From Tiny Houses To Unique Hotels: The Journey Of Kristie Wolfe

When I was 28, I built my first tiny house. This decision marked the beginning of my adventure in the early 2000s, right as the tiny home movement started gaining traction. My first tiny house was far from extravagant; it was essentially a shed that cost me around $3,000. The experience was transformative, as I engaged in various lifestyle experiments, including a vegetarian diet and minimalism. At the time, I worked in a factory earning $13 an hour, and my mother and I dedicated our weekends to constructing this small home using reclaimed materials.

Growing up, I spent countless hours with my mom repairing our homes and renovating low-income housing owned by my uncle. These experiences equipped me with foundational skills in renovation and construction. Once I moved into my tiny house, I quickly fell in love with the simplicity it offered. After a couple of weeks, I decided to venture into property ownership for the first time. I began searching for affordable land on my modest income and eventually purchased several small parcels in Idaho, totaling about half an acre for $5,000. Despite the nearby railroad tracks, the land felt incredibly remote, and when I later moved my tiny house there, I faced the challenge of making it off-grid due to the lack of local utilities.

Building my first tiny house was not only a personal milestone but also a stepping stone into the world of unique accommodations. My passion for creating distinctive living spaces continued as I embarked on various projects, including a treehouse in Hawaii and an underground hobbit hole in Idaho. Each project has taught me invaluable lessons about design, construction, and the importance of connecting with nature. My journey as a property entrepreneur has been filled with creativity and a commitment to sustainability, paving the way for innovative rental experiences for travelers.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Kristie Wolfe
• The Tiny House Movement
• Building a Hawaiian Treehouse
• Creating an Underground Hobbit Hole
• Transforming a Fire Lookout
• The Giant Potato Hotel
• Lessons Learned from My Journey

Biography of Kristie Wolfe

The Tiny House Movement

The tiny house movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, promoting sustainability and a simpler lifestyle. My journey began during this movement's nascent stages, where I discovered the joys of minimalism and living with less. Building my tiny house not only gave me a sense of accomplishment but also allowed me to appreciate the small things in life, like the beauty of simplicity and the freedom from material excess.

I constructed my first tiny house using reclaimed materials, embodying my commitment to sustainability. This hands-on approach taught me valuable skills and provided insights into efficient living, which would later influence all my subsequent projects. Embracing a tiny-house lifestyle has not only been a personal journey but has also inspired others to explore alternative living arrangements, promoting the idea that less can truly be more.

Building a Hawaiian Treehouse

Throughout my journey, I always dreamed of constructing a treehouse, envisioning it nestled in a lush jungle setting. This dream took shape in Hawaii, where I found a piece of land for $8,000 on Craigslist. Despite my limited budget, the landowner allowed me to pay in installments, making my dream a reality.

Shortly after acquiring the property, I received an incredible opportunity to travel across the country with the Idaho Potato Commission. This experience not only satisfied my wanderlust but also fueled my creativity. While away, I envisioned the treehouse as a unique vacation rental, blending nature with comfort. Upon returning, I dedicated three months to building the treehouse with assistance from my family, resulting in a cozy space that has become a beloved retreat for visitors.

Creating an Underground Hobbit Hole

After building the treehouse, I sought inspiration for my next project. I envisioned a hobbit hole that would transport guests into a whimsical world. I purchased a 5.5-acre plot in Chelan, Washington, for $18,000, aiming to create a unique underground experience. I wanted visitors to feel as if they had stepped into a different realm, away from the distractions of modern life.

To achieve this, I worked with an excavator to create the hobbit hole inside a hill, burying it to enhance the immersive experience. The project came with its challenges, including moving heavy materials by hand due to the lack of a road. However, the final product has exceeded my expectations, becoming a cherished destination for those seeking adventure and a connection to nature.

Transforming a Fire Lookout

In 2016, the success of my treehouse and hobbit hole inspired me to take on a new challenge: renovating a retired fire lookout tower in the Idaho Panhandle. Built in 1954, the 25-foot tower offered a unique opportunity to create an extraordinary rental experience. My family and I transformed the structure into a cozy retreat, complete with a bedroom, kitchen, and observation area featuring breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Alongside the tower, we built a spacious deck and converted a small woodshed into a sauna. This project combined my love for nature with the desire to create memorable experiences for guests. Today, the fire lookout serves as a stunning getaway that attracts those seeking both adventure and relaxation in the great outdoors.

The Giant Potato Hotel

Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur, I maintained a relationship with the Idaho Potato Commission. I expressed my interest in acquiring the iconic giant potato when it eventually retired. When the opportunity arose, they gifted me the concrete potato, which I transformed into a unique hotel.

The potato hotel features a cozy sleeping area, kitchenette, and a separate bathroom housed in a grain silo. Guests are often surprised by the bright, inviting interior that contrasts with the potato's exterior. The renovation cost around $30,000 and when I opened it in 2019, it became an instant sensation, drawing visitors from all over. The potato hotel symbolizes my journey of creativity and the belief that unconventional ideas can lead to success.

Lessons Learned from My Journey

Through my experiences, I have learned several key lessons that have shaped my approach to property development. One of the most significant lessons is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Building unique properties is often fraught with challenges, but overcoming these obstacles has deepened my commitment to my vision.

Additionally, my journey has taught me the value of community and collaboration. Working with family and local experts has enriched my projects and fostered a sense of belonging. I believe that nurturing relationships and embracing collective creativity can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Ultimately, my journey as a property entrepreneur has been incredibly fulfilling. I continue to seek out new opportunities to create unique spaces that inspire others to appreciate the beauty of unconventional living. As I look to the future, I remain committed to my passion for building and exploring innovative solutions that connect people to nature and each other.