Dream House | Small Anchovy timber cabin makes big impact

So many of our people have that strong desire and hope of living in a big house for a more satisfying lifestyle.

Yet, there are others among us who have come to the informed realisation that bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better in reference to our living space. This one, hidden from view in the hills of Anchovy, St James, is an exemplar of the advantages of living in a very small house.

It is a desirable, mountain-viewing, one-bedroom, one-bathroom timber cabin, exquisitely crafted with cosy living, dining, and kitchen zones that openly communicate with each other. The front porch adds an inviting touch to the angular roofed façade.

The most distinguishable facet of the efficient interior is indisputably the tall floor-to-ceiling height of the living area (with its sun-lit, fixed-glass windows above), encouraging visual continuity with the natural outdoors. This magical feature creates the optical illusion of a much larger space.

Design details invite a thumbs-up with all-timber, white-coloured exterior walls and interior dry walls of a cream-like shade. Floors shine with porcelain wood-looking tiles, and the kitchen counter begs your undivided attention with its granite surface.

The swimming pool and hot tub sit in an attractive, colourful garden. A circular firepit sits in the centre of an outdoor seating gravel area in an ever-cool, windy climate, along with a separate outdoor barbecue amenity in the vicinity.

The micro-size 460-square-foot house on a quarter-of-an-acre plot affords one the opportunity to enjoy a more affordable, moderate lifestyle. It is less expensive to build, reduces environmental impact, accrues cheaper utility bills, and is easier to keep clean and in good physical condition while creating less clutter and more order around you.

Further benefits not to be overlooked include your wellness, with scientific research confirming the absence of depression, an increase in happiness, and emotional closeness with others within the unit of limited, nature-friendly spaces.

It is the home of school teacher Shelly-Ann Thompson and her husband, Ramond, a quantity surveyor. We thank them for the positive influence on Jamaica’s residential landscape with this construct.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barryrattray1@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.