Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.
This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.
When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.
Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.
With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.
“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.
The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.
Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.
Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!
Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.
Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.
“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.
The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.
Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!
At 48, Charlize Theron’s see-through gown for Oscars after party ignites reactions from fans
Being a celebrity these days must be difficult, as every action and choice is closely examined and shared for the entire world to debate.
Maybe that has always been the case—leading a life in the public eye has always entailed drawing attention from cameras and flashing lights—but the emphasis is sharper now than it was decades ago because of sensationalized social media headlines and viral material.
A-list celebrities are scrutinized not only for their words and deeds but also for their attire, and this is especially true during the awards season. The 96th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles last weekend, and as was to be expected, it was a highly publicized event.
A who’s who of stars and movie industry heavyweights graced the red carpet, and you can bet your bottom dollar that their costume selections were dissected like participants in a massive fashion design test on the internet.
One celebrity whose appearance was subjected to an especially close examination was Charlize Theron, who attracted attention with her shimmering black outfit.
CHARLIZE THERON attends the Radhika Jones-hosted 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 10, 2024. (Image courtesy of Lionel Hahn/Getty Images))
As soon as the 48-year-old’s images appeared on social media, others started to leave disparaging comments. Her choice to wear a see-through outfit that exposed her panties was praised by some. Others weren’t as much.
“You look amazing in all of the pictures, are there any bad ones?”Someone penned something.
Stunningly beautiful, another person said.
A third made the joke, “This woman is stunningly gorgeous.”
“This woman is just amazing, with great dedication to acting, producing, and social assistance,” remarked a fourth.
As is usually the case when public figures reveal themselves to the public, Theron’s appearance was praised by a number of critics as well.
Someone wrote, “Not a good choice.”
Another said, “You look great, but this clothing is awful [sic].”
A third said, “Yuk—too thin.”
“I am her fan, but I don’t like her hair here. She’s so skinny and the dress, hmm, no,” commented another.
Theron has already given candid speeches about her style choices and encouraged others to always follow their emotions.
She said to People last year, “I think there should be no faux pas.”
“I truly believe that it’s not a faux pas if you just go by how you feel and how much you love it.”
The actress commented at the time, “I mean, there are a lot of dresses that I know people didn’t like, but I’m like, I looked at myself in the mirror that night and I was feeling myself,” in reference to the ensembles that sparked a strong reaction from critics.
Charlize Theron looked amazing at the Oscars, in my opinion! Share your opinions with us in the comments section.
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