Ending a marriage is bound to take an emotional toll on both parties. Unfortunately, that can sometimes only be the tip of the iceberg.

Many people, especially women, are left solely responsible for taking care of their kids. Of course, being granted custody is a win, but supporting a family can be a challenge without two incomes.

This is exactly what happened to 27-year-old Australian mom Charlotte Sapwell after her marriage fell apart.

People often joke about the younger generation not investing in home ownership. However, skyrocketing real estate prices are usually more of a barrier than any matter of personal choice.

When Charlotte was left in charge of caring for her young family, she decided to take matters into her own hands instead of taking out a $400,000 mortgage.

The result is an adorable, tiny house on her grandfather’s property — one that she and her two young boys can be proud to call home.

Like many people, Charlotte and her boys were in need of a place to live.

Options following her divorce were not financially viable for the young mother.

Instead of taking out a $400,000 home loan that would be necessary in her hometown of Ballarat in Victoria, Australia, Charlotte decided to craft her own 3×6 meter tiny home right in her grandfather’s backyard.

It was created out of necessity, I had to keep a roof over my boys’ heads, and we had an old site office that together my grandpa and I created a home [from].

He is a master craftsmen, and because I had no other option, I was ready and willing to learn — that was part of the agreement. I HAD to get on the tools.

With some help from her grandfather, Charlotte was able to construct her own tiny home in just five months.

She admitted to failing woodshop class in ninth grade and tells LittleThings that she never thought she’d be able to build something she could live in.

The entire project, including tools and materials, only cost Charlotte $13,000 — a fraction of what a home loan would have cost her.

The best part? She doesn’t owe the bank any money and can focus all of her attention on taking care of her boys, who are 2 and 6 years old.

In fact, Charlotte and the boys are so fond of their tiny digs that she plans on turning it into a permanent lifestyle.

We will always live tiny now, I honestly wouldn’t live in a bigger house. My goal is to save enough for a piece of land and build another tiny house (after I pay back my grandpa).

Even her boys are enjoying their tiny living. Charlotte says:

They love it. We’re a close family. Of course, sometimes you want privacy, but they’re only 2 and 6, so it’s nice having Mum close.

Charlotte’s out-of-the-box thinking allowed her to regain control of her life and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of confidence.

Moreover, Charlotte recommends this way of life to everyone and is enjoying her new “less is more” chapter.

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