Lately Paul and I have decided we like renting. Maybe it is just since the housing market has gone downhill but the benefits of renting have never been more apparent {especially in San Francisco where renters have so many rights}. We have been discussing different ways to invest money other than buying a home. One idea we had was to buy some real estate up along the coast for a vacation rental property. Then we could build a small, well designed, modern little beach hut. When I saw this slideshow in Dwell i fell in love. It is perfect–just shy of 400 sq ft. But everything has a place and it has amazing views. So we can live in a rent controlled apartment in the city and when the beach hut isn’t being rented out we can spend time up the coast.
Jane Flanagan
July 16, 2008
I’ve been thinking the same thing for a year or more. I live in a neighbourhood I could never afford to buy in $1-3M homes… and would have to sacrifice so much to buy in the city.
I’ve also given myself permission to spend money on my rental to make myself happier as long as I love there. I think this is important. Many people won’t make any improvements because it’s not their’s and then end up equating renting with having something less than adequate… it need not be that way…
rcpeters
July 16, 2008
I think about that often, but seems like a lot of money for something that wont get used enough. TIC a yurt? 🙂
amber
July 16, 2008
thank you for saying as much. i’m selling my home and moving to brooklyn as a renter, which I’m super nervous about.
I have day-dreams of living by the beach in a tiny cottage; it’s perfectly designed in my head and is about four hundred square feet, too. One day…
dayna
July 16, 2008
smart. we are trying to unload our first home purchase and actually looking forward to renting for a while. thanks for the perspective.
Meg
July 16, 2008
Maggie Mason (mightygirl) does this, which you might well know. She has a place up in Russian River (I think). Personally, we want a place nearer to Bolinus or Point Reyes, if this ever becomes a consideration for us. My boss has a place outside of Halfmoon Bay, which he loves.
Also, while I wouldn’t build something I would fix it up. And I think in this city, with a baby, this is just about ideal. You could use it lots of weekends, and Moses could get out and run about. I’d just pick somewhere sunny, so you can get away from SF summers.
me
July 17, 2008
i love these mini beach houses. soo cute.
i am a renter too. its way easier this way.
great idea!!