Everyone has their own idea of a dream home. For Grace and Jacob Kocher, it was a small log cabin that used to be guest housing at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. After renovations, the couple now calls the 540-square-foot cabin their home.
From RV Life to Tiny Home
The Florida-based couple, both in their late twenties, are big Disney fans. For several years, they traveled across the U.S. in a 35-foot RV, visiting 25 states while working remotely. Eventually, they wanted a more permanent home and decided a tiny house would suit their lifestyle.“When we saw some old Disney cabins for sale on Facebook Marketplace, we immediately fell in love. It was a chance to own a piece of Disney history,” says Grace. They bought the cabin for $53,375, an affordable price for a prebuilt tiny house.
Why This Cabin?
Grace explains that many modern tiny homes are either too expensive or don’t meet their quality standards. Disney cabins, on the other hand, are well-built and full of craftsmanship. Plus, the cabins had sentimental value, as Grace and Jacob had stayed there before.
Location Choice
The couple chose Florida for its beaches, state parks, springs, and proximity to Disney attractions. They also loved an RV resort they had visited years ago, which offered good amenities for residents.
Renovation Process
Renovating the cabin was challenging. They worked through the hot Florida summer and had no full spec sheet for the unit. With help from family and friends, they managed the renovation. To keep the original charm, they retained some vintage furniture and appliances that came with the cabin.Grace says, “Our tiny home is unlike most on the market. It’s strong, hurricane-resistant, full of craftsmanship, and has a rustic, homey feel with cedar trim and wood paneling.”
Living Simply
Even in a slightly larger home than their RV, the Kochers aim to live simply. Tiny home life encourages them to shop mindfully and think about storage solutions.Living in a tiny home, like RV life, changes the way you think about purchases. You start asking, ‘Do we really have space for this?’ It helps you live more intentionally,” Grace adds.