26-05-2025
The unexpected building Maine residents are turning into 'affordable' tiny homes right in nature
Maine residents have turned a disused railroad caboose into a tiny cabin home.
The disused car, which once formed part of a Maine Central Railroad train, has been lovingly transformed into a cozy home.
The one-bedroom, one-bathroom, property is located in the idyllic countryside of Maine's Madrid Township.
The cabin, advertised for $129,000, comes with one acre of secluded woodland near the Sugarloaf and Saddleback Mountains, which are perfect for hiking and skiing.
The average Maine home value is currently $412,212, according to Zillow data. Properties currently listed for sale in the Saddleback area range from a $400,000 one-bedroom apartment to a $1.3 million 4-bedroom family home.
As home prices have doubled since the pandemic and mortgage rates are currently pricing out many buyers, new and converted tiny homes have sprung up as an affordable option.
The kitchen includes amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave and gas range. The bathroom has a toilet, shower and sink.
Despite the 360-square-foot space, the cabin sleeps five people with two beds and a a third hammock bed hanging from the ceiling.
Among the period features that have been kept intact are an antique steering wheel and observation seats raised above the rest of the carriage.
The pinky-orange exterior with the artwork of the railway has also been preserved.
The property also comes with a garage, convenient for storing a barbecue, outdoor furniture and maintenance equipment.
The home comes fully furnished with its own unique vintage interior.
The cabin's two porches overlook the property and are within earshot of the 'babbling brook' nearby.
The property is currently the number one home on weekly 'most popular homes' list.
South Carolina-based YouTube star Chay Denne, 24, recently converted a 40ft school bus into a livable space for his family.
The total cost was $57,000, which included $7,000 on the retired vehicle and the rest on the refit.
Maine is known for its outdoor recreation including skiing and hiking
South Carolina-based YouTube star Chay Denne converted a 40ft school bus into a tiny home for his family
Another South Carolina family also bought a $68,000 shed and turned it into their dream home.
The couple purchased a 16-by-48-foot shed and a parcel of land in the state and began constructing into a livable home for them and their four children.
Amazon is a popular place to buy new tiny homes - and they are often less than the price of a used car.
In October, the e-commerce site was selling a two-bedroom mobile home - with an open-plan living room and kitchen, and bathroom including a toilet and shower - for $19,000.
It was also equipped with plumbing and electricity, as well as a water heater.
The retail giant is also selling a one-bedroom Expandable Container Villa for $49,899.
