Are you looking for the perfect escape? A group of four couples in Texas found it! These best friends of over 20 years were seeking a peaceful sanctuary away from the busy city life of Austin. They wanted to reconnect with nature, recharge, and live out their retirement dreams together. And that’s when they stumbled upon a ribbon of land near Llano River, just an hour away from Austin – a nature lover’s paradise.
Creating an Environmentally Conscious Retreat
At first glance, the land didn’t look inviting. It was arid and needed some work. But the couples saw its potential and were determined to make it their own. Led by Fred and Jodi Zipp, the group embarked on an environmentally conscious project. They wanted to minimize their carbon footprints and preserve the native landscape.
Instead of building a shared house, the couples discovered the tiny house movement and fell in love with the idea. San Antonio architect Matt Garcia brought their vision to life. Each couple now has their own private 350-square-foot cabin, complete with a double bed, kitchenette, and bathroom. And to honor the landowner’s requirement for water conservation, the roofs of the cabins collect rainwater for later use.
Beautiful Design and Comfortable Living
These cabins are not just practical; they are also beautifully designed. With spray foam insulation and large roof overhangs, the tiny houses stay cool even in the scorching Texas heat. The interiors are warm and cozy, featuring grained plywood walls and natural-looking gray concrete floors. Large windows bring in natural light and offer stunning views of the river.
In addition to the private cabins, the group built a 1,500-square-foot communal cabin. It serves as a gathering space with a guest bedroom, living area, large kitchen, and even a pool! This communal area allows the best friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company while still having their own private retreats when needed.
“Llano Exit Strategy” – The Perfect Getaway
Although the couples are not ready for full-time retirement yet, their tiny town, lovingly nicknamed “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row,” serves as the ideal getaway. Surrounded by nature, with a mesmerizing array of wildlife, it feels like living in a real-life Disney movie. And when the cabins aren’t in use, the couples even earn extra income by renting them out to adventurous vacationers interested in experiencing the tiny house lifestyle.
Share the Dream and Start a Conversation
Have you ever dreamed about creating a micro-community with your best friends? Building private tiny homes in a community filled with your favorite people is an excellent way to spend more time together. Share this inspiring story and let’s start a conversation about creating our own retirement paradise!
If you enjoyed reading about this tiny house mini community, you’ll also like the story of a man who transformed his garage into a tiny house for his mother-in-law.
