What is a Tiny House? What are its advantages?
Tiny Houses have become a real fashion statement in the world of housing and construction. These tiny houses on wheels are mostly made of wood and offer an alternative to traditional housing. In France, many Tiny Houses are springing up in gardens and fields. More than just a trend, today this eco-responsible housing is tending to replace mobile homes, caravans or even the main dwelling. They appeal to couples and families alike, and are designed down to the last centimetre to offer all the comforts of a real home.
However, if we look at the origins of this type of housing, it had an entirely different function. Initially, these little houses were used as emergency housing for the most destitute families in the face of the violent hurricanes that hit the United States. It was only a few years later, however, that Tiny Houses became popular in Europe, particularly in response to changing environmental issues and for people in search of freedom after the Covid-19 crisis.
Less space, more benefits.
As well as being cute, thanks to their small size and attractive wood cladding, these micro-homes offer many advantages. Trendy and functional, they are designed to respect the environment and offer a truly unusual experience in the heart of nature, for a return to basics.
Placed on a trailer, they can be towed by a 4×4 or a van and set up on any plot of land, as long as planning permission is obtained and current legislation is complied with before installation. In many départements, building rules and urban regulations are not adapted to Tiny Houses, as they do not comply with the local town-planning plan (non-constructible land, non-compliance with the PLU, coastal law...). But once installed, the Tiny House can blend seamlessly into its environment, becoming a real asset for its owners.
Although small in size, the tiny house can be as much as 40 square meters, and provides all the comforts you need. Imagined in a minimalist, uncluttered style, they are designed to optimize every square centimeter of space and meet the needs of their occupants. Despite their small surface area, Tiny Houses offer smart, functional layouts thanks to their height, often including a kitchen, bathroom, living area and bedroom. Perfect for replacing a small studio apartment and launching a low-cost project!
Speaking of cost, the Tiny House is a great money-saver. You should expect to pay around €60,000 for a turnkey Tiny House. Of course, the total cost will vary depending on the builders and, above all, on the materials and options you wish to add to your home (square meters, cladding, windows...). However, it remains much less expensive than a traditional house, and offers an affordable solution for people wishing to become homeowners without incurring long-term debt. If you'd like to imagine your future home, take a look at the website of our French builder Les Frenchies.
Last but not least, living in a Tiny House means living simply. Gone are the days of the superfluous and the subway-work-sleep... we now opt for a more minimalist lifestyle closer to nature. But this environmental approach begins at the very start of construction. Much more than a traditional dwelling, this little wooden house is built with sustainable materials and in an ecological way to reduce its impact. The choice of water and electricity supply depends on the individual, but also on the location of the home. For a reduced ecological impact, we recommend installing a solar energy system on the Tiny's roof, opting for compostable toilets and setting up efficient resource management (rainwater harvesting) for self-sufficient living.
It's important to emphasize that building a Tiny House brings many advantages, but it's also a game of patience. Unique and made-to-measure, they take several months to build, not to mention all the work required upstream to mature your project and tailor it to your needs.
The Tiny House, an extraordinary place to live.
As we said, a Tiny House has nothing in common with a caravan, mobile home or tree house. So what are the differences that make them so unique?
First of all, Tiny houses are a reflection of their future inhabitants. Built and fitted out by craftsmen, they are custom-designed and non-industrialized. This explains the sometimes long lead times before you receive your tiny home. The advantage? You can build the home of your dreams! Whether you're looking for a small 15m2 home to welcome your friends, or a full-fledged main house to accommodate your whole family, our builders are ready to satisfy your every wish.
Although the Tiny is inspired by the style of the roulotte, it's a far cry from it. The roulotte is a horse-drawn wooden structure with a rounded roof and wheels. Built of wood and mounted on a trailer, the tiny house is more in tune with the times.
On the other hand, the difference between a Tiny House and a mobile home is apparent from the outside, even though they are sometimes identical in size. The materials used are not the same: a Tiny House is built from sustainable, eco-responsible materials such as wood, whereas a mobile home is made from plastic and metal, a less sustainable solution that is not part of a positive environmental approach.
Mobile home VS perched house: that's the big difference between a Tiny House and a cabin in the woods. Perched on a chassi, the view from the Tiny's bed is far superior to the average tree-top view. From up there, there are no neighbors other than the animals. However, we don't recommend this adventure for those afraid of heights!
Parcel, a unique concept in France.
Small house, big adventure: that's the challenge Parcel has set itself! Located on the land of local producers, our Tiny Houses are the promise of an unusual stay close to nature. Minimalist, self-sufficient and immersed in their environment, our eco-responsible tiny houses can accommodate families, friends and couples, and have everything you need for a moment of escape.
What's more? Still unique in France, our eco-friendly cottages are the only ones to be 100% self-sufficient, relying on water and the sun. Solar panels installed on the roof allow you to enjoy your micro-home like a traditional dwelling, and rainwater harvesting is enough for a typical inhabitant's consumption. For the more curious, the water comes from the rain when a connection is not possible. It is filtered before reaching the Tiny House tap or shower. However, it's not drinkable everywhere, so be sure to check on site, as a small label indicates whether you can drink it. In any case, and in the interests of conserving resources, a shower should not last longer than 3 minutes!
For travelers in search of freedom or people looking for comfortable accommodation in the middle of nature, there's no doubt about it: the Tiny House is the ideal accommodation.
Adventure is yours!
So, after reading all that, you'd like to discover the Tiny lifestyle? What better way to indulge in the pleasure of slow living than with a short stay! Whether you're in the mood for an unusual solo or group stay, Parcel's Tiny Houses are ideal for sharing great moments, to the delight of young and old alike.
When it comes to choosing your vacation, we'll help you find THE tiny house that's just right for you. Small, with dark wood frames and large windows, the Tiny House in Saint-Emilion is the perfect home for a romantic getaway in the heart of the famous vineyards. Set on a flower-filled plot and decorated in a minimalist style, the Tiny de l'élevage du Puits Carré is the ideal place for a peaceful retreat in an enchanted setting. Finally, perched on the heights of a hilly plot overlooking the mountain range, the Tiny House at Ferme de Courneillac is the perfect destination to welcome your family. You'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay for four: queen-size bed, children's bench, garden table, lush green grounds... in short, everything you need!
Go to the following link to find all our our Tiny Houses for rent in France.
Our recommendations around the world: Getaway.house (United States) - Unyoked (Australia) - Raus (Germany).
