After two decades of friendship, best friends buy a piece of land and establish a quaint little town that they envision as a retreat for vacations and their future retirement together

Seeking an escape from their busy city lives, four couples decided to create a unique community of tiny vacation homes to fulfill their retirement dreams together.

This eco-friendly retreat, tailored to individual needs, allows the couples to enjoy a shared experience surrounded by their closest friends. After more than two decades of friendship, these Texas couples were eager to find a quiet place away from their busy Austin homes, a place where they could immerse themselves in nature and rejuvenate.

When they discovered a piece of land near the Llano River, just an hour from Austin and perfect for nature lovers, they recognized its potential despite its rugged condition.

Fred Zipp, a former editor of the Austin American-Statesman, shared his first impressions with Garden and Gun magazine: “At first, it wasn’t very inviting”. He and his wife, Jodi, are among four couples who care about environmental sustainability and minimizing their carbon footprint. “This place has its charm, even when it’s dry”, Fred noted, pointing out the herds of wild buffalo that roam the rugged landscape. “We’re focused on conserving water for the native trees and grasses, which are really beautiful.”

The couple originally planned to build a house together, but after learning about the tiny house movement, they changed their focus and decided on individual houses and a communal building for gatherings.

With the help of San Antonio architect Matt Garcia, the vision took shape. With a budget of $40,000 per house, Garcia designed four compact 350-square-foot cabins, each equipped with a double bed, kitchenette and bathroom.

“We wanted a place where we could spend quality time together, eat together and enjoy each other’s company, while still maintaining privacy when needed”, Jodi explained.

The designs also included sustainable elements such as roofs that capture rainwater while meeting conservation guidelines. To combat the hot Texas climate, the cabins are insulated with spray foam and feature large overhangs to minimize heat gain.

Garcia focused on creating an inviting interior, contrasting the sleek metal facades with warm, grained plywood surfaces. The natural gray concrete floors add an affordable, stylish touch.

Large windows throughout the open floor plan allow for plenty of natural light and offer stunning river views. Additionally, a 1,500-square-foot community cabin serves as a hub for social activities and features a guest bedroom, living area, kitchen, and even a pool!

Reflecting on the cultural shift after the recession, Garcia said: “People began to realize that happiness does not come from owning too much space or things. I am proud to work with clients who embrace the idea that less is more”.

Although the eight friends are not yet ready for full-time retirement, their small community, called “Llano Exit Strategy” or “Bestie Row”, offers the perfect retreat. When they are not using the cabins, they rent them out to vacationers interested in the tiny house lifestyle.

“It’s like living in a Disney movie here! We have rabbits, bobcats, deer and a variety of birds. We discover more wildlife every time we visit”, they shared.

The story of “Bestie Row” sparked a lively debate on social media, with many expressing admiration for the couple’s commitment to friendship. One comment read: “What a brilliant idea! Friends building a community together is the way to go as we get older”. However, others raised concerns about the potential risks of living together in such a close relationship, suggesting that friendships could suffer.

Would you consider creating a micro-community to spend more time with your closest friends? Share this story and let us hear your thoughts!

You Won’t Believe Kelly Clarkson’s Controversial Parenting Method!

In a straightforward radio interview, Kelly Clarkson, a proud mom to River Rose, 8, and Remy, 6, openly talked about her approach to disciplining her children, including spanking. This has sparked a lot of debate as parenting styles vary widely.

Clarkson, a famous figure in entertainment who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has been vocal about her choice to use spanking as a part of her parenting strategy. She explained that her upbringing and the cultural factors around her have shaped her perspective on this matter.

Kelly Clarkson’s recent statement that she’s “not above spanking” her children has sparked both approval and concern in a society where ideas about raising children vary widely and people feel strongly about their beliefs.

“I don’t mean hitting her,” she clarified, emphasizing that her goal isn’t to hurt her children but to use physical punishment in a controlled way. “I just mean a little spanking,” she further explained.

However, spanking has many critics. The American Academy of Pediatrics, a respected organization focused on children’s health, has clearly stated that spanking doesn’t work well and can harm a child’s well-being.

Even though experts advise against it, some parents still believe in using spanking as a form of discipline.

Kelly Clarkson’s support for spanking comes from her upbringing in Texas, a state with diverse cultural influences. “I’m from the South, y’all, so we get spankings,” she said, highlighting how regional and cultural backgrounds shape her views.

She openly talked about her own childhood experiences, saying, “My parents spanked me, and I turned out okay.” She believes spanking helped teach her important values and build her character, contributing to who she is today.

However, Kelly Clarkson faces challenges when she has to discipline her children in public because people might criticize her parenting style. “It’s tough to do in public because then people think it’s wrong,” she explained.

Despite potential criticism, she stands by her belief that spanking can be a valid way to discipline kids. “I believe in spanking,” she said, “so you might see me spanking my child at the zoo.”

Clarkson’s approach includes giving her children a warning, aiming to balance discipline with communication. “I’ll say, ‘Hi, I’m going to spank you on your bottom if you don’t stop right now. This is ridiculous,’” she explained, stressing the importance of talking openly during discipline.

She believes this method has helped reduce unwanted behavior.

The debate over Kelly Clarkson’s discipline method reflects larger discussions about different parenting styles and individual rights. While some support her approach, others advocate for non-physical methods.

In a community that values sharing experiences and open communication, it’s important to respect parents’ choices while also considering what’s best for their children’s well-being and growth.

In essence, Kelly Clarkson’s honesty about spanking has sparked a complex debate that shows the diverse ways parents approach raising their children.

As society changes, our ideas about good parenting evolve, and it’s important to have diverse perspectives that contribute to our collective understanding of parenting.

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