Leola Tiny House Tour: Elegant Simplicity in Compact Living
Introduction
The Leola Tiny House represents a beautiful balance of functionality and elegant design in the growing tiny house movement. Created by Liberation Tiny Homes (now acquired by Zook Cabins), the Leola model has gained attention for its thoughtful layout and spacious feel despite its compact footprint. This article provides a comprehensive tour of the Leola Tiny House, exploring its features, design elements, and what makes it stand out in the tiny home market.
Leola Tiny House Specifications
The Leola Tiny House boasts impressive specifications that maximize living space while maintaining mobility:
– Dimensions: 30 feet long by 10 feet wide
– Notable feature: Standing height loft walkway
– Built on a trailer for mobility
– Slightly wider than standard towable tiny homes (standard is typically 8.5 feet)
– Two-bedroom configuration available
– Full kitchen and bathroom amenities
– Multiple layout options
– Custom finishes and design elements
Exterior Design and Construction
The exterior of the Leola Tiny House showcases a blend of modern and traditional tiny home aesthetics. The slightly wider 10-foot design provides additional interior space while still remaining towable, though special permits may be required for transport due to its width exceeding standard road limitations.
The construction features quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of both stationary living and occasional transport. The trailer foundation ensures the home can be relocated if needed, offering flexibility for owners who may want to change locations.
Interior Layout and Features
Living Space
The Leola’s interior makes exceptional use of its 300 square feet of floor space. The slightly wider design creates a more spacious feel compared to standard 8.5-foot wide tiny homes. The main living area typically features:
– Open concept design
– Multi-functional furniture
– Large windows for natural light
– Strategic storage solutions
– Hardwood or laminate flooring
Kitchen
Despite its compact size, the Leola offers a surprisingly functional kitchen with:
– Full-size or apartment-size appliances
– Custom cabinetry for maximum storage
– Countertop space for food preparation
– Energy-efficient fixtures
– Space-saving design elements
Bathroom
The bathroom in the Leola model typically includes:
– Standard flush toilet or composting option
– Full shower
– Vanity with storage
– Space-efficient design
– Ventilation system
Loft and Sleeping Areas
One of the Leola’s most distinctive features is its standing-height loft walkway, which addresses one of the common complaints about tiny homes – the inability to stand up in loft areas. This feature makes the sleeping areas more accessible and comfortable. The two-bedroom configuration offers:
– Primary sleeping loft with improved headroom
– Secondary sleeping area (either a second loft or main floor bedroom)
– Built-in storage solutions
– Options for customization
Unique Features of the Leola Model
Standing Height Loft Walkway
Perhaps the most praised feature of the Leola is its standing height loft walkway. This innovative design element eliminates the hunched movement typically required in tiny house lofts, making the upper level more practical and comfortable for daily use.
Wider Footprint
At 10 feet wide rather than the standard 8.5 feet, the Leola provides approximately 45 square feet of additional floor space compared to similarly-lengthed tiny homes. This width makes a noticeable difference in the feel of the interior, allowing for more comfortable furniture arrangements and movement throughout the space.
Customization Options
Liberation Tiny Homes (now Zook Cabins) offers various customization options for the Leola model, allowing buyers to tailor the home to their specific needs and aesthetic preferences. From exterior finishes to interior layout adjustments, the Leola can be personalized extensively.
Liberation Tiny Homes to Zook Cabins Transition
It’s worth noting that Liberation Tiny Homes, the original creator of the Leola model, has been acquired by Zook Cabins. This acquisition brings together Liberation’s innovative tiny home designs with Zook’s established reputation in cabin construction. Current and prospective Leola owners can now benefit from Zook Cabins’ expanded resources and expertise while still enjoying the thoughtful design of Liberation’s tiny home models.
Zook Cabins continues to offer tours of their models, including the Leola, allowing potential buyers to experience the space firsthand before making a purchase decision.
Pros and Cons of the Leola Tiny House
Pros
– Standing-height loft walkway improves accessibility and comfort
– Wider 10-foot design creates a more spacious interior feel
– Two-bedroom configuration available for families or those needing guest space
– Quality construction and materials
– Thoughtful storage solutions throughout
– Full amenities despite compact size
– Mobility through trailer foundation
– Customization options to suit individual preferences
Cons
– 10-foot width may require special permits for road transport
– Higher price point compared to some smaller tiny homes
– May be too compact for some families despite optimized design
– Limited production availability
– Waiting period for custom builds
– Requires downsizing for those transitioning from traditional homes
Comparison to Other Housing Options
Leola vs. Standard Tiny Homes
Compared to standard 8.5-foot wide tiny homes, the Leola offers more interior space and comfort, particularly with its standing-height loft walkway. The additional width makes a significant difference in livability while still maintaining the tiny home philosophy of minimalism and efficiency.
Leola vs. Manufactured Homes
Unlike manufactured homes from companies like Skyline Homes, the Leola Tiny House is built on a trailer foundation, offering mobility that manufactured homes typically don’t provide. Manufactured homes are generally larger but lack the craftsmanship and custom details found in the Leola model. However, manufactured homes often provide more square footage at a lower cost per square foot.
Leola vs. Traditional Housing
The Leola represents a significant downsize from traditional housing but offers benefits in terms of reduced maintenance, lower utility costs, and potential freedom from mortgage debt. For those interested in minimalist living or reducing their environmental footprint, the Leola presents an attractive alternative to conventional housing.
Conclusion: Is the Leola Tiny House Right for You?
The Leola Tiny House stands out in the tiny home market for its thoughtful design, standing-height loft walkway, and slightly wider footprint. It successfully addresses several common complaints about tiny living while maintaining the benefits of mobility and reduced environmental impact.
For singles, couples, or small families interested in tiny living but concerned about the constraints of standard tiny homes, the Leola offers an excellent compromise. Its innovative features make daily life more comfortable without sacrificing the principles of tiny home living.
With Zook Cabins now overseeing production, potential buyers can expect the quality craftsmanship to continue while potentially benefiting from expanded options and resources. Those interested in the Leola model should consider scheduling a tour through Zook Cabins to experience firsthand if this tiny house meets their needs and expectations.
Whether as a primary residence, vacation home, or guest house, the Leola Tiny House demonstrates that compact living doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort or functionality.