Tiny homes make a big first impression at Diamond Lake Resort

March 18, 2019 | 3:02 am

Updated March 17, 2019 | 10:17 pm

Brian and Janice Smith are always looking for ways to expand Diamond Lake Resort, so with some extra space available at the west county campground, the owners decided to add some additional rentals. | Photo by AP Imagery

Brian and Janice Smith are always looking for ways to expand Diamond Lake Resort, so, with some extra space available at the west county campground, the owners decided to add some additional rentals.

The Smiths retrofitted two large sheds, calling them cabins and added them to their six cottages and 10 motel rooms. It wasn’t until WBKR’s Chad Benefield pointed out that the new cabins looked like “tiny homes,” a national craze that has earned shows on HGTV and other home building networks, that the couple decided to adopt the nickname for their latest rentals.

“They are just so cute,” Janice said. “I almost want to keep them as a playhouse.”

Photo by AP Imagery

But since posting the tiny homes on social media, the Smiths have gotten a lot of interest in them, with several weekends booked already.

“One lady called and wanted to rent for her daughter’s birthday party,” Janice said. “Her daughter loves tiny homes and loves the TV shows.”

One of the tiny homes was previously owned by someone who used it as a vacation home at Diamond Lake. When they no longer wanted the converted shed, the Smiths bought it and renovated the unit.

“That one inspired us,” Janice said, adding that they then bought a second shed and renovated it for an additional rental space.

One tiny home is $150 per night and offers a queen bed and loft, sleeping four people or more, if the group has small children.

Photo by AP Imagery

The second tiny home is located on the lake and rents for $160 per night. It also offers a queen bed and loft, but has an additional room with a second queen bed that can be rented for $30 extra. It can sleep around six. Both offer a quaint covered porch.

Photo by AP Imagery

The tiny home rental comes with access to the pool and lakes for fishing. Additional amenities available at a small cost include go-karts, drift trikes, miniature golf, pedal boats, live music at the theater, pizza and ice cream parlor and a grille that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Janice said anyone is welcome to come out to Diamond Lake Resort to check out the tiny homes.

“We are very proud of them and are excited to show them off,” she said.

March 18, 2019 | 3:02 am

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