Chasing My Tiny-Living Dreams at Highland House
I’ve been obsessed with the idea of tiny living for years! I still find myself scrolling tiny home listings or DIY tiny home package builds, even though I have zero plans to actually move tomorrow. There’s just something about the simplicity, the coziness, and the creativity of small spaces that pulls me in every time. So I’m always on the lookout to stay in a tiny home for a weekend getaway within driving distance, you already know I’m packing my bag…
The Highland House is one of the coziest Airbnb’s I have ever stayed at. If you’ve ever wanted to try tiny living without fully committing, this is the dreamiest place to test it out.
Tucked on five acres in the Lanark Highlands, this tiny home serves up big views, big sunsets, and, quiet moments you don’t realize you’ve been craving. It’s just an hour from Ottawa and close to Perth, Almonte, and Carleton Place, making it the perfect little mix of nature escapes and charming town exploration.
The second you pull in, it feels like a special little retreat. There’s a hobby farm on-site with fluffy sheep, wandering chickens, and the friendliest pig named Chef. You can wander the mowed paths, sip your morning coffee while watching the animals move across the fields, or end the night around the fire under the brightest starry sky.
Inside, the tiny home is everything I love about small-space living: minimal, intentional, warm, and stocked with exactly what you need. A compact kitchen for cooking, cozy spots to relax, and thoughtful details that make the space feel effortless. It’s the kind of place that slows you down in all the right ways.
Exploring Nearby Towns
One of my favourite things about Highland House is how easy it is to mix slow living with little adventures. Once you’ve had your cozy, tiny-home morning, you’re just a short drive from some of the cutest towns in the area.
Perth
Perth honestly feels like you stepped into a Hallmark movie. Think stone buildings, boutique shops, restaurants and cafés you’ll want to wander all day through. Start with coffee and pie (yes, pie for breakfast! ) at the Perth Pie Co. Wander the shops downtown, especially if you love thrifting at LIDA. Grab some treats at Perth Chocolate Works and stock up on goodies at The Cheese Shop.
Almonte
One of my favourite little towns to explore. It’s super walkable, right along the river, and filled with fun shops like Big Vintage, Packrats Bazaar, Pêches et Poivre, and Cheerfully Made. Grab a coffee from Ottawa Valley Coffee, or grab lunch at North Market, the menu is always so good! Then walk down to Grand Falls for a view. If you’re spending the afternoon, pop into Vodkow for a tasting before ending the day with dinner at Joe’s Italian Kitchen or The Sterling.
Carleton Place
Such a cute spot for an easy day of exploring. Start at The Foundary for a great coffee, then walk the downtown strip packed with local shops and bakeries. For lunch, The Blue Spoon Atelier is a gem! I’m still thinking about their creamy pesto chicken sandwich. If you’re heading in later in the day, you can try a flight at Braumeister Brewing Co. or Stalwart Brewing before dinner at St. James Gate.
If you’ve been curious about tiny living or just love exploring cozy spots close to home, this little Lanark Highlands escape is absolutely worth adding to your list. It’s peaceful, it’s charming, and it just might make you fall a little bit in love with the tiny-living lifestyle too.
