While there is no hard and fast definition of what constitutes a “tiny house,” there is definitely a trend towards downsizing, either for full-time living or as a means of occasional escape from a more hectic way of life.

Tideland territory is the beneficiary of this trend towards a receding footprint, with many tiny properties available for short-term rentals. They make the perfect resting spot for prospective home buyers touring the area. And if you think a tiny life might be more your speed on a more permanent basis, what better way to test the water than with an overnight stay at a tiny house in Tideland territory?

While this issue of Tideland Topics focuses on tiny structures built in accordance with NC residential building codes, we also want to give a shout-out to the numerous campgrounds and RV resorts in Tideland territory that are home to both permanent and transient guests. Many of you are probably scratching your heads wondering what all the fuss is about. After all, you have long since enjoyed the advantages of a tiny escape in a camper or park model. We’ll be featuring those spaces as well in a future issue.

“Small Change," Ocracoke Island Realty

Small Change: Ocracoke Island’s first conventional tiny house

Tiny island. Big life. So why not top it off with a tiny house?

While there is no shortage of tiny accommodations available at Ocracoke, many were excited to watch as a true blue tiny house arrived by ferry and found a permanent roost atop pilings.

Dubbed “Small Change,” this checks all the boxes of today’s most recognizable tiny home trend. It maximizes a small footprint with high ceilings that allows for a loft sleeping area. There’s a shower stall and flushing toilet as well as full-size washer and dryer. Once on site, a screened porch was added to extend the living area to the great outdoors. Small Change was left unscathed by Hurricane Dorian and is available in the island’s current rental inventory.

Premiere builder, Modern Tiny Living, paid homage to Ocracoke when they unveiled a new floor plan named after the island. The first Ocracoke model is now a permanent fixture at River and Twine, a tiny house boutique hotel located at Rocky Mount Mills in Nash County.

Sweetwater Bunkie—River Dunes, Beth Frazer & Associates

River Dunes: A distinctly Southern, coastal approach to tiny construction

Avid sailors are accustomed to living in tight quarters, but when they want to give their sea legs a rest there’s no better place than River Dunes in Oriental.

Among the first projects to be completed when River Dunes was first underway were the original 400-square- foot Harbourside Cottages. They feature morning kitchens with mini-fridges and Queen size beds to accomodate up to two guests. Rentals are handled by the subdivision’s property management team at riverdunes.com.

River Dunes also features a tiny chapel, which creates a beautiful backdrop for small, private weddings. The rental cottages make for great accomodations for invited guests.

Building on increasing interest in all things tiny, River Dunes broke ground on The Bunkies on Boathouse Row. The project’s distinctive architecture and charming landscaping is so unique that Southern Living magazine selected Boathouse Row as a Southern Living Inspired Community.

Each quality constructed unit features painted shiplap walls, pine floors, Hardie plank siding, operable shutters and a metal roof. Several Boathouse Row cottages can be booked through AirBNB and other online sites.

"Aqua"estrian Cottage, Arlington Place, Arapahoe

Arlington Place

Some of the best views of Araphoe’s Arlington Place can be found on the front porch of one of their Outfitter’s Cottages. The cottages are in close proximity to the Outfitter’s Center with dock access to Mill Creek. It’s the perfect place to put in for a day of kayaking.

The original cottages barely make the cut as “tiny,” coming in at just under 1,000 square feet, but offer more room than a traditional hotel stay in a beautiful coastal setting. Units are available for booking via AirBNB .

Each of the original “tiny” cottages can accomodate up to 4 guests. A few larger models have been added to the lineup that are suited for up to 6 guests.

To learn more, visit arlingtonplace.com