Livin' small

You like tiny houses.

You like massive mansions, too, so let's not get too granola crunchin' crazy. But it would be cool to have mini digs somewhere on your 400-acres of manicured grounds.

The small house phenomenon is gaining steam--or at least its media presence is. I only know of one truly miniature house near my chateau, and it's a summer-stay only. That hasn't stopped the grow small movement from building online, though. Tumbleweed was one of the first outfits I encountered. Tiny Green Cabin looks like it's the cottage version. There are plenty more modern-style options, too.

The real question, though, is just how hardcore you want to get. If you're really committed to minisculing your life, why not go all the way and move into a teardrop trailer. And if you're going for it, go for it: the Rascal. Just borrow someone's moped to tow this to its permanent site - you're using it as a house, not a camper - dig a hole outside to make number two in, and enjoy bragging rights at any squirrel-fest smoke-in in the country. When some white kid with dreads starts copping attitude about his hemp sneakers, you can squash him verbally (right before actually kicking the ever-living shit out of him): "Hemp sneakers, eh? Well, I don't wear shoes. I use tree roots to lace leaves onto the soles of my feet. And I don't own a bike - exhaling while exercising is just too environmentally unfriendly. Oh, and did I mention where I live...?"