GRATON, Calif. — As Americans downsize in the aftermath of a colossal real estate bust, at least one tiny corner of the housing market appears to be thriving.
A small but growing number of Americans are buying or building homes that could fit inside many people’s living rooms.
Jay Shafer, co-founder of the Small House Society, built an 89-square-foot house himself a decade ago and lived in it full-time until his son was born last year. Inside a space the size of an ice cream truck, he has a kitchen with gas stove and sink, bathroom with shower, two-seater porch, bedroom loft and a “great room” where he can work and entertain — as long as he doesn’t invite more than a couple guests.
“Living in a small house like this really entails knowing what you need to be happy and getting rid of everything else,” Shafer said.