Tiny house trend develops in Murray

Story by Emily Combs, Contributing writer 

If you were at the Murray State Homecoming Parade, chances are you saw “The Little Prince,” a 200-square foot tiny house. Designed and built by Mod Pod Tiny Homes, a local construction company, the midnight blue home on wheels has garnered a lot of attention in the area since its completion in September of this year.

Currently, “The Little Prince” is the first and only home by Mod Pod Tiny Homes, but with the amount of interest shown in the tiny house, it likely won’t remain so for long.

“There has been a lot of interest,” said Wade Rogers, the owner, builder and mastermind behind Mod Pod Tiny Homes. “You know, as with any change in the status quo, you’re going to get some people that the tiny home life is not right for. That’s to be expected. You get a lot of people that are interested, but to actually make the step into tiny home living, and to make that investment, that takes a special person.”

During a recent outing of “The Little Prince,” the home got some free advertising at Office Depot.

“I really just went in to get a few brochures printed up… and we had about fifty visitors, and a possible sale out of stopping in the parking lot,” said Molly Rogers on Mod Pod Tiny Homes’ Facebook page. “I just really hope we’re gonna help people out… and help them find creative ways to get out of debt and live how they want to live.”

“The Little Prince” is listed on Airbnb, a hospitality service allowing people to rent out their homes for short stays.

“You test drive a car before you buy it,” Wade said. “You try on clothes before you buy them. Why wouldn’t you stay in a home before you buy one?”

Brock Kirk/The News

The company allows people to stay in “The Little Prince” for as long as they like, and then if they decide to purchase a home, they can be refunded for up to an entire weekend. The house isn’t just for prospective homeowners though. Several people have stayed there simply passing through, as an alternative to a hotel.

Tiny house living isn’t for everyone, but it is an option for some college students.

Izel Leon, senior from Murray, was searching for an apartment in downtown Murray when the landlord asked to show her other places he owned.

“He was like ‘Oh, I have these apartments over here, they’re two bedroom, and I think you’ll really like them,’” Leon said.

She didn’t expect to join the tiny house movement, but found herself signing a lease for a tiny home.

“We really liked them, and they it was cute, there were two bedrooms, it was reasonably priced, and they were super close to campus, so I moved into a tiny house.”

Tiny houses are sweeping the nation, and Murray is no exception.

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