How a YouTube Dream Became a Tennessee Delight: Martha’s $56K Container Home Story
Martha Girve’s journey into tiny living began the same way many modern adventures do—with a late-night YouTube rabbit hole.
One evening, she stumbled upon a video featuring Randy Jones, the energetic founder of Incredible Tiny Homes, sharing his vision for a one-of-a-kind tiny home community in rural Tennessee. For Martha, it felt like fate. After years of searching for a legal place to park a tiny home, she had finally found the answer.
Her interest in tiny houses grew from a desire for simplicity and practicality. Working in FEMA’s Office of Disaster Assistance meant constant travel and long stretches spent living out of hotel rooms. That lifestyle made her realize she didn’t need much space—and paying for a large home she barely used no longer made sense. Inspired by countless YouTube creators embracing minimalism, she decided it was time to downsize.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Captivated by Randy’s vision, Martha reached out to his office. To her surprise and excitement, there was an open spot available in the Incredible Tiny Homes community in Newport, Tennessee. She sent her deposit immediately and called her family with the news that she had just bought a tiny house—from a guy she discovered on YouTube.
The location couldn’t have been better. Newport sits near Asheville and Knoxville and just a short drive from Smoky Mountain National Park. The community itself is divided into three themed areas: the forest, the beach, and the prairie. Martha’s container home settled beautifully into the peaceful forest section, surrounded by trees, quiet, and a sense of belonging she had sought for years.
Designing the Dream Home
Martha’s container home is built from a high-cube shipping container—slightly taller than a standard model—which gives the interior extra headroom and a more open, comfortable feel. The base price of the build was $56,000, but Martha chose to personalize the space with thoughtful upgrades that matched her lifestyle. Among her favorite additions are the sliding glass doors, a farmhouse-style sink, and a spacious pantry.
At 8×40 feet, the home showcases impressive efficiency in its layout. The living room feels warm and inviting, thanks to the fireplace and the expansive sliding doors that allow natural light to pour in. These doors not only brighten the space but also frame serene views of the surrounding forest. Even the sofa is designed with purpose, doubling as hidden storage to make the most of every available inch.
The dining table serves a dual purpose as Martha’s workspace, perfectly suiting her work-from-home routine. This multifunctional approach is central to tiny living, and Martha’s home is a perfect example of how flexible design choices can support both productivity and relaxation in a compact environment.
Functional and Stylish Interiors
The kitchen reflects Martha’s commitment to smart design. Despite its compact size, it includes a stove with an oven, a farmhouse sink, and a small refrigerator—everything she needs for everyday cooking. Her decision to include a large pantry was invaluable; it keeps the kitchen tidy by storing bulky appliances like her dehydrator and food processor. With everything neatly organized, she can even host gatherings for up to eight guests without feeling cramped.
The bathroom continues the theme of practical elegance. It features a full-size washer and dryer, a spacious shower, and a sliding barn door that adds rustic charm while saving space. Every detail has been chosen for both function and personality.
At the end of the hallway, the bedroom offers a peaceful retreat. With its queen-size bed and additional under-bed storage containers, it remains cozy yet highly efficient—providing Martha with a comfortable space to unwind after a long day.
Naming the Home
In a lighthearted moment, Martha’s neighbors jokingly nicknamed her container home “The Death Star,” inspired by its bold, block-like shape. As a devoted Star Wars fan, Martha loved it instantly and happily adopted the name as her own. What began as a playful comment quickly became a charming badge of identity, adding personality to her home and strengthening the sense of community around it.
Community Life at Incredible Tiny Homes
One of the most enriching parts of Martha’s new lifestyle is the vibrant community at Incredible Tiny Homes. Randy Jones’ dream of building a neighborhood where people passionate about tiny living could come together has truly taken shape. According to Martha, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming—residents often leave their doors unlocked, share meals, and naturally fall into easy conversation.
In just three months, Martha has formed countless friendships and hosted several gatherings, including a roaring ’20s Gatsby-themed murder mystery dinner for eight. Events like these highlight the strong sense of camaraderie that defines the community. For Martha, living here isn’t just about downsizing—it’s about finding a place where people genuinely connect, support one another, and celebrate the lifestyle they’ve chosen together.
Practical Benefits and Lifestyle Changes
Living in the Incredible Tiny Homes community offers Martha a number of practical advantages. Her monthly electric bill stays remarkably low—typically between $30 and $34—thanks to the energy-efficient design and strong insulation of her container home. She also maintains dependable internet service for about $70 a month, ensuring a smooth work-from-home experience.
Downsizing has brought meaningful improvements to Martha’s work-life balance. Given that her job requires frequent travel, a compact and well-organized living space fits her routine perfectly. She’s no longer burdened by the cost or upkeep of a large home she rarely used. Instead, she enjoys the financial freedom, simplicity, and peace that come with tiny living, all while tailoring her environment to match her lifestyle.
Choosing the Container Home Model
Martha’s search for the perfect tiny home required thoughtful consideration. She initially gravitated toward the Freedom model, but quickly realized that climbing into a loft each night wouldn’t suit her long-term lifestyle. Everything changed when she toured one of Incredible Tiny Homes’ shipping container models. Its layout, combined with the practicality of single-level living, instantly felt right.
The high-cube design—with its added headroom—was a major selling point, offering a sense of openness that many tiny homes lack. From there, Martha collaborated closely with the builders to tailor every detail to her needs. Together, they crafted a layout that balanced efficiency, comfort, and personal style.
The final result is a home that’s both highly functional and unmistakably hers—a customized space that reflects her vision and supports her day-to-day life beautifully.
Exterior and Placement
Martha’s container home sits on a triple-axle trailer, ready to be moved but ultimately intended for a permanent foundation once the wheels are removed. Its dark gray exterior, inspired by a container home she admired on YouTube, gives the structure a modern and sophisticated appearance.
When settled in its final spot, Martha plans to add a deck between the original container doors, creating an inviting outdoor living area. Surrounded by the forested section of the Incredible Tiny Homes community, the home enjoys a peaceful and natural setting. This tranquil environment offers the perfect retreat while keeping urban conveniences in Asheville and Knoxville within easy reach.
Embracing the Tiny Home Lifestyle
Martha’s journey into tiny living highlights the growing appeal of minimalism and smart, efficient design. Her container home, with its carefully planned layout and thoughtful features, offers everything she needs within a compact, functional space.
Living in the Incredible Tiny Homes community has provided her with a sense of connection and security, making the transition to a smaller lifestyle both smooth and rewarding. While downsizing to a tiny container home came with its challenges, Martha has found that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
She now enjoys a home that reflects her values, surrounded by a supportive community and the serenity of nature. Martha’s story is a compelling example of how embracing innovation and being open to change can lead to a more fulfilling, sustainable, and intentional way of life.
Credits: @trendytinyhomes