Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for an updated look at our rigging system (completed in June 2018)
Want to see more of our awesome Montana Airbnb retreats (we’ve built 3 – The Shanty, the Blind, and the A-frame), or follow us on Instagram @thehohnstead
Thank you for tuning back in, last week’s post was very bittersweet, where we reminisced about the three weeks of construction of a tiny A-frame (part 1). Again, we came across this design online, which was built by a construction company following the plans of one of the superstars of the tiny houses revolution – Derek “Deek” Diedricksen. After having had a few projects under our belts, this A-frame looked simple enough, and with only 80 square feet to work with, we knew it wouldn’t take too long.
The total came to 3 weeks of almost daily work and about $700 in materials (while the other company spent around $1200, we were lucky to have used and up-cycled a lot of the windows, boards, nails, roofing, etc that we had lying around from other projects). It always helps to have a storage place to keep some leftover junk and on 20 acres we’ve got plenty of space! Also, a lot of the cost was spent on the solar panel, even though their cost has come down significantly in the past couple of years.
We couldn’t be prouder of the final result and hope friends and family get a chance to enjoy watching the stars from the inside of the cabin at night while they sip on some of Garrett’s homemade brew.
When the wall is up, it’s a whole different experience. Luckily, Montana has almost no mosquitos to speak of in the summertime, so there’s no need for a mosquito net.
The indoors presented a small challenge of picking the right colors to make it pop. We went with a coral and mint motif.
As the sun dips below the mountains, the solar lights illuminate the hammocks and the stars slowly start to peak through the treetops. If you haven’t seen the stars in Montana, then you haven’t truly seen the stars…
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In summary:
Build time: around 3 weeks
Design: Derek “Deek” Diedricksen
Total space: 80 square feet + deck (which was salvaged from sis-in-laws scrap pile)
Cabin type: dry cabin
Sleeps: 2, possibly 3 (if the 3rd person sleeps in a sleeping bag on the floor)
Restroom facilities: Outdoor portable toilet and solar shower within walking distance
Cost: around $700 with lots of reused and upcycled odds and ends
Deviations/modifications from the original design:
- 2×3 purlins instead of 2×6 due to availability and lack of the need for a loft
- No loft, instead we have 2 18 inch shelves above the window and above the door for backpacks or extra storage
- 7/16th OSB for the flooring
- No cabinets
- Excluded the smaller opening window. Instead went with 2 permanent triangular openings with screens, because the cabin is seasonal. With enough blankets, you’re still plenty warm in the summertime.
- Next time, would make the benches shorter to fit the length of the mattresses better and to have space to walk around to access the wing wall from the inside.
- Raised the cabin higher on the blocks in order to accommodate for the snow accumulation in the winter months.
- Decks are made in easy-to-remove-segments in order to remove after summertime and to accommodate for snow.
- Due to time constraints, there’s no trim but will be added on next summer.
- Wing wall doesn’t have a standing mechanism yet, but we’re planning on a good way to keep it open with relatively strong winds we occasionally get.
Weāve had a lot of fun and success renting out our self-built tiny Montana cabins that weāve quickly become Airbnb Superhosts and recently — Airbnb Ambassadors! We would love to help you set up your own listing, answer any questions, and get you on your way to your own side hustle success. If we can do it, anyone can do it!
Updated rigging system 2018:Ā
UPDATE: We’ve been featured by Airbnb, Zillow, Country Living, Apartment Therapy, Domino, Curbed, House Beautiful, Pop Sugar and many more!
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We even had an engagement at the A-frame!!!
Would you enjoy yourself in a cabin like this one? What did you like/dislike about it? Leave your comments below.
19 Comments
Brian Keith Dye
The trend of tiny houses has me completely smitten. Most of the ones I’ve seen are adorable and seem not only practical but almost necessary to do away with the clutter that subsumes modern living. Your cabin looks perfect. Kudos for pulling it off. It must be a great spot to stargaze late at night!
wrpalomo
I was waiting for this! I love your coral and mint motiff! It looks luxurious in the middle of the woods. You must feel so proud seeing that cabin. Rightly so!
Samantha
I’ve never heard of this before but this sounds pretty cool! I think I would enjoy staying in one of these for like..one night haha.
Jackie
I was just talking about one of your previous stories about unique cabins/housing awhile back with an acquaintance. I’m honestly blown away by these beauties, and love coming to your site to read what you’ve discovered! I find it interesting that Derek’s sis-in-law’s scraps also contributed to this cabin, haha
Rocio Cadena
OMGGGGG Alla, this is so freaking cool!!! I want my own! I didn’t know you were from Montana. What a beautiful state that is! And holy moly, the stars at night are majestic!! What are you building next?!
Matt Collamer
This is unreal!!! Can’t believe you were able to help build this, and it’s so cheap. Not to mention, your photos of it are absolutely gorgeous. This post has the looks of a post that would go HUGE on Facebook or Pinterest. Great job. Big respect!
travelandtash
Yes, I could definitely see myself in this cabin, especially if the alternative was sleeping in a tent. Generally, i’m not a big fan of camping, however this looks way more comfy! I watched the progress from your last blog post to this finished project! Nice job!
Belle
This is such an awesome creation! How long did you gives live in the cabin?
http://www.thislifeisbelle.com/
AllaPonomareva
Unfortunately, our vacation was coming to an end when this cabin was finished. But we were able to spend the night!
Namita Garg
beautiful!! do you still have it? I would love to see it and maybe get some tips on building one on my own:)
KARINE SABLAYROLLES
I’m from France and I find your tiny house really beautifull. I think it can be so nice, here, in Provence. I want the same!!!
Jane
So cute! We have property a little east of Arlee (we live in Missoula) and would love to build something like this. There’s already a house, but to have a “permanent tent” for more guests would be lovely! Would it be possible to see your cabin?
Marci
Your build is very inspirational! My son and I bought the plans for this Relaxed Shack A-frame, and are currently planning out the details of our spring build and collecting supplies. I would love to know if you are happy with your solar array and if you have any recommendations about what you used or would do differently. I’d like to be able to power a small electric fireplace in ours to take the chill out of the night. My sister lives in Gallatin Gateway, I’m trying to get her to build one on her property so we can come out and visit! Thank you for sharing!
Ro Ford
What do you do about cooking and personal hygiene?
Jesse Manley
Love this design! What are your thoughts on the separate bathroom and shower space? Are you happy with that or would you redo that and add to the cabin? Would love to see some pics on that space too. Thanks!
David Calder
Any chance you have a link to the building plans that you guys used as a guide ? Thanks !
Patrick Gray
I’m curious what you do about humidity? I live in the Southeastern US and I would love to build this but the humidity gets really thick in the summer.
Nicholas Hey
Looks awesome!
I am considering building one of these but have concerns about bugs/pests. Did you have any problems in that regard?
Steve and Deb Mikula
I love your tiny A frame and have plans to build one of my own in Colorado! Can you tell me what the measurements are for your decks. It’s hard to tell from the pictures. THanks!!