The Little Cove Is a Cozy and Modern Haven on Wheels for Two

Aussies love their tiny homes, and it's safe to say that the tiny living revolution has found one of its strongest communities on the vast Australian land with its unique environment and breathtaking landscapes. On the other hand, the housing crisis seems universal, which continues to draw more and more people to the concept of homes on wheels that combine the benefits of an RV with the cozy comfort of a real house.

Australian tiny house builders are not just excellent craftsmen and creative designers who have contributed to a widely recognizable Aussie style when it comes to tiny homes. Most of them are enthusiastic supporters of sustainable practices and off-grid capabilities, which seem to go hand in hand with the characteristics and challenges of their local natural environment.

The Little Cove may be tiny, but it's built to last and can be upgraded to meet the requirements of a self-sufficient lifestyle. It's compact and easily transportable, which makes it a great option for young couples starting out or elderly couples looking to downsize. Either way, it's an affordable alternative to costly living without sacrificing comfort in contemporary terms.

"Compact" means that it's only a little over six meters (20.3 feet) lengthwise and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) wide. It comes on a custom-made trailer fitted with four jack legs, electric brakes, lights, and mudguards. The simple configuration with one loft bedroom makes it ideally suited for one or two dwellers, although a convertible sofa could be squeezed into the living room for the occasional overnight guest.

Sunshine Tiny Houses invites future owners to select their preferences for most of the materials, with a wide range available when it comes to cladding. In this case, The Little Cove ended up matching the existing water tank on the property. However, the same model can be completed with various other claddings, while the frame options include steel, timber, and SIP panels.

Extensive glazing is, by far, one of the core features of most Aussie-built tiny homes. These dwellings are known for blurring the line between the inside and the outside through various techniques, always with a seamless effect. One of the most effective ways to do that is by cleverly incorporating windows of different sizes and shapes and replacing traditional doors with modern, sliding alternatives that are made of glass; this not only saves space compared to the conventional closing systems but also turns living spaces into indoor/outdoor areas, allowing the owners to enjoy the outdoors year-round.

The Little Cove's ample glass doors lead into the lounge. Multiple windows keep this area bathed in natural light and surrounded by the best views. It's not too generous in size but welcoming enough for two dwellers and their guests. Since this is an open-concept layout, the lounge transitions into the kitchen area without any formal separation.

The kitchen is surprisingly modern for a house this size, meaning it boasts ample storage and beautiful cabinetry that gives it a premium touch. The beautiful countertop is big enough to double as a makeshift breakfast bar with gorgeous views thanks to multiple windows. A two-burner gas cooktop, a full-size electric oven, and a rangehood are part of the basic equipment, along with a fridge that sits perfectly in the dedicated fridge tower. A washing machine is incorporated into the staircase cabinets facing the kitchen.

Staircases often double as storage solutions in tiny homes, and The Little Cove used this advantage to the fullest – it boasts multiple cabinets for hidden storage and also incorporates the washing machine and a spacious pantry. LED lighting underneath the overhead cupboards is another modern touch that makes this kitchen even more practical. Although tiny, The Little Cove is meant for long-term accommodation, and having a well-equipped, beautiful kitchen with sufficient storage is an important part of that.

The staircase also provides comfortable access to the loft bedroom. The full-size protection wall is not only a safety feature but also helps create the cozy, private ambiance of a traditional bedroom. Some tiny homes on the smaller side can become uncomfortable in the long run due to the fully open loft and ladder access. The Little Cove keeps things cozy and accessible. Its beautiful bedroom may not be lavish in terms of size, but it's secluded enough to ensure privacy, luminous thanks to large windows on each side, and big enough to fit a comfortable double bed.

Behind a space-saving sliding door at the end of the house, The Little Cove reveals a clean, simple bathroom with basic appliances and a big window that ensures proper ventilation. Those who want to turn this home into an off-grid haven can opt for a composting or incinerating toilet. Self-sufficient upgrades include solar packages, water filters, greywater systems, and tanks for collecting rainwater.

The ready-to-move-in version of this compact Australian house on wheels starts at AUD 99,000 ($66,000). Those who want to save even more or simply want to do all the interior work themselves can go for the lock-up version, starting at only AUD 54,000 ($36,000). Adding off-grid capabilities requires a bigger initial investment but would help lower the costs of living further in the long run.