If you’ve ever watched one of the myriads of tiny home TV shows and thought, “I’d love to stay in one of these, but there’s no way I ‘live there full time’, here’s some good news: these seven tiny, unique rental homes make ideal getaways for a cozy winter weekend.
The tiny home movement is both architectural and social, advocating simple living in a small space to reduce our burden on the environment. In the United States, the trend dates back to 1845, when Henry David Thoreau built a 10-by-10-foot little paradise on Walden Pond. More recently, the 2008 financial crisis sparked renewed interest in miniature homes, with promises of affordability and, in some cases, portability.
The craze shows no signs of slowing down. HGTV, the mothership of residential vogue, no longer has one or two but six shows dedicated to small homes.
The small house of today is not an exercise in asceticism à la Thoreau. The most popular size is 8 feet by 24 feet on the outside, with 400 square feet of living space inside – a bit larger than the average hotel room. They’re outfitted with scaled-down versions of the same basic spaces you’d find in a full-size home — kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living room — and often have amenities like porches, hot tubs, and fire pits.
But the appeal goes beyond mere convenience. Dan Dobrowolski, founder of ESCAPE Homes, a tiny home maker whose designs can be found across the region, says, “Tiny homes are social distancing personified. Their unique nature makes for a great experience, and many are in great locations. the footprint makes them more comfortable this time of year. What’s not to like? »
(Speaking of love, many tiny houses only fit two people, so they’re romantic to boot.)
Consider one of these little spreads for your winter vacation. Be sure to research the amenities you are interested in to ensure they will be available during your visit.
Tiny Home Rentals East of the Hudson
‘The Tiny’ at the ‘Hemptons’ in Chatham
“The Tiny” at “Hemptons” in Chatham, New York: See the list here
The beds on each side make it a good choice for four people.
AirbnbThis rectangular curiosity in a quiet neighborhood is a cozy and bright delight. With 400 square feet of space, a full bathroom, and a loft bedroom at each end, it’s a good choice for a small family or two couples.
The kitchen has a coffee maker and kettle, as well as all the basics to cook a simple meal. For lazy afternoons or evenings, “The Tiny” is equipped with WiFi and HDTV. Have your breakfast on the patio or throw a few logs on the fire pit and watch the sun go down. Guests have access to the property’s private fields, as well as marked trails in the surrounding woods. From $172/night on Airbnb for up to four people
Goose Landing Cottage in Red Hook
A burst of cheery red on the edge of a spring-fed lake, Goose Landing Cottage checks a bunch of vacation boxes: It’s quiet, surrounded by nature, steps from a scenic body of water, and a stone’s throw away. a few minutes drive from the center of Red Hook and Tivoli.
Sip hot toddy from the dock or pergola and watch Canada geese flying in a V formation over the lake or deer grazing at the edge of the forest. Or relax in the private hot tub after a day of snowshoeing and sightseeing. The interior of the cottage is a mix of rustic and modern, including a sleek black and white palette in the kitchen and living room with wood-beamed ceilings and wide plank floors, plus an upholstered window seat to snuggle up with a book (it doubles as a single bed). The bathroom has heated floors and a rain shower, as well as a washer and dryer. From $270/night on VRBO for up to four people
West Hudson Tiny Home Rentals
Little house in New Paltz
Tiny house in New Paltz, New York: See the list here
Hikers will be at home in this little getaway near the Shawangunk Ridge.
AirbnbFancy a getaway with the Gunks? This property is close to a hiker’s favorite, as well as Minnewaska State Park and downtown New Paltz. The couple who own the rental are concerned about a healthy life and have fitted it out accordingly. You will find natural woods; organic sheets, mattresses and pillows; a composting toilet; and a fresh air system. The house is solar powered and includes an outdoor fire pit for toasting s’mores.
Whether it’s the warm blonde woodwork, the winding walk down to the river, or the sunshine streaming through the well-placed windows, this little home has a soothing quality that invites relaxation. From $120 a night on Airbnb for two people
A Tiny House Resort south of Cairo
Some of the tiny houses here can accommodate up to six people.
A tiny resortLocated in the Catskill Mountains just 2 hours from New York City and 25 minutes from Woodstock and Saugerties, this is the area’s first resort comprised entirely of tiny homes. Among the dozen styles and sizes, you can easily find a dog-friendly mini cottage for a solo or couples getaway, or a vacation space for up to six friends or family members.
In addition to a kitchen, bedroom and full bath with flushing toilet, each rental has a private patio with fire pit and gas grill. Wake up to free fresh eggs from the owners’ hens. Don’t feel like cooking for yourself? Head to—or order delivery—from the on-site food truck for breakfast or lunch Thursday through Monday, or dinner on Friday. Stock up on cuteness as you visit the property’s coterie of creatures, including goats, ducks, and rabbits. From $275/night for two people (and up to $499/night for six)
The Glass House in Marlboro
The Glass House in Marlboro, New York: See the list here
Gaze at the stars at night, wake up to the sun at dawn.
AirbnbFamous among tiny houses, this glass-walled stunner has made appearances in The New York Times and on the “Today” show, which called it an “off-the-grid oasis.”
Located in wine country about 90 minutes north of New York City, the Glass House sits atop a hill on a 30-acre farm, overlooking vineyards and orchards. Modern and plush in just 180 square feet, it’s the ultimate sleeping under the stars experience. This is the place to be if you’ve ever wanted to sip one last drink nose-to-nose (through glass, of course) with a coyote, or count the scratches on a Cooper’s hawk’s tail then as it passes overhead, panning the landscape for snacks. From $239/night on Airbnb for two people
Container Cabin in the Catskills at Saugerties
Container Cabin in the Catskills, Saugerties, New York: See the list here
BYO firewood for the fireplace and the wood stove.
AirbnbA tiny rental home that also qualifies as a hipster glamping retreat, this 20ft four season cabin is made from a shipping container and is completely off the grid. It has a wood stove (BYO firewood) and a foot pump for the production of running water. In the adjoining outbuildings there is a communal sauna and a bathroom with a compost toilet, complete with a “for your beer” rack.
The Container Cabin has a kitchenette with a cooler and a queen-size sleeper sofa with organic linens. Kick things old school with the battery-powered record player. Living room on the patio. Or practice your cat and cow on the yoga platform. Spend the day hiking nearby, then fall asleep to the not-too-distant sound of the over 250-foot Kaaterskill Falls. From $204/night on Airbnb for two people
Getaway home in the Catskills
Escape cabins are equipped with a small bookcase to encourage snuggling up with a book.
Joe Thomas/GetawayIn a way, Getaway is like a short-term rental platform dedicated to tiny homes, specializing only in modern, minimalist cabins for a couple or two. Kitchenettes and compact bathrooms have everything you need, and beds are set near floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the woods. A small library is standard so you have reading material, and a cellphone safe encourages you to unplug (a landline is installed in each cabin in case of an emergency, as WiFi is spotty). Eastern Catskills cabins are located in Catskill; Western Catskills cabins are in Roscoe, and you’ll get the exact location when booking. From $109 per night for two people
More trips to the Hudson Valley
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