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Ashlee Coombe admits she was worried that moving her boys into a home made of shipping containers would cause them some embarrassment.But Bailey, 8, and twins Noah and Chase, 6, “absolutely love it” and – even though it’s squashy – love having friends over to show off their unusual digs.<img alt="IMG_1135" class="richtext-image full-width" height="635" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1135.width-800.jpg" width="800">Ashlee, a single mum, was “only just” staying afloat financially last year when a debilitating spinal injury made it impossible for her to work. Facing a long stretch with no income, she had to get creative with living options for herself and the boys.“The need to save money and live comfortably with my boys became a priority,” she says.Ashlee considered a smaller apartment, renting a granny flat and even living in a caravan before hitting the <a href="https://www.readyhomes.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Readyhomes website</a>, where she discovered she could buy a mobile home made of shipping containers. Readyhome builds and installs two-, three- and four-bedroom “expandable container homes” as well as one-bedroom studios, living pods and bolt-on ensuites.<img alt="IMG_1133" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1133.width-800.jpg" width="800">Ashlee loved the idea: but where to put it? She couldn’t afford to buy a piece of land so she did what most of us would do: asked her mum and dad. Mum Gillian and dad Paul agreed to let Ashlee and their grandsons live in their Queanbeyan backyard.While Ashlee had initially wanted a three-bedroom, 40ft home, it would have taken up the entire yard. So she opted for the two-bedroom option, at 20ft, which meant the family still had room to play, and could keep the cherished above-ground pool for summer.<img alt="IMG_1129" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1129.width-800.jpg" width="800">Ashlee’s house was literally craned in over the top of Gillian and Paul’s Queanbeyan home, and days later they were moving furniture in. The home stands on a trailer (with wheels) and as such is considered mobile, eliminating the need for council approval.With all three boys in one bedroom, Ashlee used her creativity and hacked an Ikea bunk bed, adding a third level.<img alt="IMG_1136" class="richtext-image full-width" height="1066" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1136.width-800.jpg" width="800">“Despite my initial concern about the limited space for them to play, they actually love our tiny house,” Ashlee says.“While it does feel cramped at times, they make use of the backyard for play, and we&#x27;re often out and about doing activities together.”<img alt="IMG_1132" class="richtext-image full-width" height="960" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1132.width-800.jpg" width="720">Maintaining privacy between the main house and Ashlee’s house has been a priority for both families.“We use careful planning and open communication,” Ashlee says.“We have separate entrances — and we’ve set clear boundaries and have ongoing conversations to ensure that both households have the privacy they need.”<img alt="readyhomes1" class="richtext-image full-width" height="667" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/readyhomes1.width-800.jpg" width="500">After surgery late last year to help heal her spine, Ashlee’s looking forward to returning to work.“I’m yet to see the financial benefits of moving into our tiny house as I haven’t been able to work,” she says.“But I’ve had surgery and I’m recovering well. I’ll return to work this year and will absolutely see the benefits once I have an income stream again.“It’s exciting.”

The Queanbeyan mum who moved her family into shipping containers

Whether you need a bit of extra space, love hosting visitors, want an additional income stream, or are just looking for a bigger home office, here are three homes for sale now on Zango with a self-contained granny flat.<h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/16-walgrove-rd-yass-nsw-2582-27742/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">16 Walgrove Road, Yass</a></h4><img alt="16 Walgrove Road, Yass.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="495" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/16_Walgrove_Road_Yass.width-800.png" width="800">You wouldn’t be short of people wanting to visit if you moved into the historic Walgrove homestead near Yass. Constructed in 1905, the very private property boasts old world charm tastefully renovated for the modern era. The stunning main home includes a segregated master suite, complete with a huge free-standing bathtub and open fireplace, plus there are two more bedrooms, a study, rumpus room, large kitchen and dining area, informal and formal living spaces, and three additional open fireplaces throughout. Adjoining the homestead is a separate two bedroom cottage with its own kitchen, bathroom and courtyard. You could keep it free for your nearest and dearest to visit, or rent it out and turn it into an additional income stream. Also on the property for you or your guests to enjoy is a full-size tennis court, an in-ground swimming pool, a tree-house, and an in-ground trampoline.<h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/330-gundaroo-drive-gungahlin-act-2912-27716/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">330 Gundaroo Drive, Gungahlin</a></h4><img alt="330 Gundaroo Drive GUNGAHLIN.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="506" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/330_Gundaroo_Drive_GUNGAHLIN.width-800.png" width="800">This light-filled home already boasts plenty of space, with five generously sized bedrooms on the ground floor, plus a spacious open-plan living area and even an additional study nook that’s perfect for working or studying from home. But head upstairs and you’ll find a whole other self-contained space, with its own small kitchenette, bathroom, laundry, reverse cycle heating and cooling, plus a balcony. It’s a comfortable space for visitors or for extended family to call home, or could make a great space to run a business.<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/3-belfield-crescent-florey-act-2615-27576/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3 Belfield Crescent, Florey</a><img alt="3 Belfield Crescent Florey.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="489" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/3_Belfield_Crescent_Florey.width-800.png" width="800">Located in an ultra-convenient spot near schools, shops and Lake Ginninderra, this family home boasts a huge seven bedrooms across two levels. Upstairs in the main part of the home you’ll find five bedrooms, one bathroom and one ensuite, plus a large open plan living and dining area which opens up to verandahs at the front and back. Downstairs on the ground level is a rumpus room and extra bathroom off the carport. And nestled next to it is a two bedroom self-contained flat (unapproved) with its own private entrance. From both levels, you can easily access the rear terrace with plenty of space for alfresco entertaining.<h4>Looking for a new home? <a href="/">Click here</a> to start searching for your perfect property on Zango.</h4>

2 news articles with tag granny-flat

The Queanbeyan mum who moved her family into shipping containers

Want more space? 3 Canberra homes for sale with granny flats