Anyone who has lived in a big city understands that sometimes you need to step away from the hustle and bustle to get peace and clarity. For one New York City native, that time came after being inspired by the documentary “Garbage Warrior.”
In the film, eco-architect Michael Reynolds builds Earthships: solar-powered, sustainable housing made from natural and recycled materials. Around the time 30-year-old Jessie Lipskin saw the film, she knew she wanted to downsize, and came upon tiny home living, also called tiny houses.
“[I]t is a social movement where people are choosing to downsize the space they live in,” explains The Tiny Life, a website dedicated to minimalism and the tiny house movement. On average, an American home is 2,600-square-feet; the typical tiny house is between 100- and 400-square-feet, and therefore leaves a much smaller ecological footprint. Many people build their own tiny houses, while others can be purchased on Amazon.
Despite not having a license at the time, Lipskin decided on a 1966 GMC Commuter Greyhound bus as the foundation of her tiny home. She found it on eBay for $7,000, and with the help of friends and contractors, she spent three years and $125,000 to completely redesign and convert the bus into a charming, mobile home packed with personal touches and whimsical decor.
Tour the home here:
Her home was fully completed in January 2018. Although it can be driven (yes, it’s still a working vehicle!), it is mainly kept in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BikwxLtHyKp/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
Lipskin posted photos of the renovation process on Instagram. Below are some “before” images of her Greyhound bus-turned-tiny house:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXTW6J6lsV3/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
Here is the exterior of the tiny home:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkkXVbrnrmZ/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
What is most impressive, however, is the interior! The “after” images are pretty spectacular! Who else is a fan of minimalism?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkNPvqlH9Ax/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
How chic and cozy does her bedroom look?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkTkgg1n8X5/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
In addition to being eco-friendly, her tiny house features nearly everything a normal home would. Designed to bring in plenty of natural light in, this work of art offers hardwood floors, two plush sleeping areas, three closets, two A/C units and a full-sized bath. It can comfortably fit four people.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAlMWknn01/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
Building was a process, however. “One of the hardest challenges was building walls and storage and closets in,” she told Business Insider. “If the angle isn’t exactly the same every time you park [the bus], you might have an issue with opening a door or something like that.”
In case you were wondering what the kitchen situation is like, it’s fully equipped with a large sink, storage options, wooden countertops, and an oven.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjpP9lQn7xz/?taken-by=thebustinyhome
Are you ready to move in? Well, we have good news for you: Lipskin’s tiny home is now on sale for $149,000. “It’s just too big for me to drive on my own,” she told Apartment Therapy. “I work remotely, and have the opportunity to travel internationally for a while, which I want to experience in full.”
So now’s your chance!