Sauvie Island Tiny House
Jessica Helgerson and Yianni Doulis purchased this gem of a tiny house back in 2008 with the intent of living in it full-time with their two small children. The tiny house sits on a five-acres of land on Sauvie Island which is about 15 minutes north of Portland.
The house was remodeled with reclaimed materials and now serves it’s fourth role since it was built in the early 1940′s. The homes original use was to house shipyard workers that worked in the local area. When the area flooded in 1948 the house was floated down river to Sauvie Island where it became a goose-neck station. After that it became a rental house and now a tiny house for four.
Jessica and Yianni’s small home only has a footprint of 540 square feet and has a green roof for added insulation.
The layout of the house is simple and clean and allows lots of light to pour in from the windows that meet with the floor. The sleeping loft accommodates Jessica and Yianni while the children’s room has two bunk beds and a full bed for guests.
The built-in sofas have storage space underneath them to store the children’s toys. The built-in wall behind the sofas is used to store book and other miscellaneous items.
The interior is lined with reclaimed wood siding, the majority of which came from one of the barns that sits on the property.
The children’s room has two bunk beds with storage underneath them and a pull-out closet for easy access to clothes. The room also has a full bed (not pictured) to accommodate guests sleeping over.
Jessica and Yianni have also committed to being mostly self-sufficient with their family’s food. They built a 1,200 greenhouse the first year they moved to the property. Inside they grow vegetables, berries and fruit. They also raise chickens, keep bees and make cheese from the milk of their neighbor’s goats and cows.
Most weekends the couple invites lots of family and friends to their home to enjoy life outside the city for the day or the weekend.
Photos by Lincoln Barbour. If you would like to learn more about Jessica Helgerson’s interior design, you can visit her website at jhinteriordesign.com.
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This post has 40,350 viewsCategory : Blog
Fran Burt
May 31, 2012
This is the most beautirul tiny house I have even seen. And to think it was remodeled with all reclaimed wood. If I would have a dream house, your house is it. Everything including paint colors and how you decorated it is what I would do if I had the money. The only thing I would change is the tub. As a senior citizen I think a nice walk-in shower would be perfect. I wish you many happy years in your beautiful home.
Sheila
Jun 03, 2012
This is the most beautiful Tiny House I have seen so far. The setting is so charming and inviting. This is a dream retirement home. Would love to see.
Dez Crawford
May 31, 2012
Oh, this is a winner.
manina schiffl
May 31, 2012
ist there a way to get a blueprint, floorplan of this house?
may want to build one just like it!
thanks
Maria J.
May 31, 2012
Congratulations, this home is so well thought out and organized. You appear to be incredible minimalist (of material possessions) and focused on what’s really important.
I hope you will enjoy for many years to come. Can see you grandkids enjoying it soo.
susanna suchak
May 31, 2012
I am in love! This is exactly what we have been looking for. Please…plans! Lovely! A real delight as are Jessica and Yianni. Thanks.
Krista
May 31, 2012
This clearly looks bigger than 540 sq ft…., but I do love it!
Leslie
May 31, 2012
I love it, it is so cozy and peaceful! I’m not sure how they manage to make it look peaceful, but it does. and raising their own food and chickens…what a satisfying life that would be! I agree with the others….Plans, Plans, Plans!
Ellen
May 31, 2012
Absolutely gorgeous and brilliantly designed! Full of charm and character.
Kirsten
May 31, 2012
THIS IS SO GREAT! I live in Portland I hope they sell this someday… so that I can buy it.
Amy Turnbull
May 31, 2012
I’m curious how much the land and the house cost and what kind of work the owners do.
krystal
May 31, 2012
Absolute perfection. Seriously beautiful.
Cynthia
Jun 01, 2012
I love this!!!!! The layout and design is outstanding!!
LHgirl13
Jun 01, 2012
I love the bathroom sink. Is it vintage, or does anyone know where to find one?
Jay Creighton
Jun 02, 2012
Inspirational. Gorgeous. Clever. Like everyone else, I’d love to see the floor plan. Also, nice fridge. I’ve looked into those and found mixed reviews. How do the owners like that refrigerator? Is it reliable? does it use as little energy as claimed? Thanks!
Alex Pino
Jun 02, 2012
I just think this one is awesome. So perfect and inspiring for young families.
Paul
Jun 02, 2012
One word: Stunning!
MaMammalia
Jun 02, 2012
Gorgeous! We live in a 600 sq-foot apt that seems to have less space than this place. Very inspiring!
Missy N
Jan 16, 2013
Where can we get the plans?!?!? This is an awesome home!