One of the most appealing aspects of living in a small house is the financial independence it may provide its occupants. That, and a higher quality of life, is what one single mother of four accomplished when she built a gorgeous little home on wheels on her parents’ property in New Zealand. Michelle had numerous financial difficulties in the past as a single mother raising four sons on her own…

Her ambition to escape the rat race, massive mortgages, and attain financial independence prompted her to downsize and construct a modest house on her parents’ land. She also saw it as a means for her to accomplish the things she enjoys. Michelle wanted the little house to seem like it belonged there, so she picked vinyl siding that would mix in with her parents’ home. She also put up a number of solar panels on the roof.

The first thing you’ll notice when you go inside the house is a stunning stained-glass window. Michelle’s uncle had it manufactured many years ago, and it stayed in their garage for over two decades before being put in her modest home. The living area has a custom-made blue couch that doubles as a sofa bed. An open storage loft above the room stores many potted plants, documents, and family pictures.

Michelle purchased an elegantly built storage chest after receiving her first salary when she was approximately 16 or 17 years old. It serves as a coffee table as well as a storage area for blankets and other items. Michelle’s kitchen is a basic open space with all of the necessities. She claims she isn’t a “big chef,” although she enjoys baking on occasion. Even though she doesn’t cook much, she appreciates having a clean and open prep area.

While she was first hesitant to use gas, she has successfully whipped up cakes. Using gas also heats the space beautifully, making it an excellent heating choice on chilly evenings. The bathroom in the compact house has enough of storage thanks to pull-out shelves at the entry. The vanity, which has a lovely blue glass sink, is perhaps the most fascinating component of the room.

The bathroom also has a composting toilet and a shower large enough for Michelle to wash comfortably. Her sleeping loft is above, and it features a full-sized bed beneath a skylight. Michelle has carefully placed books, framed images of her family, and other miscellaneous stuff on the shelf across from her bed. Another advantage of her sleeping quarters is that she can stand completely erect. This eliminates the need for her to hunch down while getting dressed.

Michelle christened the little house “Daisy-Vera” after her grandmother. She’s lived at the residence for nearly four months and claims she’s had nothing but positive experiences. “It’s so lovely to come home and have my own area to unwind, and then wake up here and see the sun come up,” she remarked. The small house cost approximately NZD 160,000 (USD 105,000) to construct, which is a fraction of what she would have to pay on a regular-sized home!

“I’m overjoyed. “I don’t have a mortgage, and it really frees me up to pursue what I want to do in the future, and I have more money,” Michelle said. “In addition, the kids have grown up, so I can do what I want and travel.” Take a look inside Michelle’s little house in the video below.