In search of an “exit strategy” from their busy city lives, four couples created a neighborhood of modest vacation homes to fulfill their grandiose retirement plans.
Each couple had a custom-built eco-conscious micro-apartment hideaway that allowed them to escape to a neighborhood full of friends.
Four Texas couples who have been best friends for more than 20 years were nearing retirement and looking for a quiet getaway from their Austin home where they could relax and recharge.
They knew the plot, while it still needed some work, would be ideal when they discovered a strip of land next to the Llano River, a nature lover’s paradise about an hour from Austin.
According to Garden and Gun magazine, it “wasn’t really that appealing when we first looked at it,” said Fred Zipp, former editor of the Austin-American Statesman. Of the four couples participating in the green project, Zipp and his wife, Jodi, are the ones who can reduce their carbon footprint the most.
“It’s a magical place, but it’s arid,” Zipp noted, noting that large herds of wild buffalo can be seen galloping over the rugged landscape.
“We do our best to allocate as much water as possible to the local grasses and trees. Fortunately, they’re amazing.”
The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their minds and thought that smaller private houses with a single community building would be more suitable.
And once San Antonio architect Matt Garcia drew up the blueprints for the project, everything fell into place.
Garcia used the tiny house movement as inspiration to design four self-contained 350-square-foot cabins, each with a queen bed, kitchenette, and bathroom, all on a budget of $40,000 per house.
“Basically, we wanted a place where we could spend a lot of time together — eating and drinking and hanging out — but also have privacy and separation when people needed to get away from the gang,” Jodi Zipp explained.
Going one step further, building roofs capture rainwater for future use and meet the landowner’s water conservation requirements.
The tiny houses have extensive roof overhangs to prevent heat loss during the day and are insulated with spray foam to keep the interior cool against the intense Texas heat.
Instead of being warm, houses must give off warmth.
Clad in grained plywood, the Garcia’s interior has a warm, inviting look that contrasts with the cool metal exterior.
Garcia explained, “We just wanted something warm to offset the coldness of the metal on the outside.” The floors are gray cast concrete that has been left to look natural. “It’s a high-design finish that doesn’t cost a lot of money.”
The open design, which has large windows that let in natural light and give residents unobstructed views of the river, adds warmth to the home.
Garcia then designed the 1,500-square-foot shared cottage, an excellent space for socializing with a guest bedroom, living room, and large kitchen for cooking, eating, and entertaining. There is also a swimming pool in the building!
“If anything good came out of the recession, it was people resetting and realizing they don’t need so much space to be happy,” Garcia said. “I love it. And it makes me happy to work with clients who have come to the conclusion that ‘less is more.’
While the eight closest friends aren’t quite ready to retire full-time, their little neighborhood, nicknamed “Bestie Row” or “Llano Exit Strategy,” is a fun escape. In addition, they make extra money by renting out cabins to travelers who are interested in tiny houses when they are not using them.
This place reminds me of a Disney movie. We have bucks, deer, hares, and different kinds of birds. The longer we stay here, the more we discover.”
The Facebook story about “Bestie’s Row” has sparked a lot of discussion among netizens.
Someone writes: “Great idea. We’ve always said it would be a great idea for friends to band together and help each other as you get older, even if you share the same carers.” “What a way to leave by force!” the other exclaims.
All of them are undoubtedly stunning.
Some praised the couple for their commitment to their friendship, while others said it was a risky choice.
One comments, “Here’s to friendship,” and the other, “They won’t be friends in three months.”
Building individual tiny houses in a neighborhood full of your closest friends is such an amazing concept! If you want to spend more time with your closest friends, would you create a micro-community?
The inspiring story of four Texas couples who have been best friends for over 20 years highlights the beauty of deep friendship and the innovative spirit that drives the tiny house movement. In their search for an “exit strategy” from the hustle and bustle of city life, these friends turned a shared dream into reality by creating a neighborhood of modest vacation homes on land along the Llano River. Their project, affectionately called “Bestie Row” or “Llano Exit Strategy,” represents a harmonious blend of environmental awareness and the desire for a peaceful, communal sanctuary.
Designed by San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the project features four 350-square-foot eco-cabins for each couple to call their own, along with a spacious 1,500-square-foot communal cabin for socializing, dining, and entertaining. The thoughtful design includes features to maximize sustainability and comfort, such as rainwater harvesting systems and extensive roof overhangs to mitigate heat gain. Lined with grained plywood and with natural concrete floors, the interiors offer a warm and welcoming contrast to the cold metal exteriors.
Not only does the project provide a quiet escape for these longtime friends, but it also reflects a broader trend toward minimalism and intentional living. By scaling back and focusing on basic needs, the couples have created a space that fosters closeness and community while respecting the natural environment. This shift toward “less is more” resonates with many who seek fulfillment through meaningful connections and simplicity rather than material excess.
“Bestie Row” has generated considerable discussion and admiration online, with many praising the couples for their commitment to maintaining intimate friendships and embracing a sustainable lifestyle. While some skeptics question the longevity of such an arrangement, the overwhelming response celebrates the innovative approach to retirement and vacation living. The project also serves as an example of how friendships can be nurtured and strengthened through shared experiences and shared goals.
As these friends continue to enjoy their unique retreats, they are also contributing to the growing popularity of tiny house communities and offering inspiration to others who may be thinking of creating their own micro-neighborhoods. Whether you’re renting cabins to like-minded travelers or simply enjoying the tranquility of your “magical spot,” Bestie Row couples have proven that creativity, collaboration, and a love of the outdoors can truly make lifelong dreams come true.
Building a community with your closest friends, as these couples have done, is an interesting and appealing concept. It challenges traditional notions of retirement and living spaces and promotes a vision where shared values and close relationships take center stage. Would you consider creating a micro-community with your best friends to enjoy more quality time together? This story is definitely a compelling case for such a life-changing adventure.