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!
The Power of a Child’s Empathy
The hum of the classroom, usually a symphony of whispers and rustling papers, was replaced by a heavy silence. Little Sarah stood before the class, her small frame trembling, her eyes brimming with tears. “My mommy and daddy are going to court today,” she announced, her voice barely a whisper. “They’re going to make me choose.”
A collective gasp filled the room. The children, their faces etched with innocent concern, looked at Sarah, their eyes wide with unspoken questions. I felt a lump form in my throat. How could I, a grown adult, possibly soothe the pain of such a profound loss?
I knelt beside Sarah, gently placing an arm around her shoulders. “It’s going to be okay, sweetie,” I murmured, my voice as reassuring as I could manage. “We’re all here for you.”
I did my best to steer the class towards our morning routine, hoping to create a sense of normalcy amidst the emotional turmoil. But the air in the room remained thick with unspoken worry.
Later, as the children worked on their art projects, I noticed Sarah by the cubbies, her small body shaking with quiet sobs. She was hugging a classmate, a little boy named Michael, who was also crying softly. My heart pounded. Had something happened? Had the weight of her situation become too much for her to bear?
I rushed over, my voice laced with concern. “Sarah, Michael, what’s wrong?”
They looked up at me, their faces stained with tears, but their eyes held a strange sense of calm. Then, Michael held out a crumpled piece of paper.
“She was sad,” he mumbled, his voice thick with emotion. “So I wrote her this.”
I unfolded the note, my hands trembling. In uneven, childlike handwriting, it read:
“Don’t worry. Whatever happens, it’s in God’s hands.”
The simplicity of the message, the profound depth of its compassion, hit me like a wave. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. These two children, barely old enough to tie their own shoes, had shown a level of empathy and understanding that surpassed anything I had witnessed in years.
I had spent my life trying to impart wisdom to these young minds, to guide them through the complexities of the world. But in that moment, they had taught me a lesson I would never forget.
As I drove home that afternoon, the image of Sarah and Michael, their tear-streaked faces and the crumpled note, remained etched in my mind. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, a deep appreciation for the little family we had built in our classroom.
We often underestimate the power of a child’s heart, their capacity for love and understanding. We dismiss their emotions as fleeting, their words as naive. But that day, I witnessed the true essence of compassion, the pure, unadulterated empathy that resides within the hearts of children.
I realized that my role as a teacher was not just about imparting knowledge, but about fostering kindness, nurturing compassion, and creating a safe haven where these small hearts could flourish. And I knew that even on the toughest days, when the noise and chaos threatened to overwhelm me, I would always remember the crumpled note, the tearful hug, and the unwavering belief that, in the face of adversity, love and compassion will always prevail.
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