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!
You Won’t Believe What the Australian Olympic Breakdancer Just Revealed About That Viral Routine!
Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn, also known as Raygun, has finally spoken out after the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Raygun’s breakdancing routine went viral after she received zero points in all three rounds she competed in. The video of her performance spread quickly, making her famous for the wrong reasons. There’s even an online petition demanding that Gunn apologize for her performance.
Until now, Raygun hadn’t said anything about what happened, but she recently addressed the situation on Instagram. In a two-and-a-half-minute video, she shared that she was “devastated by the hate” she received.
In her video, Gunn thanked the people who supported her during the Paris Games, but also talked honestly about the online abuse she’s faced. She said she didn’t expect that the “joy she brought” to people would also lead to people making fun of her routine.
According to ESPN, over 40,000 people have signed a petition accusing Gunn of “manipulating” the Olympic qualification process.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: B-Girl Raygun of Team Australia competes during the B-Girls Round Robin – Group B on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Place de la Concorde on August 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
In her Instagram video, Raygun thanked everyone who supported her, saying, “I really appreciate the positivity, and I’m glad I could bring some joy into your lives. That’s what I hoped for.”
However, she admitted that she didn’t expect the hate that followed. “I didn’t realize that would also open the door to so much hate, which has been pretty devastating. But I went out there and had fun,” she said.
Raygun also responded to questions about her commitment, making it clear that she worked hard to prepare for the Olympics. “I worked my butt off preparing for the Olympics, and I gave it my all. I’m honored to have been part of the Australian team and Australia’s breaking debut. What the other athletes achieved is phenomenal,” she said.
The 36-year-old also addressed false information that’s been spreading online since her performance in Paris. One rumor claimed that she only made the Australian Olympic team because her husband was a national selector and a judge at a qualifying event. This rumor has been proven to be completely false.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) condemned the online petition against her, with AOC boss Matt Carroll writing to the petition’s website to demand its immediate removal.
What did you think of Rachael Gunn’s breakdancing routine? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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