Looking to jump on the tiny house bandwagon and find your very own micro home? Carriage houses are the next big thing on the mini-living scene. Originally built to house horse-drawn carriages and carts, they combine rustic charm with compact dimensions. If you’re searching for a period property on a budget, these charming tiny house conversions could be just the thing. Take a look inside some of our favourite designs...

The former secret ‘cubby’ of esteemed American architect Bernard Maybeck, this rustic carriage house sits on the grounds of the family home in Berkeley Hills. Revamped with a modern kitchen and bathroom, the tiny cabin in the woods still retains much of its original charm thanks to the exposed beams and shingle-clad walls. Loyal to the Arts and Crafts movement, this tiny home is brimming with eclectic character.

Set over two levels, the house has three sets of double doors that open out onto the terraced garden. The open configuration of the main space allows for a long kitchen with a Viking stove and a cosy lounging area. A drop-leaf table is tucked into an alcove to save on space and prevent the house from feeling cramped.

In the bedroom, the sunny yellow wallpaper complements the honey-coloured beams and rustic wicker furniture. The bathroom is a quirky mishmash of old and new with a vintage-style shower, white metro tiles and floral ornaments that lend the space an authentic country vibe. Light spills in from all corners of the home, warming the house and casting a golden glow on the wooden walls.

Despite its compact dimensions, the carriage house feels anything but small. The mismatched crockery, patterned textiles and decorative ornaments add character without overcomplicating the space; a perfect homage to the former owner. Snug yet spacious, this little house leaves a big impression and what's more, it's available to rent out.

A cosy retreat in the historic McGloughlin district, this updated carriage house is the poster child for tiny living. Set in a leafy suburb on the outskirts of Oregon City, the extraordinary home conversion comfortably fits four people with room to spare. Inspired by modern barn conversions, the property smoothly blends original features with contemporary, space-saving devices to capitalise on the compact blueprint.

At the front of the property, the white carriage doors open to reveal a light and airy space with warm wood doors and a vaulted ceiling. A small kitchen with all the essential appliances fits snugly against the right-hand wall with four small shelves nestled either side of the sash windows. Facing the cabinets, a rustic barn door slides across to reveal a bathroom with a unique corrugated-iron shower unit.

The master bedroom is artfully separated from the rest of the house via French doors. A neutral space with pops of powder pink and blue, it has a surprisingly airy and spacious feel. The property’s pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the mezzanine above the bathroom. Accessed via a metal ladder and boasting a double mattress, it effectively doubles the house’s sleeping capacity.

By opting for a practical, minimalist design, the owners of this carriage house have succeeded in creating a functional and stylish space. The incorporation of natural materials adds character without compromising on comfort, while multiple windows let natural light flood in. If you’re planning your own tiny house renovation, this property is a fine example of what can be achieved.

An unexpected find in the quaint university town of Florence, this tiny carriage home is cute as a button. Shielded on either side by trees, the house has a private driveway and a pretty front garden with a flagstone patio. The original front entrance has been fitted with a sage green façade, wooden door and sash window to ensure privacy while maximising light inside the property.

Available to rent out, the vaulted ceiling and white walls give the illusion of space, while cream and beige furnishings keep the house from feeling cluttered. By fitting the kitchen along one wall and adding a built-in breakfast bar, the owners have succeeded in providing all the necessary amenities without sacrificing too much floor space. Recessed ceiling lights provide additional illumination and are a discreet and modern choice.

A door at the back of the house leads to a small but perfectly formed bathroom complete with a tub and rain shower head. The stone tiles and brushed brass fittings give the room a classic, rustic feel that hints at its former life. To the right of the bathroom, a large cupboard is tucked in under the eaves, offering valuable storage space.

With its full-sized bed, flat-screen TV and well-equipped kitchenette, this charming carriage house upholds the age-old adage that the best things come in small packages. True to the character of the original building, the property has a simple and practical design compounded by a few luxury features and fittings. What’s not to love?

Just three miles northwest of central Boston, this charming carriage house is located in the leafy university town of Medford. Recently renovated with a cream clapboard façade and an A-frame roof, the property, which is listed on Airbnb, retains many original features in tribute to its former life. The black carriage doors open to reveal a spacious double-height interior that has everything you could possibly need under one roof.

Filled with light thanks to the large, colonial-style windows, the airy lounge comfortably fits a two-seater sofa and two accent chairs. The vaulted ceiling gives the space a lofty feel, while the white weatherboard walls echo the exterior façade. Pops of colour and quirky design details such as the suspended basketball hoop add character to the house without creating unnecessary clutter.

Overlooking the lounge is a roomy mezzanine accessed via a curved wooden staircase. Complete with a small double bed, two bedside tables and shelving, the floor benefits from a statement semi-circular window and contemporary iron railings. The perfect space-saving solution, the bedroom fits snugly above the kitchen nook and bathroom.

By opting for an open-plan layout and a neutral colour scheme throughout, the owners of this cute cottage have created a functional and comfortable home. The split-level design helps make the most of the floor plan while multiple windows create the illusion of additional space. When it comes to minimalist living, this tiny carriage house is a shining example.

Nestled between number 20 and number 20A, this mustard yellow carriage house squeezes a ton of character into a compact studio space. Built in 1842, the property is located in the sleepy town of Hudson in upstate New York. Featuring a trendy mix of period features, luxury amenities and stable-inspired décor, this quirky rental home is an exercise in designing a creative, compact space.

Beyond the panelled carriage doors, the house has a typically Victorian configuration. Much deeper than it is wide, the owners have cleverly optimised the space to incorporate a dining area, bedroom and a kitchen set into an alcove. At the far end of the studio is a freestanding shelving unit that offers hanging space for clothing and a mirror that helps reflect light from the window.

The cleverly designed kitchen is one of the property’s stand-out features. Tucked out of sight of the main living space, it is painted in soft shades of sage green and ivory which lend it an airy feel despite being at the back of the house. Built-in shelves house a microwave, crockery and glassware, freeing up valuable counter space and helping make the most of every nook and cranny.

Artfully decorated with pops of mustard and terracotta, the house is full of delightful design features such as the reclaimed door dining table and horse-themed artwork. The panelled ceiling is painted a deep shade of brown which contrasts with the light walls and helps create a cosy and intimate space. True to its roots, this carriage house shows that you can still go large on design regardless of size. 

Formerly a stable and then a garage, this quirky property was given a new lease of life in 2007 when it was converted into a carriage house. Built in the 1880s, the residence is located in Denver’s oldest neighbourhood, an area steeped in local history with an eclectic mix of buildings.

Enter through the mint-green double doors and you’re immediately struck by the property’s sympathetic restoration. Exposed brick walls, wooden floors and reclaimed doors hint at its former lives, while reclaimed furniture lends the house a comfy, lived-in feel. Available for breaks on Airbnb, every step reveals a new focal point: an installation composed of vintage license plates or a light fitting made from salvaged pipes and pressure gauges.

While the décor is bold, the converted farm building remains remarkably uncluttered. The clean-lined, utilitarian-style kitchen keeps the space from feeling cramped, while high white ceilings lend the property an airy feel. Clever partitioning by way of vintage dressers and cupboards creates several different ‘rooms’ and also provides discreet storage space.

With underfloor heating, air-conditioning and a king-size bed, the house fits a surprising number of amenities under one roof. If that isn’t enough, there’s also a cute little terrace with climbing plants and herbaceous borders, gym facilities and even a hot tub. While compact living can sometimes feel like a compromise, this charming carriage house shows you can still have your cake and eat it.

This timber-clad carriage house began life as a humble outbuilding on a plot of farmland in Bozeman, Montana. After undergoing extensive renovations, the property was converted into a cosy cabin with a modern, open-plan layout. Boasting stunning views out over the Rocky Mountains, this cute cottage feels miles away from it all...

Covered in reclaimed wood with an asymmetric shed-style roof and a rustic porch, the house has retained its original double doors which fold out to maximise light and space. The lack of interior walls and minimalist layout helps to create a feeling of airiness, despite the home’s small stature. A custom-made shoji screen separates the kitchen from the bedroom, while a sliding barn door conceals a closet and washing appliances.

A mix of Scandi-style furnishings and practical mod cons help make this tiny home a comfy space. Two wingback chairs are nestled by a freestanding wood-burner, creating a cosy nook to curl up in come night-time. Several decorative rugs with intricate floral motifs warm up the floors and add a touch of rich colour to the otherwise neutral scheme.

For such a small space, the carriage house is surprisingly comprehensive. The kitchen has ample counter space and a practical rolling island, while the contemporary bathroom has a full-sized bathtub – proof that tiny living doesn't mean going without the fixtures of a normal-sized house. Fancy calling this cute space home for the weekend? It's listed for rental on Airbnb.

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