Welcome back to Hideaway Tiny Acres! As I share updates, sometimes this blog feels like a personal journal. But I’ve come to see that running a vacation rental cabin and a tiny farm requires transparency. Some ideas come to fruition just as intended, some change, and others emerge naturally. We’ve now completed a full calendar year of Hideaway Tiny Acres, and I’d love to bring you up to speed on our preparations, projects, and winter plans.
Reflecting on a Full Year of Tiny Living
This past year, we turned our guest cabin into the Hideaway Tiny Cabin, an Airbnb retreat designed for privacy, peace, and the tiny-living experience. Through our listing on Airbnb, guests have a chance to decompress, finding relaxation and solitude in an authentic tiny home setup. Our goal is to offer a unique, calming experience for those looking to step back from the daily hustle.
Preparing the Garden for Winter
The garden preparation is bittersweet as I close up the growing season. Despite the wet June, summer and fall were unusually dry, which kept us cautious with bonfires. The mild weather also lulled me into delaying some garden work. This year, I planted garlic and expanded the raised beds early, which offer organized and efficient planting space.
For winter prep, I stick with my mulching routine, adding a cover crop to enrich the soil and covering it with straw or mulched leaves. In the spirit of “repurposing with purpose,” we used mulched leaves from Don’s brother’s property since we mostly have pine trees, which are acidic. The leaves now protect my raspberry beds, yarrow, and landscaping around the house. Seeing the garden prepared for winter gives me a sense of accomplishment and excitement for next season’s plans.
Living Our Motto: Repurpose with Purpose
Repurposing has become our guiding principle, and we’re constantly finding ways to reuse materials with intention. Our passion for keeping costs low while adding value through creative reuse drives us forward. Here are some of the projects that keep us inspired:
Upcoming Winter Project: School Bus Resale/Gift Shop
We’re turning an old school bus from Don’s logging days into a resale and gift shop for our visitors, planned for 2025. Although it hasn’t been fully transformed yet, we’re excited to create a unique space filled with items we hope our guests will enjoy.
A New Tiny Rental on the Horizon
Another project involves repurposing an old tool crib, originally built on a trailer frame found on our former property. Don constructed it with windows from an old travel trailer, and although it was used as a tool crib, we’re thinking about turning it giving it new life as a cozy rental. Plans are underway to add a bathroom, kitchenette, sleeping area, and possibly a screened porch—something we love for enjoying the outdoors without the bugs. We hope to welcome guests to this new tiny rental in 2025.
Expanding Our Garden and Landscape
Plans for the new year include expanding the herb garden. I’m interested in creating tinctures and lotions for sale when the school bus shop opens which was something I wanted to do in 2024 but it just didn’t pan out. Alongside garden improvements, we’re adding a new roof to the garage, staining our house, and giving the Hideaway Tiny Cabin a fresh coat of paint. Neither of us loves painting, but we know these updates will keep our property looking its best.
New Trailer Camping Spot Coming in May 2025
In addition to the tiny cabins, we’re thrilled to announce a new trailer and camping spot available starting May 2025. Nestled on a private, 40-foot cement slab with power, water, and sewer hookups, it’s ready for a remote and peaceful camping experience. We’re finalizing road improvements, and soon it will be listed for guests looking for the ultimate privacy in nature.
Reflecting on the Year’s Journey
It’s been an incredible year filled with both highs and lows. Each project brings new discoveries about what we can create here on our “8 acres of heaven.” We know we’re on the right path, and looking back, my only regret is not realizing the potential of this beautiful property sooner.
Looking Forward to a Cozy Winter
As winter approaches, we’re ready to hunker down, continue creating, and prepare new experiences for our guests. The Hideaway Tiny Cabin is available year-round, and we’re planning some winter packages and itineraries for those wanting to enjoy a snowy retreat. Fingers crossed for a good snowfall this year!
Thank you for following along with us, and stay tuned for more updates as we move through the winter. We can’t wait to welcome you to Hideaway Tiny Acres, where each season offers something unique.
More later,
Nancy and Don