Hannah Doss, a teacher and artist, used to move frequently, especially when she was in college and pursuing her master’s degree.
Every time I moved, it was to a different state, and I would have no friends there, she said. I was searching for roommates on Craigslist at the time. I had several exciting interactions with my roommates through Craigslist, so I decided to quit doing it.
She also realized that she needed to make a change, as she was paying a large amount of rent.
Hannah considered building a little house, but with a lot of help from her father, she was able to adapt an old train trailer into a wonderful little home.
She first learned about surplus auctions from her father, who worked for the railroad for 20 years. She put her maximum bid at $350.
Although it may not seem like much, it was sufficient to purchase a lost historic train wagon from 1985. Even though the old railroad trailer was just 232 square feet, Hanna believed it was precisely what she needed at the moment.
Hannah quickly set to work renovating the old train trailer into her home, which she christened Journey.
The renovation took place on her parents’ farm. Fortunately, her parents were not only pleased to host the repair effort but also willing to lend a hand.
This lowered both the cost of building and the time required to complete the small home project.
Hannah’s entire endeavor ultimately cost her around $9,000. I had planned to spend $6,000, but I ended up spending $9,000 for the entire affair, Hannah explained. I finally spent $9,000 on the entire remodeling and furniture.
Fortunately, she was able to transform the old train trailer into a beautiful house with the help of her parents and friends. Otherwise, she would have had to pay another $10,000 to employ a professional.
Despite the short distance, Hannah and her father worked hard to make the old train trailer into a cozy home.
We designed the house to be as energy-efficient as possible, so future issues with size may not arise.
The miniature house on wheels, painted a pleasant light blue hue, features a gorgeous mountain mural. Hannah and her partner may prepare their meals in the kitchen there. There is also a small workspace with a lovely view of the outdoors.
The couple can easily convert a couch into a bed to sleep in at night. The restroom is comparable to any toilet in a typical home.
Hannah’s creative side is evident in the musical instruments and vinyl albums in her living room.
Renovations transformed the abandoned train trailer into an intriguing home with cost-effective features and distinctive architectural accents.
Hannah says she’s always pleased to show off Journey when people want to see the interior.
She even wrote a children’s book about Journey, a historic train trailer that a little girl and her family saved and turned into something magnificent.
The journey ended three and a half years ago, and Hannah’s humble home became her legal dwelling. She drove cross-country to Lake Tahoe, California.
Hannah, her partner, and their dog now live in the former antique train trailer. “I reside in park employee housing and work for the California State Parks. I reside in a magnificent home a mile from Lake Tahoe’s beachfront, which I could never afford if I had to have a regular job and pay for a place, she explained.
The three have now gone on several trips with Journey because they like and appreciate their mobile home. The video below shows a tour of Hannah’s house: