Bill and Janice Patterson’s story is a powerful example of how downsizing to a tiny home can unlock retirement, reduce financial stress, and bring unexpected peace and harmony.
source.image: Tiny Home Tours
Tiny Home Highlights:
- 430 sq ft custom design by Sunshine Tiny Homes
Main floor queen bed (no loft sleeping!) for safety and comfort - Full-size bathtub, flush toilet, large vanity, and Lunos air exchanger
- Open concept kitchen with gas stove, custom shelving, and quartz counters
- Two spacious lofts (storage and future grandkid sleepovers)
- Located in an intentional community focused on long-term residents
After decades in a traditional home, they chose to design a custom-built tiny house by Sunshine Tiny Homes in Gibsons, BC—allowing them to live mortgage-free, minimize expenses, and embrace a slower, more intentional lifestyle rooted in community.
Financial Benefits of Tiny Living:
- No mortgage—home fully paid off with the sale of their previous property
- Monthly pad rent includes most utilities; hydro rarely exceeds $50/month
- Total home build: $200,000 CAD—affordable compared to standard housing in Vancouver
- Reduced upkeep, property taxes, and energy costs
This beautifully crafted 430 sq ft tiny home is more than just a downsized space—it’s a fresh start. With thoughtful design choices like a main-floor bedroom, full-size bathtub, custom kitchen with generous counter space, and two lofts for storage and guests, this home proves that comfort and function can thrive in small spaces.
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The couple’s favorite features include their open shelving kitchen, high ceilings, and the quiet peace of a tightly-knit community just five minutes from town.
