'Why I chose to live in a derelict shed to escape the housing crisis'

A woman who decided to live in a derelict shed at the furthest point of Cornwall to escape what she calls the "housing crisis" says she has learned the true value of having somewhere to live.
Catrina Davies decided she needed to break the cycle of sharing houses with strangers and struggling to pay rent - so she took extreme measures.
Now she has written a highly acclaimed book explaining why we all need to think again about our relationship with where we live.

[@amycoffin826]

A simple shed is a palace to a family that is homeless and living on the streets.

[@keahithefieryone8513]

I watch some YT shows on several people in poor countries making it with what they got and reminds me of my g-parents and great-grand parents doing the same, seems I need to re-visit the past to learn how to live frugally in this time

[@tandiparent1906]

I'm in Oklahoma in the US and live in a 12x24' shed to home conversion. It's only myself and my 3 dogs & it fits us perfectly, although at the moment I'm living on my mom's back lot because she has dementia; she's 86 & I'm 60 & I was widowed a few years ago. If you check shed conversions and tiny houses, you'll see that all sizes of families live in them & that they come in several different of homes, shed, log, cob, dome, vans, school buses & both mobile to travel & stationary like mine is. It's not for everyone; but, it's nice to see that people are realizing that they don't have to live in a huge house n then have the huge bills. Merry Christmas from Oklahoma, U.S. ⭐🎄⭐

[@LilyGazou]

@Tandi Parent that’s a wonderful situation. Have a merry Christmas🎄🎶

[@kathryneast6919]

People have gotten too used to having too much from supersizing.now the average person can barely get by.We all have too much.

[@michelifig6356]

And yet that seems to b illegal in most 'developed' nations

[@peggygilbertsen9099]

She’s very lucky to have property and structure given to her by her father. Most people need to buy the land and the home/ structure. That changes things.

[@artistocracy]

Exactly, she had an option already belonging to her, which others just don't have. So yeah, make a house in a shed or whatever if you've got the plot of land.

[@ianwallace5268]

Totally agree. How misleading is this story. She was given a piece of land, with a shed, which she converted to a tiny house . Best of luck to her, lucky lady, but for gods sake tell the who,e story.

[@u2tree2000]

I’m in the states you can have land but where I live my local ordinances won’t allow me to have a tiny house on the land. I’ve looked into. If I say bought a tiny home it would be illegal to live in it on say an elder family members farmland. If I did tuck away in the woods another problem would be nosy neighbors ratting you out because god forbid nobody doesn’t pay their fair share of being poor. It’s a no end situation for some people.

[@SuzanneU]

I think you're missing the point. You may need to restructure your expectations and look out for opportunities. For example, I know a man who chose to move out of his two-bedroomed apartment to live rent-free in a studio apartment in return for minor management duties for the apartment block. He's the person that the tenants wake at 1am when the toilet overflows, and calls out the plumber. He makes sure the garbage bins are put out. He calls the tow truck to remove illegally parked cars. He found a job that pays a bit less but lets him work from home doing work he likes! He no longer has to pay for transit, work clothes, work meals...he found he can easily do without a car. In terms of income, although he earns less, he actually has more income. If he were still renting his nice apartment, he'd still be trapped.

[@keahithefieryone8513]

@@u2tree2000 Correct you can't have a permanent Foundation or its considered a living structure which, if some people didn't know, can be taxed housing property- we do have a paid for Travel Trailer and you know in the States we can live on BLM land and some parks have a 2 wk limit but if need be, hubby and I can do that- between the Housing Crisis in 07 and the Pandemic has got people re-assessing their situation, good luck to you and have a safe Holiday

[@sandrataylor2323]

Some people may make fun of this, but the way things are going financially and mentally we all may need to find our own little shed

[@pursedelighted9020]

I thank God for having a place to live.take care

[@sandrajohnson9926]

We don't have a mortgage, but we live in a house we built several decades ago that is just massive compared to our needs at this time in our lives. I wish we were downsizing. One day I want a small home- 1,000 square feet. Easier to keep clean, less clutter, and less in taxes.

[@kristinehovemoen7888]

Yes! A shed, a van, other cars, tiny houses on wheels, RV`s. There are possibilities even though we dont own the land.

[@jamesblackwell703]

Hear.that.my wife and me got 7 ackers and 750, sqft home but now considered selling and help kids purchase a larger peace of property and home's it will give us more freedom were located on central Mo

[@kripaharris237]

A simple life is very freeing and what we need more of with the effects on the environment of excess and consumerism .My husband and i lived in a cabin we built for 2000$ using recycled materials while we paid off the land .Then were able to build a small house that we lived in happily with our 2 children

[@borleyboo5613]

All my life, I’ve lived with people. My parents and siblings, my ex partner and then shared student houses. Now, at 65 I live alone in a small, one bedroom house with my two cats and I’ve never been happier. It’s fabulous and I’d highly recommend it to anyone.

[@USSEnterprise123]

After losing money on flipping houses I decided to live in a shed the owners wired it insulated it and sheetrocked it even painted it. The word pride comes to my mind I'm prideless. Im clean and sober and happier than I have ever been

[@arthurhudgens8213]

Cool little house she has there. Disrespectful for news people to call it a derelict shack.believe me to have a simple roof over your head is a blessing.

[@juliapigworthy]

In fairness it might have been a derelict shack before she transformed it into a suitable living space.

[@ForwardEarth]

They didn't chose that word apropos of nothing. It's in the book. It was certainly derelict when she moved in, after 20 years of disuse.

[@arthurhudgens8213]

Cool little home indeed🙂👍👍👍👍👍

[@rare1walking]

The peace of a garden, familiarity, dual social support and connection with her Dad, simplicity of living in a manageable home seems a great solution for this industrious woman. She had the time and energy to write a book. Wonderful. As her Father ages, he may need her to look in on him. They both benefit by this living arrangement. I'm happy for them.

[@jen9774]

Such a positive comment. What a refreshing change !

[@martinforrester8249]

I guess you haven't read her book then?You may reach a different perspective if you do !

[@joebird1400]

Here in America rent is absolutely getting outrageous

[@goudagirl6095]

Average for a one bedroom is over $1,500 now. My rent went up $200 this year, and I expect that may happen again next year. It's terrifying.

[@shepherd6746]

That’s Beijing Biden right there with the inflation

[@kennethhudson8013]

@@goudagirl6095 that's what happens when you are a city dweller, move and buy a piece of land save your money build a house and pay it off as you go

[@joebird1400]

@@kennethhudson8013 I live in the country

[@kennethhudson8013]

@@joebird1400 why are you renting?

[@misamisa2677]

Problem is the government puts rules, fees, codes to make it hard. People used to live in homes that were same as that shed, it’s a roof, cozy warm love it!! 🙏🏽❤️☮️

[@kripaharris237]

Yes govts need to change the laws in this regard to adapt to the needs of the people

[@peterleane6807]

I totally agree with you, the problem is once you drop the housing standard you are only 5 years away from a slum. I think you and I may have been sucked in by this storey,.. the council would have only zoned this parcel of land for a shed and not a single level dwelling fit for occupancy, possibly during the WW2 era. Just imagine what the nearby neighbours who work hard for their housing investment would feel if tin shed allotments stated springing up all around. Yep I was sucked in!,..good book selling storey never the less.

[@glenndavis479]

@@peterleane6807 SLUM slum you say , do you think that woman's shed is indicative of a slum?? It's called fuck the neighbors and what they choose to live in...if one owns the land they should be allowed to live in whatever they choose to live in to their needs not societies expectations. Not everybody wants or needs the trappings Peter , I would agree that sanitary standards should be a legal requirement along with a building standard befitting the building it's self (Not much rocket science in a 20'x15' shed now is there) but somebody shouldn't be made to live in a double brick tiled roof triple insulated house just because some fuck next door is worried about the price index of their choice in house...this woman is not smack bang in a city or suburb , minimal needs minimal maintenance...nothing slumy about that.

[@simplyrise5217]

Government 💩 🚽

[@peterleane6807]

@@glenndavis479 Glenn my comment was in support for Misa Misa, initially I was in agreement with dropping the building code till I thought about the long term effects,.. first a tin shed on 40 sq meters of land then why not 2 tin sheds on 40 sq meters, then why not a cardboard humpy. However after more investigation I came to realise that the storey was more about selling a book then the need to provide low cost housing and I was sucked in. As for the tin shed, yes it is lovely far from a slum, I would love to live in that tin shed in Cornwell on a block of land given to me by a family member, under a building title that was zoned for a population density 80 years ago. Perhaps you should look into which council member allowed the connection to the sewerage system for a parcel of land zoned for storage. On the matter of the sewerage if it is not connected officially to the sewerage who is responsible for effluent contamination. Further more what additional services are connected to the block of land. As for "F"ing the neighbours good luck with that, I am sure the residents of Cornwell who love the existing zoning laws that protect the idyllic lifestyle they live would put up a fight. Apologies for being a bit crass but I am more angry at myself for getting sucked in by the storey.

[@acricucci9760]

I’m an American lady in my 70s, a small space person w/ too much space in my 2-br house. I’m lucky my house is paid for, but if I could live in Cornwall, I’d happily live in a shed on a small piece of ground. I suspect Catrina left behind a lot of stress and worry. Much admiration + best wishes to her!

[@nancyzukel563]

I would live like this today..yet its money needed.lve done fixer uppers alone now senior apt.rentals with 103 rules to follow daily.My car is too old to live in or travel sadly..stuck but theres hope still?Thank you kindly.Nancy

[@mikeymoo1291]

I have got a shed if anyone wants to swap it for their house. I need a little bit of notice though so that I can find somewhere to put the mower and garden tools.

[@marcusphoenixish]

That's a great idea we're not supposed to be in depressing over priced boxes. We need nature and a connection with the out doors. Good on her 👍

[@kristinehovemoen7888]

Yess!

[@silversurfermusicco5263]

I agree totally about housing ladder the prices and system IS obscene. It is out of kilter who real lives and salaries. I admire this person and may follow suit.

[@silversurfermusicco5263]

@@LMBee00 yes and most people do unforutanely

[@silversurfermusicco5263]

@@LMBee00 im with you brother!😅

[@carolinemitchell5825]

I'm wondering what her life is like in the winter. It's very beautiful with all the summer greenery, but in winter could be depressing and claustrophobic.

[@judya.shroads8245]

Happy for this lady and I'm sure she is a lot better, happier and peaceful.

[@judya.shroads8245]

@@gematria_truth I somehow missed that part. I pray she finds the happiness in her life. Thank you. BLESSINGS

[@juanitasullivan3372]

After being homeless twice, having any type of roof over my head is totally appreciated. I now live in a small A Frame overlooking a small lake. I know that sounds expensive but it truly isn't. I live in an area where rent is still extremely reasonable in Canada. What used to be a golf course, now has 10 small A Frames that are rented out year round. They were originally built in the 1970's as summer resort rentals only till they were winterized. Now for $500 a month I'm lucky to have one of them over my head. I know what it's like to live with others when you have no choice and one still has to be grateful to be off the streets, but it's not your own. Having your own place no matter how small and fixing it up to your liking makes it your home and priceless.

[@Keepskatin]

@Juanita Sullivan You are privileged, to live in Canada. Any beachfront,.lake front, land in America is Premium realestate. A tiny home is ok if you are single and have a good piece of land. A tiny home in the suburbs or city is miserable and embarrassing.

[@juanitasullivan3372]

@@Keepskatin I live in the small province of Nova Scotia. I was born here but adopted at birth and taken to the US by my adoptive parents. I finally moved home in 08. One of the times I went homeless was on my way back here. It was no fault of my own but trusting the wrong people. I finally got back here and got a job. Nova Scotia is very small and very rural. Only one "city" here and that's Halifax. I am extremely lucky to live here and even more lucky that prices are reasonable. My little A Frame is about 750 sq. ft. Plenty of room and many of the other 9 A Frames here have couples living in them. There are actually families that live in tiny houses in cities and suburbs. Not sure why it would be embarrassing though. It's very smart actually because it keeps the price of housing down. A tiny house can be moved as well as needs change.

[@choppinbroccoli7037]

It sounds like paradise there.

[@juanitasullivan3372]

@@choppinbroccoli7037 To me it totally is. These A Frames are old and rustic, just the way I like it. I loathe fancy. lol I have one friend that calls these A Frames a dump. But then she has to have everything high end so one has to consider the source. Yet, good luck getting into one of these A Frames. They are always full. Nothing fancy here, just good ole country livin'.

[@anns1921]

Agreed! I currently live with roommates and I can't wait to live on my own again. Having your own space is such a wonderful thing. God bless!!

[@marciacapell1541]

Its not just a shed, its a home 🏡❤️✝️

[@smallhouseinthemeadow6131]

I live in a small cottage but my adult son is thinking of buying a shed to put on my property because his rent will be going up. I think it is a great way to live.I just spent the past five years living with a camp shower, composting toilet and a butane cooktop and lived very well. It allowed me to pay cash to buid a cottage with hot running water because I am getting a little old to be hauling water and chopping wood. I used to live in a larger home and don't miss it a bit.

[@marianking1379]

This l understand x

[@ratherbfishing455]

Building code allows it. That is wonderful.

[@LilyGazou]

I love the name of your channel.

[@andhewonders]

I've spent 30 years living in sheds and have just downsized into a 3x3 meter gazebo, I love it.

[@Keepskatin]

@Smallhouse. Lady you nasty, composting your poop 💩. WTF, human poop is more toxic than many animal poops. What are you doing with your poop 💩😂 You better not be cooking with it or fertilizing crops. That's a sin

[@SONGSTICKS]

What makes this harder to achieve is getting permission to live this way. Governments don't like it as they want us all in debt and tied to the system and heaven forbid that we should find freedom. I've looked into doing this in the uk and unless you have a huge wadge of cash to buy a plot with planning permission, so you can live on the land all year round, it's nigh on impossible. The only option I've found so far is to buy a cheap plot without permission and live on it for 8 months, then go travelling for 4 months.

[@direktorpresident]

@@aussietim7974 I remember a bloke in Durham building his own little place; the nabobs wouldn't have that and came to knock his home down. He shot the planning Officer dead; he wanted planning permission, now he needs P***ing permission

[@paulsawczyc5019]

@@direktorpresident Many would love to shoot the scumbags - but few have the courage.

[@sherylturnerturner1352]

Canadian by-laws in Quebec Canada wanted to ban wood stoves, not sure what came of it but welcome to the Great Reset

[@paisley293]

Look into buying a property in Portugal, as many British folks are doing.

[@allykhan8594]

Very well put.

[@quercus4730]

A shed is a shed, until it is your home. Great video, Thank You.

[@jesusiscoming8237]

Lovely little place. And nice garden.

[@lookingthroughice7843]

I sold a 1200 sqr ft home and bought a 2600 sqr ft home and relized all i did was buy more storage space for shit i dont dont need or want. Im seriously thinking of selling again and sending or selling the junk i have and move into a tiny home where it makes more sense. I don't know why people think they need a bigger home when they dont need it, the only thing a big home gives you is more work and more junk. I can see how happy this woman is, she has a beautiful smile on her face and has no stressed out look about her, im happy for you sweety.👍🍻

[@keahithefieryone8513]

We have a 1200 ft home and was thinking of going 2500 ft- what the heck was we thinking? we didn't sell- yet- and not getting the 2500 sq ft home, thanks for re-opening my eyes, I knew that the minute I read your comments, needed the swift kick, in fact we have a paid off Travel Trailer only 1 yr old to go on BLM if we had too - reduce my stress and just stop to smell the roses, thank you Sir

[@lookingthroughice7843]

@@keahithefieryone8513 just to add something else. In this big house i don't need the only place im happiest is in my single car garage that i have made into my hangout space. I have a TV my beer fridge and my tools to fix things with, if i put a couch a bathroom and small kitchen in here i would be in heaven.👍🍻

[@jeanjoseph7905]

Especially when we get older all you need is a bed a toilet and bath and a small kitchen.

[@graememorrison333]

@@keahithefieryone8513 I've got a 550 sq ft flat and I could easily live in half the space!

[@janicem4382]

It is a huge shame that developers do not build more small, inexpensive homes. Love the shed.

[@catey62]

The trouble with developers here in Australia these days is that they will buy older homes on large blocks of land. then, they bulldoze the home, and cram as many houses/units onto the block as they are allowed by local regulations. many of them very small. then, they turn around and sell them all for exorbitant prices to make as much profit as possible, instead of selling them for more affordable prices. and I'm guessing its much the same in many other countries these days as well. people want to live near cities so its the only way they can fit them in. and so they pay the price for it.

[@billyray323]

She's a nice lady, I can fully understand her desire to escape the human rat race, I often think of such a move, a smaller space on a natural plot of land, closer to nature & more peaceful. Stay safe and happy Katrina 😉😘🇬🇧✌

[@albertalbert4333]

I rented a 182 sq ft run down shed . I wish I could share photos and a video of the place. I've lived in very large, overly priced house all my life. I have never been happier. The only pain in the butt is doing Laundry. That is the only negative. I literally warm the place with just a few candles and some oil lamps. I can not express how happy I am to not have all the trappings of life. I have saved a lot of money.. I have $50 000 in gold and silver as my 401k. And it keeps growing. If you have been thinking about tiny house living, give it a try.

[@LilyGazou]

Sounds perfect.

[@cherylcarlson3315]

Last real estate crash bought abandoned old house with a garage apt and set up living in garage apt as was working for money, working on big house... now 10 yrs later still in garage apt and still want to move into the big house but there is something womblike about this small space with concrete block walls so far from the street where no one knows if I am in or not.

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

Fair play to her. Yes it is fortunate to have the land and shed from her father. That is not the point. By adjusting her mind set and life style she has made the most of the opportunity and she is happier for it.

[@fetchstixRHD]

Indeed it's the change in mindset which has made her better, though of course arguably it would have been harder without inheriting said shed/land. There are many who could reach such a life though in the end...

[@katdog221]

The problem in a lot of places is government steps in and says your not allowed to live here, in this tiny structure. Code violations and such.

[@phucknuts.7065]

I hope this lady is happy. She is living my dream. I don’t see her as living in poverty, i see her as having enriched her life.

[@CoolGobyFish]

she pretty much moved back with her parents. is she happy? who knows. what does she do for a living?

[@tooge47]

living in a modest, 1 bedroom, 1200 sq ft home on 38 acres adjoining a national forest in Nowhere MS, I can relate

[@rayclam8079]

Solutions to the housing affordability crisis: 1. Massive 80% rent control. 2. Massive taxation on empty properties and unused land to fund housing benefit for those who need it. 3. Ban foreign realestate speculation. 4 Limit now many homes and land someone can own. 5. 80% House price caps. Housing shouldn't be a mere commodity, or an investment, or used for money laundering and tax avoidance.

[@iainansell5930]

though i agree, it'll never change, too many politicians-whatever the side of the house they are on, have too many private interests in keeping the status quo..

[@mange2]

I've lived in my van for the last 3 years and I need to live like this. I have a desperate Psychological need for seclusion at times, however if the authorities and rest of society had their way, I would be sharing a packed house with undesirable strangers. I couldn't bare that and would be the end of me. I would love to live in a shed on my own land but that is now made impossible by the cost of land and local authorities hatred of alternative lifestyles. It seems that if you don't fit into expected norms then you don't deserve any consideration whatsoever.

[@rabmcnair4488]

You should do some research on how to claim land for yourself.

[@nikduffield5457]

What you say is very true.....the land isn't impossible, the permission will be!!!

[@rabmcnair4488]

@@nikduffield5457 I am not an expert on the matter but it was my understanding that you are able to claim land for yourself and make it legally yours. I am sure you will find lotsw of things on KZbin and internet that explains how to do it.

[@chuckgates1171]

Stay away from apt.

[@BrownPeterAnthony]

I think you missed the con here Dave, she lives on her parents property, who pay the taxes. They allow her to live this alternative lifestyle and she used it to write, and she made the most of it.(Good on her) Your lucky, you can travel to another country , say "Morocco" or further south and park up with no hassle.

[@MsPhoenix71]

We live in Western Australia, I am 50 and my career has epilepsy. We have been homeless for near 3years. We have had to live in the bush, under bridge when the riverbank flooded. And now we are in a caravan Parks. Most of the residence are homeless families in the same situation. The housing crisis is getting so bad that caravan Parks are trying to help by opening their doors for more permanent space rental. We are living in a tent, with an extension cord for power, this costs us $200au per/week. Same as it would cost for unit or small house with privacy.

[@mastersadvocate]

I think she is lucky that the shed belonged to her Dad, and that he gave it to her, along with land to grow a garden in! Most people don't even have that. That is very sad. Everything, even food, is stupidly expensive, and it shouldn't be like that. We all need to get away from this modern, greedy world! ~Janet in Canada

[@maceoeberhart9376]

Exactly you are right on it.everybody needs to change the narrative.

[@noneofurbusiness7204]

Canada definitely is not a place for poor people

[@andrewlilley3660]

No, we just need to curb immigration, then there would be sufficient housing for British people.

[@andrewlilley3660]

@@maceoeberhart9376 Always amazes me, why people are so afraid to state the obvious! British people are being marginalized in the workplace and in the ability to afford decent accommodation, it is all due to being swamped by immigrants, nothing to do with a narrative.

[@redplanetzeal1461]

@@andrewlilley3660 Is it why there's such a worker shortage in Britain that you're easing visa restrictions almost every week, because you're 'swamped by immigrants'? Yeah, thought so.

[@saibliss7976]

💕Poor outside rich inside...I'd say she's hit the nail on the head... anxiety, mental health, and greed are products of a failing unrealistic housing market prone to disturb anyone's peace of mind. She has found her freedom I believe...well done the nonsense no longer controls you!👌🥰💕🙏

[@parallelpost]

My grandpa built a "quartito" in his back yard behind awesome landscaping back in the 70s. My uncles, my dad, guests used to sleep in it... I graduated high school and redesigned it, rehabbed it, built a rooftop deck to tan on. The fun thing about it was that it had no running water, just enough to place a comfy leather chair, a new bed, a walk in closet and TV, stereo system, skylight, dresser and some shelving for records.

[@sheilasullivan1950]

Cooking and toilet and washing yourself?

[@graememorrison333]

@@sheilasullivan1950 What? and lose the TV, stereo and record shelving...? 😉

[@greenness7387]

I really agree with Catrina's philosophy and have sought to do the same, however unless you have a relative who just happens to have the shed and land, it is nigh impossible. Tiny houses have become popular, but the rigid planning rules here in Australia do not allow people to just plonk a tiny house/shed on a block of land.

[@michaelmullin3585]

They want to be sure they can tax you.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

International Building code is fascism

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Whole large families used to live in houses the same size as her ‘shed’. I find it strange people don’t seem to remember this. This is not to knock those who want to live in standard sized homes or larger, but just to say, for most of us, our ancestors lived this way just fine. She was very fortunate to have the structure and land to take advantage of.

[@CoolGobyFish]

most of our acestors had a life span of 45 -50 years. they weren't "fine". I feel bad for her. She pretty much moved back to live with her parents. Well, she is living in their shad.

[@valerieohora6648]

There is a rental housing crisis in Australia with skyrocketing rents. I love the simplicity of her choice. Cheers from Perth, Western Australia.

[@echase416]

The affordable housing crisis is global.

[@oldfatbastad6053]

isnt only oz Val.

[@Hellibra]

She is in paradise. Cool place with a garden, animals and birds, and rent-free!

[@imnothere5801]

I have been thinking like she does for a while now. And every time I see a garden shed I can see myself living in one. I'm just one person. I don't have a lot of material possessions. I am widowed . I retired early because of an injury so I have a small but adequate income. My children are grown. So now I have a chance to do it. But, I just can't seem to find a home.

[@ucanleaveyourhaton]

If I had a shed available to me, I’d gladly live in it. But I don’t, and neither do millions of others. This woman is lucky… very lucky.

[@tommy7fun]

Not sure if she's that lucky. If any crazies are passing through, well that shed looks so easy to break into. I bet your place and mine have more security. Just hope she stays safe.

[@streaming5332]

You sound as if you don't have a roof over your head..are you living under a bridge.

[@jaoquelinebell784]

I'd love a shed! A bus! A yurt! Inspired!!

[@danieltalis7711]

She's lucky to have a shed with a bit of land. Where I live many people are living in cars (New Zealand).

[@warpnin3]

Isn't it crazy we have to spend all our productive years paying off the houses we live in, and after that we have to pay taxes on it again anyway? I can see the sense and purpose of road taxes, but paying for something I made and already finished paying for..?

[@9catlover]

i like this lady so much. i do own my own house but i feel for those who don't have parents that can help them...i think her shed and garden is really charming. She seems so happy and more connected with nature. Good for her

[@lindaharalson3729]

there's a Tiny house movement here in the States.

[@ayela562]

There is a affordable housing crisis in the States ( and Canada ) .

[@paulsawczyc5019]

It's really an affordability movement.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

The Tiny House movement has been up against the International Building Code fascism. Even if the square feet is small - all the "facilities" standards make the cost pretty much the same as a bigger house.

[@jaywren20]

Even doing that though her father would have needed local council permission to change the use of the shed to residential. She was lucky, her father had the shed to give her and it was on his land. Having said that I envy her. I would do that in a heartbeat

[@d_vrdlovec8724]

Her father must be friends with the right people to get permission for it's change of use to residential.

[@jackw9920]

Hope he has before she wrote the book or she may be in for a shock

[@schan263]

It's actually common in Vancouver Canada that people live in laneway homes which are actually garages that was converted to living spaces. But still expensive.

[@Pizzpott]

The best part was the Robin, This lady was in the fortunate position of having the shed to go to in the first place, presumably free. But she looks to ne really healthy and happy, and I bet it is really cool in there when it's pissing down or hailstoning...

[@ianallen2]

The problem with UK is you can buy any land anywhere that is for sale, but you are not allowed to do what you want with it. You are still goverened by the government as to what can and cant be done on the land. Plus, you have to pay rates for the land, which is on top of the tax you have paid on the land.

[@brendakersulov1152]

I live in America. I live in the country. I found 7 acres five years ago and in the process of building my own house. Its taking awhile because Im not having it financed by the bank or using credit cards to build but cash only. Its a slow way of doing it. I for now live in a 26 ft camper electrified by two extension cords from the electric pole and amp box outside. I have a very cozy living and its paid for. I have no running water but I do have a well so I bring up water to bathe and use for cooking. Its a very primitive way of living. It is FREEING. Its so very quiet. The only thing I dont like is the fact I have no way of taking shelter in a storm and we live in what they call tornado ally. Im going to finance a underground tornado shelter as soon as I am able. I can relate to this story very much. She is right in everything she says about tiny living. So un-burdensome.

[@sandrajohnson9926]

Best of luck, Brenda. Sounds like a peaceful existence. God bless.

[@marianking1379]

And freezing in winter !

[@thedoor5442]

buy a new septic tank and bury it in the ground, cheap tornado shelter.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

Your life sounds awesome. The problem is the local tax assessor cracks down on living off the land now. So in my county I can only live in a camper for 7 months of the year - otherwise it's a permanent residence requiring "facilities" - meaning a sewage permit, etc. OK so now I will study youtube vids on electric pole amp box installations. hahahaha. Still I would not want to pay any utility bill. But still paying a bill does establish permanent residency instead of being homeless. thanks

[@davidfoster9890]

Good for her. I've been living in a caravan for two years now, mixed in with travelling in a Campervan. Lucky to have a relative with spare land though! I had to adapt to it a bit, I put an insulated floor down & built a decking, with an enclosed awning in winter. No mortgage, no council tax, low fuel costs. House sold, cash in bank, living cheap.

[@newshades7009]

good luck to you

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

In the U.s. you can not register a vehicle unless the street address is a permanent residence - so that requires "international building code" standards for whatever structure. The legal restrictions are lock tight for international building code fascism. Pretty fascinating really.

[@bridecolbourne1305]

I love it 👍👍🥰I’ve lived in a shed on my sisters property while spending winters in Arizona, the most enjoyable time of my life 🌅

[@sherrihogge5054]

She's right on spot!! time to go back to a simpler time

[@l.5832]

There is a lot missing in this story. Where I live in Canada, zoning would not allow you to live in a shed. There is a minimum square footage allowed and the building would have to be to code and the land zoned for two dwellings. I'm not particularly in favour of all these limitations on people because the huge homes built to code 25 years ago are looking like crap, and we still have tiny miners cabins a hundred years old built before inspections and they are still standing. We DO need to rethink the size of the dwellings and the lot sizes. Many people live alone. My condo is 640 sq ft and is perfect size for me. If I could find a small home that size on its own lot I'd be all for it. (And NOT a tiny home on wheels on rented property!!)

[@tommy7fun]

You're right. There is a lot missing in this story. I have a lot of questions that weren't mentioned in this video.

[@iainansell5930]

its the same in the UK... property should be fit for habitation..

[@Valerie-gn1rr]

The UK is a very tough place to live. I was there for years and although I worked hard, I couldn't afford to live alone and had to share accommodation for years, which I hated. Now, back in my country, I work just as hard, but at least, for a reason. I"ve got my own appartment that I bought, and contrary to this strange law in the UK, my flat is mine forever, not just for 99 years! I will be able to give it to my children, eventually. Very bad quality of life in the UK, I feel sorry for its people. France is not perfect, but much better in that respect..

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

I completely agree with you and you did the right thing leaving the UK especially if you want to buy a home. The leasehold scam here is disgusting.

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

The female presenter at the end saw the appeal of downsizing and living simply. For me it's these things, but more than anything it's the freedom of living mortgage/rent free. Nothing would beat that feeling.

[@michaelmullin3585]

If you are still paying property taxes, though, your home is STILL not your own.

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

@@michaelmullin3585 Good point, but that is something I can live with. Living mortgage or rent free is a great place to be in.

[@GradKat]

You can’t tell me that place isn’t FREEZING in winter. Damp, too. Bear in mind this is in the UK, where we have very unreliable weather and it rains a LOT. Why do people spend money insulating and damp-proofing their houses? If this lady is happy with life in her shed, then good for her. But most people in the 21st century don’t want to live like that; the answer to the cost of housing is not to be found in returning to the Middle Ages.

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

That's a good point - especially as she also lives in Lands End which would be very exposed to the elements. But then again most people who choose this way of living don't have much of a choice - those damproofed and insulated homes you say we should all live in are becoming unaffordable, especially in the UK. That is her whole point.

[@somguy728]

Everyone rationalizes their choices in life, including you, that doesn't make her wrong. A large mortgaged home owns it's occupant, not the other way round.

[@kelly87]

I thought the same too...each to their own but not for me xx I've got a small 2 bedroom house which is ideal for me and my son. These tiny houses won't be a viable option - they will be expensive and there will be a lack of land to site them. What we need is affordable housing ...x

[@lindalong5052]

quite handy if you can pop into your dad's for a warm up/bath/do your washing/empty your potty...

[@juliapigworthy]

On the flip side such a small space will be a lot cheaper to heat, and can probably become warm enough burning wood in her stove the way a houseboat does, with the wood grown for free on site and scavenged from the broken things people throw away, and supplemented by purchases of wood from sustainable forests.

[@thomvogan3397]

Sadly the people who need this the most are the ones who can't afford it. I can build a tiny house out of scrap for next to nothing but living on a tiny pension I can't afford to buy land to put it on, Not many of us have family that will give us a piece of land

[@programmer5855]

Even living in a shed is not as straight forward as she makes it seems. You'd first need the land to build upon, and that costs. In her case she already had the land from her farther.

[@PeterMasalski93]

Before I bought an apartment with my wife, I had an old Volkswagen Van transporter that i turned into a small room. I parked it in a very hidden location and would often crash there when I was financially broke. I had a mattress, a Swiss army knife, a sleeping bag, a foldable chair, a foldable table, 20x bottles of water and an electric gas cooker. I survived a good chunk of time on this setup.

[@anniewhiddon2316]

Consider it a cabin. I have a cabin in the mountains of Arizona, that us for my springtime, summer, and fall. During the winter I am in Northern Az. I love the cozy feeling and decorating my cabin, and planting in the warmer months. You definitely did the right thing downsizing and not having the worry of expensive rent anymore, so much more peace and freedom.

[@shellrock5294]

Even if you did have a shed, its unlikely you could live in it. I am very surprised this is even allowed considering the rules and regs in this country.

[@feelthafunk4548]

Good on her as long as she's happy that's all that matters wishing her all the best 👍

[@vibrantscolor]

Congratulations on your beautiful home. Will look for your book. 💚💚💚💚

[@tomscott7292]

I sold my home and bought 12 acres on a private lake in Maine. Built a cabin and outbuildings. Went from 3k a year in property taxes to $250 100% off grid...no bills, no debt! I win the game of life!!!

[@seheabol]

In the US there are ordinances and restrictions in most cities that prevent this type of thing. You have to go out of town to do this or have it well hidden.

[@paulsawczyc5019]

She's lucky that city hall is allowing that. Can't do that in my town - court+fine$.

[@josephuscila5223]

God Bless You Catrina! I adopted a lady that is just like you! She's been living in a tent in the mountains of Costa Rica without electricity and she is loved by all. Wish I could have you meet her. I had her stay free of any charge at my property of 2 acres 2 cabins and a horse barn . If the weather here at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains I'd ask her to stay longer and grow crops like she does in Costa Rica but alas her heart is in Costa Rica and has returned. Because of 20 plus years of adventures we are all excited to read her book. Adventures of Jungle Jane or Cave Without Internet?

[@LilyGazou]

Where can I find her book?

[@toddpeters9007]

Your exactly right catrina , I made the choice to live simply, I changed a lot , and I'm 200% more happy! Things don't make. Happiness , most people buy into commercialism , more is better , but it is exactly opposite, we are brain washed from birth in america , buy buy buy, spend to make corporate america rich , .. took years to understand and unravel the truth ,but it's so simple , .....

[@laurasmith9726]

I have a shed, I am converting. The shed is not the problem because you can make payments and get it paid off quickly. The problem is land. Peggy is right. She’s very lucky she at least has land

[@nancyzukel563]

There are also zoning laws,county laws etc etc ti follow..septic,s etc wow like eentinf at senior apts..only its yours and God's when all the red tape is done!!!😏😏

[@bookmagicroe9553]

I'm wondering if the shed/house is insulated. Would be very cold and drafty in the winter if it's not insulated some way.

[@islanddweller3674]

Cornwall is kind weather wise. And I am sure she did that. Spent a lot of money on it.

[@PoeLemic]

This video helps me rethink my future. I think I'm gonna quit paying my bills and let them kick me out, then I'll just live in a tent. My income just goes to pay everything but things I want.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

unfortunately being poor is illegal - so most places allow living in a tent for seven months at best. And that would not allow having a car registered since it's not a permanent residential address.

[@coachthomas2000]

Lovely little shed turned "home sweet home" with a garden around it. Clever idea and practical concept!!

[@blogusvox]

How you live your life, how you identify your needs and wants are a state of one's personal mind.

[@RaraAvis1138]

This is absolutely how we are supposed to be living. Im on the road to get back to a simpler way of live.

[@Witchofthewoods.]

So, basically it's a tiny house. She's had the land given to her, written a book, and I think she's doing just fine in her "shed" which most of us would love to have.

[@bigsteve6729]

Yeah I don't get it either. She's obviously a posh person who wants credit for this for some reason

[@coleengoodell7523]

"Better is a little where love is than great feasting in a house filled with contention and strife".

[@mikanfarmer]

Coleen, .........so true, thank you for the reminder, Merry Christmas.

[@kathleenshannon8284]

Great move for you No place like home or no place, like no place.....I am seriously thinking about moving into a shed myself.

[@adelehill7088]

Good for you lady , my son and I are thinking about something like that ! Maybe building one on my sister's land she has 40 acres !

[@kiwi007]

There needs to be a revolution in thinking in respect to homes. I can only comment on New Zealand but it does seem to be a global issue.. One of greed. It sickens me in my country that we have people with six homes as investment properties. Times are changing and people are not going to continue to accept the huge disparities that we see.

[@kennethhudson8013]

Derelict shed? It's not leaking, and it's clean, so why is it derelict?

[@ravent3016]

It was when she first moved in.

[@user-gu6vf3je1d]

Because the idea of having to live this way is viewed as a failure. That makes the shed derelict.

[@islanddweller3674]

Always someone attacking something lovely! They are doing it deliberately and so childish!

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

@@islanddweller3674 Yes! Not everyone aspires to ridiculous 'look at me' yellow supercars as in X's avatar picture.

[@islanddweller3674]

I live in what they call a demountable dwelling ie a glorified caravan on a small Irish island ... Surrounded by ocean and sky. As I am retired it is perfect although lacking in some facilities. The OPs place cost a huge sum to do up so not for everyone but she is right. Like her I have security and peace in surroundings I love.

[@LilyGazou]

It sounds like a paradise.

[@susanyates4233]

Amazing, I hope to buy her book.

[@rmcnally3645]

I LOVE the choice she made. It is a message that absolutely resonates. We live in a small

[@georgewashington687]

Catrina has the right idea and it looks like she has found her niche. I could be content with her solution. She has the best of both worlds, her own single family abode, a garden, and she doesn't have neighbors breathing down her back. Bravo!

[@insanity6829]

becoming quite commonplace in "sheds" and vans

[@karonedwards4781]

That's what I did.My house was falling apart it was old and I lived there for 21 years.On soc.sec.i couldn't afford to fix it and keep up after my husband passed.Plus I had had back surgery so I bought me a little tiny shed and my grandsons put it all together for me.I have a kitchenette, bathroom bedroom and living rooms together.I did have alot of trouble at first missing my home after I got moved in my little house at my daughters.But it's been 7 months so I'm ok now.

[@Changeworld408]

good luck sending hugs

[@maryelaine-blinstrubchambe6083]

Sheds come in all different sizes. In America you can even buy them with electrical already in. Just add plumbing, insulation and wall board...then you live just paying for property.

[@elisahamilton73]

I've seen sheds US style and they are huge compared to the UK sheds

[@sholahola2kaiinaoii]

Lots of people are living in such spaces its nothing new, she was very lucky to have had the shed and the land..... I lived in a shed in a garden in Holland 🇳🇱, cheaper then an apartment..... its great to see more and more people living alternatively and realising that we don't need big huge spaces..... Fair play but I definitely won't be looking for the book 🧘🏻‍♀️

[@danb.3397]

I've lived a lot of my adult life sort of like this and it seems that "home is where your hat is" ( where you make it ) Stress is a killer.

[@nancyzukel563]

Stress is doing me in..living with 103 rules to follow daily to keep a roof over my head in senior apts!!!

[@joannajohnson696]

I think tiny homes are the future. We need to help those who don't want to be homeless & have affordable living.

[@petermcfadden9426]

i enjoyed reading her book, well recommended.

[@tomindenver1331]

My father, born in the depths of the Great Depression in a tenement in Hoboken, went on to captain a nuclear submarine. He always said, "Kid, three squares and a dry cot and you've got life figured out. Everything else is just gravy."

[@oldfatbastad6053]

roof over your head, food on the table and a place to sleep. i dont have everything i want but i have everything i need.

[@oldfatbastad6053]

👍

[@matthewjohnson2853]

This person will be mocked & it's sad that people are struggling financially that they can't afford a decent home but I went from a high end apartment to a cabin on some land! Great choice I made, no regrets!

[@TLJAWSIMIB]

FOR REAL?. WHY?

[@standupstew1645]

@@TLJAWSIMIB If you need to ask this question,you won't understand the answer.

[@meninblackagenttwintowersw9279]

@@standupstew1645 SUCH AS WHAT TYPE OF ANSWER?.

[@a.i.marvin6180]

I last lived in a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage house. Then I begin downsizing a little at a time. Several years I have shared housing, worked/lived in China - now after being on federal senior housing lists for 9 years I am in a low income studio apartment for 62+ or disabled housing about 1800 miles from where I grew up.

[@lisawanderess]

I have a similar situation since being put on disability so I have lived in my caravan full time for the past 2.5 years, I’d love a garden to grow vegetables but have no land to base myself on and all camping grounds have maximum stay limits, so, despite my physical and mental health challenges, I just have to keep rolling on, but I love living tiny!

[@Keepskatin]

So you love on disability, our taxes

[@Sue906]

Love your home and garden.....Very tranquil place to live so very happy for you.I"m going to buy your book I look forward to reading it.

[@MarcinMastiMastalerz]

Daddy gave her a property and she is even trying to make money writing a book about it. So much of a hero.

[@lilitudeamnocte248]

in America this is a huge movement called "Tiny house". I'm on my way of doing the same. SO much less stress. Definitely more freedom and security. We've been wrapped up in the bs of materialism for far too long. 💕

[@cherilewis2899]

Tiny homes are great but not in tornado or hurricane country.....stay away from flood areas research the area first.get a big dog being a woman makes you a target whether or not you are

[@pegjones7682]

Very few places allow tiny homes in BC, probably the same in any Canadian city.

[@DonnaPiaVocci]

have been looking at tiny house living for a few years. liking the option of finding a community in which to build and live in one. in Oregon there's one and it's on the central coast (can't recall the name of the town) and it's called Tiny Tranquility

[@kristinehovemoen7888]

Thats the spirit!!

[@seheabol]

The problem there is tiny houses now cost what regular houses do in many cases. Because they are chic and people pimp them out with luxuries.

[@1suitcasesal]

The housing prices need to come down. The banks and mortgage companies need to knock off whatever they are doing. Humans need places to live. Who can afford these prices?

[@joanneruth1168]

To the male TV presenter: In 1990 my husband & I with our three small children went bush & lived in a large shed type home in Australia on solar power. We were bush for our children’s upbringing years. I highly recommend it, great years there, put me where I am today with the values I developed along the way, it can be done.