I got a note and photos from Devin, a Historic Buildings Specialist who works for the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, with news that these little cabins need a new home and are free to anyone that can take them away. There are four identical cabins, each measuring about 12′ by 12′. The only catch is that they must be removed by July 31, 2010. Here’s how Devin described the cabins.
Four historic tourist cabins available for FREE to anyone willing to relocate them. Built in the 1930s in Richmond, Vermont, the Checkered House Cabins provided lodging for travelers prior to the construction of the Interstate. The cabins are now proposed for demolition, but are being offered for free to anyone who can safely remove them from the property and relocate them to a new site. Available individually or as a group.
Cabins must be removed from the property by July 31, 2010
Each cabin measures approximately 12′ x 12′ with a small bathroom and kitchen area. Exterior features include novelty siding, exposed rafter tails, original windows and door, and Craftsman-style entry hoods. These are great examples of roadside architecture and could be rehabilitated into wonderful little guest cottages, playhouses or retreats.
Below is a Google Map of the location. If you’re interested in the houses please contact the owner, Kelli Brown, at 802-503-5651.
View Larger Map
Below are some photos of the buildings.
Wow….a hike, and some backbreaking work, but those lil’ cabins are great looking….I’m almost contemplation hitchin’ up the ole trailer….then again, its like 100 degree, and humid outside in MA right now…
-Deek
Relaxshacks.com
How does one of these tiny homes ?
elise
How does one remove these tiny homes?
sorry
“How sweet it is”~Jackie Gleason
elise
Post Script:
I submitted the above statement accidentally
elise
Elise,
Is your question “how does one move one of these tiny homes?” There are a few ways to do it. Here are some ideas.
* Jack it up using house jacks and slide flatbed truck or trailer under.
* Use a tilt-bed truck/trailer and winch it up.
* I bet a big forklift could lift one onto a truck too.
Anyone else with other ideas?
The high foundations lead me to believe that the floor structure might not be attached. That would complicate moving the structure because the walls might slay outward. A few 2×6′s (at least) could be used to connect the sill plates together. Then a couple of plywood sheets nailed across the 2x’s would keep the structure from racking.
We have dragged two buildings (skids-on gravel road) at 22 mph with this system and had no problems.
Kevin is correct – the floor structure is not attached and the walls would need to be braced prior to moving.
Devin
Thanks Kevin and Devin! Thanks for the input.
Hello Mr Michael Janzen .
I have been reading the tiny house blog for the passed 3 months …I love all the ideas and pictures from this blog …I would love to be able to get those tiny cabins for free …But I would think it is too far from there to where I live ( Delaware ) I have been saving my money to buy an 5 acres land _ with the septic already installed in …but I have not had enough money to build the place of my own …( I have saved some , but not enough to build one just yet ) In this blog …seem like every one knows how to do the basic construction …( I am an elderly Asian female …who does not know how to use any tools or the names of the tools _ being Asian is not stupid , but I was raised like …heavy work as construction is for men , lighter work as cooking , sewing are for women …How I wish I know what to do …so I can do it < build a small place for myself .
To be short , I enjoy reading this blog a lot ( and hope that one day I can be able to learn how to build a tiny house . ) My husband laughed at my hope and my dream . ( That was not nice ) Thanks for posting some wonderful ideas and knowledge . TM.
Thanks for the kind words TM. It’s really nice to get feedback like that.
I have 10 acres just down the road in Duxbury. My wife and I are building a vacation home there (the one in the photos on my web site… shoestring-homes.com). I’d be happy to have one of these little buildings as guest quarters on the property. If they they want to get rid of them and preserve them badly enough, I’ll provide a free home for one on my land. Just have to get it there somehow…
The owner’s interest in giving the cabins away is primarily to avoid the demolition and disposal fees. My interest in trying to find a new home for them is to keep them out of the landfill and preserve a bit of Vermont’s roadside history.
Moving one to Duxbury wouldn’t be too difficult – do you think you could make it happen?
Too bad there wasn’t more notice.
Any inside photos??
I posted all the photos I have. Devin may have more.
The interiors are basic, plain space. I think the walls are Sheetrock, and they have some kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures. Nothing of historic interest; they were most likely “updated” many times over the years.
Are these still available? The organization I’m a part of, Kunsi Keya Tamakoce, has a property in Huntington VT, and we were just talking about trying to figure out how to afford to build cabins like these to house visitors to the land!! I’m SURE we could find a way to transport them — in fact, it’s perfect timing as we’ll have a bunch of people up who could help this coming week. Please let me know – we would be happy for all or any of them!! What an incredible opportunity.
Our organization mission: Kunsi Keya Tamakoce is dedicated to sharing the traditional teachings and sacred ceremonies of the Lakota people with women, children, and men, in order to support the health and wellbeing of the earth and all who live here. Kunsi Keya Tamakoce uses the Lakota model of community building which cultivates a deep connection to the earth, empowers women to reclaim their role as wise leaders and creates a framework for future generations to realize the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.
Hi Jennifer. I think they are still available. Be sure to contact the seller directly if you’re interested.
Thanks, I left a message – we’ll see what happens.
I was in Traverse City Michigan over the July 4th weekend and saw what seemed to be a similar set of old, tourist cabins for sale. They were on Front Street (maybe in the 1000 block?). I tried to find them using Google street view and didn’t quite succeed, but seems like that’s the right area. I onluy caught passing glances as we drove by going to/from the hotel, but seemed like the lot that were on, along with the 4 or so units (plus an office?) were all for sale as a package. They were sort of yellow/vanilla colored. Maybe there’ll be the same opportunity to pick up these already existing units if someone buys the land and plans to do something else there. If anyone can better describe/locate these, please send word.
Are there photos available of the giveaway cabins?
Ingrid
Never mind my last question- found photos!
So interested in finding a small historic structure. More info on the Traverse City Cabins?
We live in N.Illinois.
Thanks!
is this working?
Hi Eliot,
If you mean as a way to find a home for these tiny houses? I’m not sure. I know a few people have shown a real interest but I don’t know what the current success rate is. I bet Devin will update us at the end.
As far as using social media/blogging to get the word out… I think it’s been a very effective method. The main benefit of online communities is that people with shared interests and values tend to come together, so those looking for tiny homes like this are more likely to connect with opportunities like this in places like blogs.
It was free too. I’m happy to tell a good story around tiny houses, simple living, intentional communities, etc. I try not to go too far off topic though, which actually adds value to the wider community since they know what to find here.
Sorry- I was having trouble with posting.
Our company Building Heritage, is going to begin moving these cabins tomorrow, stockpiling them in Huntington, VT for the time being.
Interested parties should get our info at http://www.buildingheritage.com
thanks
I have land in north Florida, in the woods, with enough clearings for several cabins, but do not know how to get them there. I am a 63 yr. old female artist/designer struggling in this recession. I have lots of creativity and some friends with muscle. I have the know-how about building, as I was there while my father built our house from scratch, but he is no longer with us, and I am not as strong as I used to be due to medical conditions. I do have a lot of spirit, though, and a degree of faith. I love the tiny house concept, and even have huge grandaddy oaks which could support a treehouse. Any suggestions?
These particular houses would probably require some professional help to retrieve or some clever friends with big trucks.
You might consider building some small cabins though. Check local codes to see what kind of limitations are enforced in your area.
Here are some resources you might find useful: http://www2.iccsafe.org/states/florida_codes/ and http://www.city-data.com/forum/florida/
A quick update on these cabins: one has already been removed and relocated to a new site, and I understand that at least two others will also be relocated. Success!
Thanks for the update Devin!
I’m glad to hear they are going to get a new home and lease on life.