While many people typically wait until they are at least 30 years old to build their dream home, the thrill of hand-crafting your ideal living space is unmatched.
Imagine the journey of creating a plan, putting your heart and soul into it, and finally seeing your vision come to life. That’s exactly what Tom did. At just 17 years old, he used his skill, creativity, and determination to make his dream a reality.
Driven by rising housing costs and a desire for independence, Tom set out to build a modest home using recycled materials. He discovered he could create something completely from scratch while staying within a budget.
“My vision for the cabin was to keep things simple and provide a stress-free lifestyle. Everything I have is mine; I paid for everything”, Tom explained.
Now, at 20, Tom is relieved knowing he won’t have to spend his hard-earned money on rent. “It’s a no-brainer life and once you’ve built something, it really is yours”, he added.
Tom’s house is located on his grandfather’s extensive property and retains a charming English country aesthetic, complete with a side window. At 17, he bought a caravan and immediately began building it while working and completing his carpentry apprenticeship, which he completed in December.
The front of his house is made of larch wood, sourced cheaply from a local sawmill, while the side walls are made of fence boards. All the windows are recycled, sourced from a website that specializes in used materials. He recently added a porch, using boards from a scaffolding company and other scrap and reclaimed wood he recovered from the job.
Upon entering Tom’s home, visitors are greeted by beautiful reclaimed wood and a tranquil poster of a seascape. “My goal was to use only reclaimed wood for the build because it’s budget-friendly,” Tom noted. Much of the wood in his home was salvaged from old homes that he personally stripped down, sanded and repurposed.
The living area includes a compact workspace for his work and meals, a standard sofa, and a wall-mounted TV. In the future, he hopes to upgrade to a multifunctional sofa with built-in storage.
Tom especially loves his kitchen, where he made a fully functional worktop out of recycled scaffolding boards and spent hours sanding and painting it. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances such as a fridge, stove and toaster.
Opposite the kitchen is a compact bathroom with a small chemical toilet with electric flush. The shower area has corrugated iron walls and copper fittings, evoking a rustic farmhouse feel. Back in the living room, a ladder leads to the loft, which leads to Tom’s cozy bedroom with double mattress.
Tom began building his dream home at age 17 with a budget of $8,200 and an hourly wage of $5.50 and managed to save most of his income to finance the construction of his home using recycled materials.
Imagine how his home will evolve as he completes the various upgrades he has in mind! For a full tour of Tom’s home, check out the video below
Many know her as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s wife, but she’s also famous in Hollywood
Cheryl Hines, widely known for her portrayal as Larry David’s spouse on the acclaimed series “Curb Your Enthusiasm, “has etched a unique place for herself in the heart of Hollywood, transcending the boundaries of her television character. Born in the vibrant city of Miami Beach, Florida, on September 21, 1965, Cheryl’s ascent to fame was marked by trials and triumphs. Growing up in Tallahassee within a modest household, Cheryl nursed aspirations of thespian glory from her formative years. She credits her father, James Hines, for instilling in her a comedic sensibility, his sharp wit always provoking laughter in their home.
Despite facing financial hurdles, Cheryl relentlessly pursued her acting dreams, eventually making her way to the bustling streets of Los Angeles post her graduation from the University of Central Florida. Amidst the cutthroat competition of Tinseltown, Cheryl navigated through a maze of odd jobs, including stints as a waitress and a television reporter, before finally finding her stride in the entertainment realm.
After persistent efforts, her dedication bore fruit as she became a member of The Groundlings Theater, a pivotal moment where she refined her craft in improvisational comedy and sketch writing. Within this creative hub, Cheryl’s prowess didn’t go unnoticed, capturing the gaze of influential figures in the industry and opening doors to promising prospects.
The turning point in Cheryl’s career arrived with her casting as Larry David’s spouse in “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. While there were doubts initially surrounding David’s selection, Cheryl’s depiction of ‘Cheryl’ struck a chord with viewers, garnering her acclaim that stretched far and wide.
Cheryl soared into the spotlight on the wings of the show’s triumph, unlocking a treasure trove of avenues in both cinema and television. Her appearance in the road-trip comedy “RV”, alongside the late Robin Williams, underscored her adaptability as an actress and reinforced her standing within the bustling realm of Hollywood.
Amidst her professional triumphs, Cheryl’s personal life has become a subject of fascination, particularly her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In 2014, the duo exchanged vows, merging two influential lineages in American history.
Despite the glaring scrutiny accompanying their union, Cheryl remains resolute in her devotion to her spouse and the shared principles that bind them together.
Despite the twists and turns, along with the controversies that have marked her path, Cheryl’s determination and steadfast commitment to her art serve as a beacon of inspiration for audiences across the globe. As she charts her course through the dynamic terrain of Hollywood, Cheryl Hines stands as a shining example of resilience and the relentless pursuit of aspirations.
With every character she inhabits, Cheryl reinforces her position as a cherished and enduring presence in showbiz, imprinting an unforgettable legacy on the souls of viewers worldwide.
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