Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
A Journey of Love and Hope: Sadie and Jarvis’s Incredible Adoption Story
Seeking to Get Pregnant
Jarvis and Sadie Sampson had aspirations of becoming parents to each other. They used fertility treatments and ovulation testing in an attempt to conceive naturally. They hoped and prayed for a positive pregnancy test for 14 long months, but every month brought despair.
Getting Medical Assistance
Sadie and Jarvis went to the physicians in a desperate attempt to get answers. Sadly, the only advice given to them was to try losing weight. Sadie lost 28 pounds after undergoing gastric surgery in the hopes of improving their chances of becoming pregnant. However, their desire to have a biological kid remained unfulfilled even after they lost the weight.
A Text That Completely Shifted Everything
Sadie and Jarvis received a text message that would permanently change their life just when they were beginning to lose hope. A friend inquired if they would think about providing temporary care for an infant in need of foster care. The pair hesitated for a moment but then consented. They had no idea that this choice would usher in the most amazing chapter of their life.
Fostering to Adoption
A brief foster arrangement quickly developed into an adoption opportunity. Sadie and Jarvis were deemed the ideal parents for the child by the biological mother. They went from being childless to becoming parents over night.
Baby Ezra, welcome to the world!
At just 4 pounds, 5 ounces, their son Ezra Lee was born prematurely at 33 weeks gestation. Sadie can still clearly remember seeing him for the first time, wrapped up in a white blanket with blue and pink patterns. He was incredibly cute even with his little stature and the difficulties he had as an early baby.
Accepting Love Without Conditions
After posting about their happiness on social media, Sadie and Jarvis were flooded with messages of support. In just three days, friends and strangers bought 55 of the 72 things on their registry. When their adoption of Ezra was officially finalized in October 2020, they commemorated the occasion with a sweet family photo session. They wore matching t-shirts with the slogan “Families Don’t Have to Match.”
Growing Their Adoring Family
Through embryo donation, Sadie and Jarvis were able to expand their family in 2021 when they welcomed twin girls, Journee and Destinee. Their family was complete with these lovely blessings, demonstrating the limitless nature of love.
Spreading the Love Message
Sadie, Jarvis, and their three kids are a remarkable family that defies social conventions and expectations in love. They think that the unshakable links of love, rather than appearances or DNA, define family. Their moving tale is a potent reminder that love knows no bounds and that families don’t actually have to match.
This amazing family has so much love and knowledge to impart to the world. Let’s tell everyone about their inspirational story.
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