Jan 10, 2025
Life in the early 2000s seemed picture-perfect for Eric and Sylvia Hawkins, a Virginia couple who were living the “American dream.” Each owned their own business, drove nice cars and together they raised three children in a 3,000-square-foot home.
The hard-working couple thought they were building a life that ticked every box. But it didn’t feel that way.
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“We were like two ships passing in the night,” Eric told WTKR News 3 of the pair’s relationship. “We had no idea how much it would cost, not monetarily, but emotionally, to maintain that lifestyle.”
However, after a cozy and enjoyable camping trip spent together inside a travel trailer in 2010, the Hawkins decided to shift away from their big life and live small. Since then, they’ve invested in a village of tiny houses in Cape Charles — renting units to vacationers who want to “test the waters and ensure that tiny living aligns with your dreams and lifestyle,” according to the booking website.
Embracing the tiny home lifestyle
For many, the idea of the “American dream” conjures images of raising a family in a sprawling house, steady careers and a sense of upward mobility. The Hawkins were no different.
The couple’s turning point came during their short trailer trip, when days spent reading and appreciating each other’s company along the Chesapeake Bay revealed some intriguing possibilities offered by downsizing to a smaller space.
So, they decided to rent out their home and purchase two RVs for mobile living. They spent time traveling and saving money while becoming closer as a family, they told the local broadcaster.
“[If] you have a disagreement, in 3,000 square feet you can fall to neutral corners,” Eric said. “In a tiny house, you’ve got to talk about it.”
Friends and family thought they were crazy for making such a decision.
“You’ve got to not care what people think, and you can’t live with other peoples’ fears,” Eric said.
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Tiny living, big opportunity
The Hawkins didn’t stop at simply living small.
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Inspired by the financial freedom their tiny home brought, they decided to invest further in the tiny living movement. One day, while scoping property near where they’d taken that pivotal vacation, they discovered a lot containing 14 tiny homes, according to WTKR News 3. They purchased the property, a former auto court, and renovated the units before listing them on Airbnb in 2022.
The entrepreneurial move allowed them to turn their minimalist lifestyle into a source of income, while each rental provided an opportunity for vacationers and aspiring tiny home dwellers to experience the lifestyle firsthand.
The transition from a traditional home to a tiny home may seem drastic, but the Hawkins’ experience offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a big change. By downsizing, they were able to slash housing costs, which offered more freedom. It also changed their dynamic as a family.
Tiny homes typically measure between 100 and 400 square feet, according to Realtor.com, and are designed to prioritize efficient living while minimizing costs. Prices vary depending on how tricked-out the home ends up being, although some may be had for tens of thousands of dollars.
Owning a tiny home has its challenges. Zoning laws and building codes vary widely, and some areas may not allow tiny homes to be used as primary residences. Some may also find it difficult living with others in a smaller space: the loss of privacy, feeling cramped and the hard decisions of what to keep and what to shed to accommodate a radically different lifestyle.
But the Hawkins’s example shows that with careful planning, tiny home ownership can potentially lead to both financial and lifestyle benefits.
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Chris Clark is a Kansas City–based freelance contributor for Moneywise, where he writes about the real financial choices facing everyday Americans—from saving for retirement to navigating housing and debt.
