Danielle and Kreg Jones, a couple with a passion for historic architecture and home renovation, turned a 19th-century schoolhouse into their family home. In 2021, after five years of searching, they found the North Weare Schoolhouse in New Hampshire. The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had a rich history, having served as a school until 1952 and later as a town meeting space. The couple, who run their architecture firm, Inscription Architects, offered $210,000 for the property and began the renovation alongside their son, aiming to pass down Kreg’s hands-on skills. The project took eight months and $220,000 to complete, transforming the schoolhouse into a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home while preserving much of its original character, including the floors, stairways, and even historic carvings left by schoolchildren.

Throughout the renovation, the Jones family remained dedicated to honoring the building’s historic charm while adding personal touches. The home’s large windows, which originally provided light before electricity was available, continue to flood the space with natural light, creating a connection to the outdoors. Despite their history of moving after completing projects, the Joneses feel content in their renovated schoolhouse, describing the space as comfortable and well-proportioned. For them, the process wasn’t just about creating a home but also a shared learning experience with their son. They’ve lived in the house for over three years, with no immediate plans for a new project, enjoying the fruits of their labor in a space that uniquely blends history and modern living.

Toy giant Mattel has teamed up with Airbnb to bring the beloved Polly Pocket doll to life in a big way, transforming her tiny world into a full-sized vacation rental to celebrate her 35th anniversary. Located in Littleton, Massachusetts, the two-story “Slumber Party Fun” compact is a vibrant homage to the nostalgic ’90s era. Guests will find themselves immersed in a playful, pastel-colored wonderland where they can literally walk in Polly’s shoes—with human-sized versions of her iconic footwear and fashions. The experience is designed to be the ultimate throwback slumber party, complete with a retro fridge stocked with snacks every ’90s kid craved, and a cozy movie night setup on Polly’s pull-out couch.

This larger-than-life Polly Pocket experience is perfect for nostalgic fans and a new generation of doll lovers. Those lucky enough to snag a reservation can enjoy a night of friendship bracelet making, retro glam sessions at Polly’s vanity, and even a sleepover under the stars in Polly’s life-sized Action Park Tent. With Airbnb offering three exclusive one-night stays from September 12 to 14, and day playdates available from September 16 to October 6, Polly’s compact promises endless fun. The booking price, set at $89 per person, cleverly nods to 1989, the year Polly Pocket first debuted, making it not just a whimsical getaway but a nostalgic tribute to the tiny but mighty icon.

Sambuca di Sicilia, a picturesque village in Italy, gained international fame in 2019 with its innovative scheme to auction off old homes for as low as one euro. This campaign aimed to revitalize the local economy by attracting new residents and investors to rejuvenate its abandoned properties. The town repeated the initiative in 2021 with starting bids at two euros and is now preparing for a third round with bids beginning at three euros. This year, around a dozen properties are up for auction, with Mayor Giuseppe Cacioppo highlighting the substantial economic boost from previous sales, which injected 20 million euros into the local economy. These properties, featuring charming courtyards and iron-wrought balconies, require significant repairs but are deemed structurally stable. Prospective buyers must place a 5,000 euro deposit to participate, ensuring serious commitments to renovating the homes within three years, a term the town has been flexible with due to the pandemic.

The viral property sales have placed Sambuca di Sicilia firmly on the map, attracting international buyers eager to own a piece of Italian heritage. Since the start of the initiative, 250 homes have been sold outside the original auctions, underscoring the scheme’s popularity. One notable buyer, Meredith Tabbone from Chicago, secured a property for 5,555 euros in the first auction without having seen it in person. Her subsequent purchase of a neighboring building and extensive renovations totaling 425,000 euros illustrate the significant investments these low-cost homes can entail. Despite the challenges, Tabbone found personal fulfillment and a sense of community in Sambuca di Sicilia, aligning with the town’s renaissance. Her experience highlights the appeal of a slower, more meaningful lifestyle in a historically rich setting, and she plans to keep her home in the family, eventually donating it to the village, symbolizing a lasting legacy of the revival scheme.

In early 2024, Jada Stratman, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, was on the hunt for retail space for her candle business, Brite Candle Co. During her search, she discovered Culdesac, the first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the U.S. Culdesac, located in Tempe, Arizona, emphasizes biking, walking, and public transit over car usage, offering residents discounts on transportation services like Waymo, a self-driving taxi. The community, which currently houses 180 residents with plans to expand to over 1,000, provides a variety of amenities including a pool, gym, rental cars, light rails, and a free e-bike for each resident. The apartments range from studios to three-bedroom units, with rental prices starting around $1,400 per month. Stratman moved into a live-work space within Culdesac in February, paying $1,472 monthly plus $140 for utilities and Internet. This space features a walk-in closet, a washer, and a dryer, and seamlessly combines her retail shop at the front with her living quarters at the back.

Living in Culdesac has been a transformative experience for Stratman, pushing her out of her comfort zone and reducing her dependency on her car, which she now parks off-site as required. She finds the community’s car-free concept liberating, as it promotes a more active and social lifestyle. Stratman appreciates the integration of her work and living spaces, which has been particularly beneficial for her small business. The setup has not only saved her money but also fostered the growth of her candle business. Despite initial discomfort with having customers in her personal space, Stratman has grown to enjoy the interaction and is excited about her business’s potential expansion. The friendly and connected environment of Culdesac has significantly enriched her life, making her feel more extroverted and content in her new community.

Ethan Liebross, a 24-year-old first-year medical student, chose an unconventional lifestyle to simplify his life and enhance his personal growth. Opting out of typical student housing, Liebross bought a 2015 Ford Transit for $20,000 and spent $13,460 converting it into a fully functional, mobile tiny home. Liebross’ van, equipped with solar panels, a kitchenette, and a memory foam mattress, embodies minimalism. Living in the van, Liebross embraces simplicity, believing that it fosters discipline, creativity, and a greater appreciation for life’s small pleasures. His daily routine includes biking to campus, using gym facilities for showers, and cooking meals in his compact kitchen.

Liebross’ decision was influenced by his gap year experience, during which he lived in a smaller van while working as a freelance writer. His current setup is a significant upgrade, providing better sleeping arrangements and a more sustainable lifestyle. Despite the challenges of converting the van within a tight timeframe, Liebross found the process rewarding, especially as it involved working closely with his supportive father. The financial savings are substantial; compared to the high cost of campus housing, Liebross’ van life is a cost-effective alternative. Moreover, he views this lifestyle as preparation for his medical career, teaching him to live minimally and focus on what truly matters.

La Maison du Bonheur, or House of Happiness, is an innovative tiny home designed by Baluchon that merges practicality with playfulness. Unlike conventional tiny homes, this 20-foot-long abode, set on a double-axle trailer, incorporates a dedicated play area complete with a climbing wall and slide. Commissioned by Siana, the homeowner, the design fulfills a dual purpose: serving as a delightful playroom for her daughter and friends while having the potential to transform into a traditional living space as the child grows older. The home’s exterior features a blend of red cedar and aluminum cladding, and it is powered via a standard RV-style hookup. The play area, occupying what would typically be the living room, includes a small playhouse, a climbing wall, and ample storage for toys and books, all bathed in natural light through generous glazing.

Beyond the playful design, La Maison du Bonheur retains all the essential features of a tiny home. It houses a dining table with seating for three, and a compact kitchen equipped with a two-burner propane stove, sink, refrigerator, and ample cabinetry. The bathroom includes a shower and toilet, ensuring full functionality. A unique staircase integrated into the slide and dining area leads to a cozy loft-style bedroom, complete with storage and a bed under a low ceiling. Delivered to its location in southeast France, this versatile tiny home epitomizes both whimsy and practicality. While the exact pricing remains undisclosed, Baluchon’s tiny homes typically start at around $85,000, making La Maison du Bonheur an attainable dream for those seeking a compact yet dynamic living space.

Maisy Dewey, a dual citizen of the U.S. and the U.K., always dreamt of living in London, influenced by her British father and American mother, who balanced their lives between the two countries. Growing up in New Jersey, Dewey regularly visited London with her family, fostering a deep connection to the city. In 2022, Dewey and her fiancé, Harrison Kent, decided to make the move from Philadelphia to London when Kent was accepted into Kingston University’s Product & Furniture Design degree. They began an extensive preparation for their move, including selling their belongings in yard sales and raising $3,000 to help fund their transatlantic journey.

Finding a home in London while still in Philadelphia proved challenging for the couple, leading them to settle on a short-term rental initially. However, their luck changed when a real estate agent introduced them to a 65-ft wide beam houseboat. Despite initial skepticism, especially concerning their Dalmatian, Kipper, they were pleasantly surprised by the newly renovated boat’s spacious and comfortable layout. The houseboat, featuring a living room, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a kitchen, became their new home for $2,236 monthly. They embraced the unique lifestyle, enjoying the blend of outdoor and indoor living and the close-knit community at the dock. Over six months in, Dewey and Kent feel more at home than ever, relishing their unique floating residence and the idyllic lifestyle it affords them.

Nestled in the city of Munich, Germany is an innovative architectural structure designed to transform communal living. Known as the Clusterwohnen Wabenhaus or Honeycomb House, this project by Peter Haimerl Architektur epitomizes communal harmony and efficiency through its unique hexagonal-framed apartment layout. Unlike traditional homes, each apartment in the Honeycomb House features sloping ceilings and highly usable floor areas, optimizing space for storage along the interior walls. The ingenious design incorporates space-saving furniture such as shelves, sofas, floating beds, dining tables, and wardrobes directly into the sloping walls. Additional features include European wall kitchens, spacious outdoor balconies, and hidden bathrooms, all enhancing the living experience. The honeycomb shape not only maximizes spatial orientation but also ensures optimal natural light diffusion, with the primary spatial axis aligned longitudinally to the facade, allowing daylight to flow freely into the apartments.

The Honeycomb House redefines communal living by merging the boundaries between individual apartments, fostering a sense of community while maintaining privacy. Its central hub acts as the heart of the living space, facilitating shared experiences and communal harmony. A central staircase connects all the apartments and common areas, encouraging interaction among residents. Economically, the design reduces reliance on traditional walls, favoring sloping planes that provide more value without compromising quality. The prefabricated modules streamline the construction process, reducing waste and enhancing economic viability. Sustainable features such as rooftop gardens and communal kitchens further promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The Honeycomb House not only exemplifies beautiful communal living but also offers significant economic and sustainable benefits, making it a model for future residential projects.

In October 2023, Nick Volkov stumbled upon a unique real estate listing for a rundown house in Vancouver, British Columbia, and felt compelled to share it with his girlfriend, Jenna Phipps. Despite the listing only showcasing the exterior and labeling the house as a “tear-down,” Volkov was captivated by the property’s undervaluation, its water view, and its departure from modern architectural norms. Intrigued, Phipps immediately fell in love with the property’s potential, prompting the couple to visit it. However, upon seeing the house in person, they realized the extent of its deterioration. Built in 1961, the 2,757-square-foot home was in dire need of repairs, including a new roof and extensive mold removal. Yet, despite the house’s poor condition, the couple saw beauty in its mid-century modern architecture and decided to pursue their dream of transforming it into their forever home.

The couple faced numerous challenges in acquiring the property, including the inability to secure a traditional mortgage due to the house’s state. Opting for a private two-year loan instead, they made an offer of CAD 2.1 million, which the seller accepted. This strategic purchase placed them in a desirable neighborhood at a significant discount, as the house was valued much higher. Upon taking possession in January 2024, they began an extensive clean-up, discovering original furniture and other nostalgic items like a vintage record player. With the help of their parents, Volkov and Phipps stripped the house down to its studs, aiming to preserve its mid-century modern charm while incorporating modern amenities. The couple plans to invest everything into the renovation over the next two years, maintaining a frugal lifestyle and doing much of the work themselves to manage costs. Their journey to restore this abandoned gem into a beautiful home symbolizes their commitment and vision for a unique and lasting abode.