There was a time when tiny houses were only for hobbits and anyone who lived in New York City. Unfortunately, a few of our “cool” friends read some obscure Scandinavian book on minimalism, made a few carefully-curated Instagram posts, and sent us all scrambling into impeccably designed boxes for the sake of our mental health.
As a 6’3 man with serious flexibility problems, I didn’t think I could endorse this fad. But after trawling through pint-sized pads across the world, I might be a compact convert. Here are the best tiny homes and hotels in the world.
For the record, even Elijah Wood lives in a mansion in Texas.
Our top picks: The World’s Best Tiny Home and Hotels
French Thatched Cottage
Rhone-Alpes, France
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It turns out $77 a night can get you a sliver of heaven found in the French Alps. A true tiny home, built with stone and a thatched roof long before the concept was in vogue, the alpine hut is a breathtaking getaway.
It’s simple but has everything you need for an outdoor escape, and makes for the perfect retreat after an adventurous day hiking. For that price, it’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful.
Scottish Minimalist Bothy
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
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Perched on the rugged coast of Northeast Scotland, a stone’s throw from an adorable colony of seals sits the Shepherdess’s Bothy. Immaculately constructed, with a simple vision in mind — to connect you to the Scottish wilderness.
The hut comes equipped with all the necessities, as well as room for four people to get cozy in the evenings. It’s cute, it’s minimalist, and it’s got gorgeous big windows, so you never forget how spectacular a place you’re staying in.
Chattanooga Tiny Mountain Home
Chattanooga, Georgia
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Just because a place is small, does not mean it’s lacking any luxury. This secluded mountaintop home has breathtaking views and no lack of a modern, luxe aesthetic.
It’s no wonder this tiny home in Chattanooga was featured on HGTV. Everything from cedar siding, tempered glass, and rain screens were used to build this fun-sized getaway.
Our Other Top Picks
Stay in the smallest hotel in the world
A stay in Tulum has never been cheaper or more compact
This tiny resort in Siesta Key is the stuff of summer dreams
Cozy doesn’t cover how lovely these intimate Wyoming cabins are
If a tiny home can distract from Hawaii’s volcanic landscape, it’s gotta be good
by travelers, for travelers.