700 Square-Foot Backyard Cottage

These homeowners planned to build a studio space with the intent to rent it out, but when they saw they could build a 700 square-foot backyard cottage, they decided to live in the cottage and rent out their house instead. In lieu of a concrete foundation, the cottage is set on Diamond Pier footings and is framed out of reclaimed lumber, mostly regional fir. A 13-foot ceiling and lots of windows makes the cottage feel large and bright. The living room is narrow and long and has a comfortable sofa, and the adjacent kitchen has a full pantry, island with a deep sink, and madrone wood countertops. To maximize space, there are no hallways; the bathroom, office and master bedroom are directly off the living room. French doors lead to the outside deck which has dining and seating areas. Extra insulation, a ductless heat pump and a radiant panel on the ceiling keeps the cottage warm. Take the tour in this HouzzTV video: