Susie’s Accessible Tiny Home Tour

Her muscles wasted away, her bones became so brittle that even simple movements caused fractures, and her weight dropped to just 66 pounds. After her spine collapsed, she lost over 7 inches in height. 

Finally, a doctor diagnosed her with a rare condition called hypophosphatemia, a disease that causes the body to lose phosphorus, resulting in bone and muscle degeneration.

In 2020, Susie found an antibody treatment that dramatically improved her condition, allowing her to walk again.

The birth of the tiny house vision

During the most difficult years of her health battle, Susie clung to a vision of a better life. She dreamed of building a tiny house.

For two years, she told everyone she met, "I'm going to build a tiny house and move to Florida." That dream became her guiding light, motivating her to push through her recovery.

Designing the perfect accessible tiny home

Susie’s "Tiny Purple Butterfly Dreamer" is more than just a house—it’s a carefully designed space tailored to her needs. At 24 feet long and 195 square feet, it’s small, but perfectly suited for her lifestyle. 

Knowing she needed a one-level home, she opted for a daybed that doubles as a couch during the day and a bed at night, eliminating the need to climb stairs.

The space is efficiently laid out with clever storage solutions, including drawers under the bed and custom spaces for her cat, Avery.

Embracing the simple life in Florida

Downsizing to a tiny house allowed Susie to embrace a simpler, more intentional lifestyle. Her lot, chosen for its beautiful tree cover, keeps her home cool during Florida’s hot summers.

While moving from a larger home to a tiny house was a challenge, Susie quickly discovered the freedom of living with less.

Her minimalist kitchen, complete with purple countertops and a large sink, provides everything she needs in a compact, functional design.

Finding joy and purpose in a compact space

Living tiny has given Susie the chance to focus on what truly matters. She now spends her time hosting wellness classes, working from her standing desk, and filling her home with positivity.

The small, efficient space means less time spent cleaning and maintaining, giving her more energy to focus on her passions. As she says, "You should sing and dance while you're cooking, because when you're happy, it goes into the food — and that nourishes your body."

Financial freedom and the tiny house lifestyle

In addition to the emotional and physical benefits, Susie has found financial freedom in tiny house living. With rent around $600 per month and utilities costing less than $50, her living expenses are minimal.

Though her home cost $65,000, she financed $39,000 through Liberty Bank, securing a 23-year loan. As a former banker, Susie is optimistic that tiny house financing will become more accessible as the movement grows.

Accessible tiny home tour

Susie’s tiny house journey represents more than just a physical transformation — it’s a testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of a dream.

Though her initial vision was to travel the world in her tiny home, she now embraces each day with joy and gratitude. The "Tiny Purple Butterfly Dreamer" is a symbol of her healing and her bright future.

Share your love and support for Susie in the comments down below. Are you tempted to try living in a tiny home?