Does This Qualify? – Vancouver’s Smallest House
Posted February 15th, 2009 in Community, Observations, Real Estate, Real Estate Stuff | 
Rant All You Want
You can shout about your condo being the size of a shoe box and city hall can espouse the virtues of eco-density. Problem is that someone has already taken the wind out of both conversations.
Oddities That Work
In the course of a Vancouver Realtor’s® day you stumble on a lot of oddities in this city that leave you wonder how they did that?
Surprise
This little gem of a surprise appeared just east of Fraser on 28th Ave. You don’t have to do a lot of research to see that it was recognized by the city a long time ago as an in-fill.
Less than You Think
Neat, cozy and tidy it makes a great home for someone. Relative to today’s conversations there is no question that the cost to build this little studio unit will outstrip any designs that are on the table today. Suspicion is that this unit could be built for far less than current proposals and meet all construction and livability requirements. Another feature, is that this home is in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. So much so, that if you blink while driving you’ll miss it.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
I’m always happy to answer your Vancouver Real Estate question. Call or send me an email Twitter or Skype me at YatterMatters.
Larry
The tiny house is an idea that appeals to me a great deal and I think there is likely a big market for them as time goes by.
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses/
Looks like a neat way to simplify one’s life.
How much?
Would it kill them to put a window in there?
@ Norm
It really does make you ask if Big is Beautiful. Much like the 1963 Bellaire I used to drive I often wondered if the 300 cubic foot back seat and 1000 cubic trunk moved by the 400 Cubic engine made sense.
Still waiting for the 1 person car that handles Canadian weather extremes.
@supersocco
Actually the picture window can’t be seen but it faces west on to the garden area. Doesn’t make sense to have window to the lane. Keep in mind I think this unit is about 50 + years old.
What a great find! This is what a dream house is to me – tiny, in the heart of the city, and surrounded by green. My neighbourhood, Strathcona, is full of such little surprises (I lived in one for seven happy years).
I believe the city-required minimums for lot size and square footage (320 sq. ft) are a total crock. Ironically, Strathcona, the originator of infill housing, is not eligible for the Laneway Housing Pilot Project, since the lots there are deemed to be too narrow.
Also, the city is strongly pushing for very expensive, uniform home design by working with high-end contractors like the one in Southlands. Lane homes starting at a mere $100,000!!
Long live the little beauty at 28th and Fraser!
Down with the greenwash brigade at City Hall!
I will try not to blink next time i drive past ! This property is really tiny…… and i thought that i had seen the smallest of small properties e.g. 400sq.ft studio rentals Downtown. This tiny home is quite unique ! They really need a larger window though.