Tiny cottage on the Oregon coast

The most common reader request we get is for small houses with a bedroom on the main level. The houses at the very small or tiny end of the size range typically have the only bedroom upstairs or even just a loft accessed by ladder, making them unsuitable for those with aging knees. So when we came across the real estate listing for this 416 ft² (38.6 m²) tiny house with a ground-floor bedroom, we figured it would appeal to many of you.

The compact cottage is a short walk from the beach in Lincoln City, a retirement community and summer vacation destination on the Oregon Coast. Weathered cedar shingles and crisp white trim give it a nice beach cottage look, while the entry was highlighted with a contrasting section of painted board and batten siding over the front porch. Note also the decorative detailing at the peak of the gable; that diamond and lattice add character at very little cost.

The front door opens into an open living space focused on the gas fireplace centered on the end wall. The room isn’t big but windows on three sides and a cathedral ceiling keep it from feeling closed in. There is a small dining nook in the corner next to the fireplace, but it appears pretty cramped. I think we would rather get rid of the chair on the other side of the fireplace, leaving enough space for a small table for two or three against that wall. The corner where the dining nook is now could then be used for a built-in desk and bookshelves.

Besides the ground-floor bedroom, we also noticed that the cottage has a ramp to the front door and grab bars in the bathroom. It may not be fully wheelchair accessible, but it would probably work well for people with moderate mobility limitations. For more nimble grandkids or other overnight guests, there is a sleeping loft with ladder.

The cottage was listed earlier this year with an asking price of $235,000, though it apparently did not sell and was pulled of the market. According to Zillow, it sold for $199,000 when first built in 2012.

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Photographs courtesy of Coldwell Banker Gesik Realty, Inc.. Via Realtor.com.

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