-to-day life of her two granddaughters.

Her choice was mainly driven by a personal reason. When she decided to take the step, Denise had just become a grandmother and wanted to be present while her granddaughters grew up. The arrival of a second baby girl, only four months old when she told her story, reinforced that decision even more. Instead of moving into a conventional home near her daughter, she chose an alternative that allows her to share the property with the family without living under the same roof.

A small house with loft, terrace and cellar

The home has about 28 square meters on the ground floor, where the living room, kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower are laid out. Upstairs, it has a loft of just over nine square meters intended for the bedroom. Although the space is limited, the house includes a terrace and even a small wine cellar for storing wine, details that show how it has managed to make use of every corner.

The construction was carried out by her son-in-law in less than three months and the budget stayed below $200,000, about €172,000. To reduce everyday expenses, Denise uses propane in some appliances and estimates that she spends about $35 a month, around €30, on gas cylinders.

Adapting to such a small space was not immediate. The retiree acknowledges that it took her approximately six months to feel completely comfortable and she had to part with some of her belongings, especially clothes. Even so, she believes that the advantages outweigh the difficulties: she lives close to her granddaughters, can pick them up from school, and help her daughter when she needs support caring for the little girls.

Her new way of life also does not mean that she has given up other alternatives. “I also have a house in a retirement community”, Denise explains, keeping that possibility open for the future. Her experience shows that small homes can become an option for those seeking to combine independence, savings, and closeness to family during retirement.