This Stylish Tiny House Packs Incredible Functionality in Every Corner

With more than 500 completed houses under its belt and a decade in the industry, the Vancouver-based Mint Tiny House Company has confirmed its reputation as one of the top names when it comes to solid, reliable, and versatile tiny homes for full-time living. To meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs looking to use tiny homes as investment opportunities, the Canadian builder has recently launched a series specifically adapted for Short Term Rental (STR).

The STR30 is slightly bigger than the other model in this series, yet still compact and low-maintenance. The basic layout includes two lofts, while the versatile main floor can be adapted to include either a traditional-style, private master bedroom and a smaller lounge area or a spacious, open-concept living room and no bedroom.

Either way, what stands out is the clever and unexpected placement of the dining nook. Most compact tiny houses typically squeeze in a folding table or a breakfast bar into the kitchen area, but the STR30 cleverly hides it between the two ladders leading to each of the loft bedrooms. A compact dining table is placed by the window, with ample room for classic seating. Since it's separate from the kitchen, it feels much more spacious, while also allowing plenty of space for a potential lounge setup in the same perimeter with a simple sofa.

Even if the owners choose to create a fully enclosed bedroom on the main floor, that won't interfere with this cozy dining nook in any way. Having a third bedroom would allow this short-term living tiny home to comfortably accommodate a bigger number of guests. Each room is designed to fit a double bed, and large windows are added in every bedroom for natural light and optimal cross-ventilation.

The STR30 is like a treasure trove of design hacks for added functionality. As soon as you step inside, there's a tiny cabinet with open shelves for shoe storage. Then, there's that ingenious loft ladder with added rails that make it easier to move and take out of the way. Thanks to the added hanging rod and multiple shelves, the slim, full-height closet in the kitchen area can be used either as a pantry or for storing clothes. Another versatile storage cabinet awaits in the bathroom, apart from the classic vanity.

One of the two lofts hides its own ingenious tricks. Instead of the typical protection wall that doubles as a storage cabinet with open compartments, this spacious room has two distinct sections. The main section is the usual sleeping area, with enough floor space for a double bed flanked by windows. A double-sided storage cabinet with open shelves divides the two sections, one of which is fitted with a long hanging rod for clothes. This way, the bedroom is able to provide dedicated storage and also create better privacy, as the cabinet effectively doubles as a safety wall.

The second loft boasts a classic layout with large windows on each side and a slated full-length railing. This one is also accessed via a ladder, which not only saves a ton of floor space, but also creates a cohesive, balanced look. By opting for ladders instead of staircases or hybrid alternatives, the STR30's designers strategically freed up more space downstairs, which allowed them to then integrate a unique dining nook.

Last but not least, the kitchen is what mostly distinguishes this tiny home as a short-term rental alternative compared to the ones intended for full-time living or even family accommodation. While it doesn't skimp on storage (you'll notice the classic white cabinetry), it incorporates appliances that are both user-friendly and easy to maintain. A smaller fridge instead of a regular one was easy to incorporate into a dedicated nook with a special shelf for the microwave oven and additional storage space on top.

The other side of the kitchen includes a classic countertop with a small induction plate, a stainless steel range hood, and a full-size sink. The STR30 and STR26 basically boast the same kitchen design and appliances, but the smaller model doesn't have this type of dining nook and isn't meant to include a ground-floor bedroom in addition to the two lofts.

One of the best parts is that all of these smart solutions don't come with a hefty price tag. Pricing for the STR30 starts at only $93,000/CAD 120,900. After all, affordability should be one of the most attractive features of a tiny home for investment purposes. And it doesn't necessarily have to function as a short-term rental; the STR30 could also be an excellent vacation home for owners who want to escape the urban jungle from time to time and reconnect with the outdoors in beautiful locations.