Federation-Style Tiny House Redefines Home With Jaw-Dropping Cottage Charm
Lana and David’s tiny house in rural Victoria, Australia, is more than just a home—it’s a celebration of intentional living, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Built by hand and filled with vintage charm, this federation-style cottage is nestled on 25 acres of farmland and is the heart of their budding homestead. In this episode of Living Big in a Tiny House, we visit their property to discover how they turned a DIY dream into a truly extraordinary lifestyle.
Building a Tiny House with Big Character
When most people imagine tiny houses, they often picture minimalist, ultra-modern boxes with sparse interiors. But Lana and David had a different vision. They wanted their home to feel warm, nostalgic, and full of character—so they built it in the style of a classic Australian federation cottage.
Federation architecture, popular in Australia around the turn of the 20th century, is known for its intricate woodwork, ornate details, and inviting charm. Lana and David brought this old-world elegance to life in their tiny home, adding heritage-style trims, vintage finishes, and thoughtful design throughout. The result is a house that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Designed for Intentional Living
Despite its compact footprint, this tiny home packs in an impressive amount of functionality. There’s a generous kitchen, a cosy lounge, a sleeping loft, a dedicated craft room, and clever storage solutions everywhere you look. Every space is filled with meaningful objects—artworks, souvenirs from travels, books, and mementos that tell the story of two rich and creative lives.
Rather than stripping back to the bare minimum, Lana and David have curated a space that’s abundant, joyful, and deeply lived in. Their home challenges the notion that living in a tiny house means sacrificing comfort or expression. Instead, it proves that tiny living is about intention, not restriction.
A Tiny House Called “River”
The home is lovingly named “River”, a tribute to the beloved UK TV series River Cottage, which celebrates slow food, homesteading, and rural living. For Lana and David, the name reflects their aspirations for the land—to live sustainably, grow their own food, and create a life connected to nature.
Their 25-acre property already features the early stages of a thriving homestead. They’ve planted fruit orchards, established market garden beds, and built a large polytunnel for year-round food production. With each passing season, their vision of a self-sufficient lifestyle is becoming a reality.
Homesteading in Australia: A Growing Movement
Lana and David are part of a growing movement of Australians embracing off-grid living, tiny houses, and regenerative agriculture. Whether driven by a desire to escape the city, reduce environmental impact, or reconnect with nature, more and more people are finding freedom in simplicity and sustainability.
Their story is a reminder that you don’t need a huge house or a massive mortgage to create a beautiful life. With passion, resourcefulness, and a bit of creativity, it’s possible to build a home—and a life—that truly reflects who you are.
We hope you enjoy the video tour of this very speicial tiny home!
