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Despite our preferences, we reside in a humble abode in the Philippines, sharing it with our two offspring, despite our initial aversion to home ownership.

Nestled in the heart of a sprawling coconut plantation, this Philippines-based family resides in a humble abode, sharing their small living space with their children.

Residing in a modest dwelling in the Philippines, we, along with our two offspring, find ourselves...
Residing in a modest dwelling in the Philippines, we, along with our two offspring, find ourselves inhabiting a home that we initially did not aspire to possess.

Despite our preferences, we reside in a humble abode in the Philippines, sharing it with our two offspring, despite our initial aversion to home ownership.

In the heart of Dauin, Philippines, nestled between the serene mountains and the azure sea, a unique home stands tall on a 7,100 square meter coconut plantation. This isn't your typical sprawling mansion, but a Tiny House, built by Dmitrii Stepanov and Nivy Mondaya in 2023.

The couple, who have two children, spent approximately 2.2 million Philippine pesos (around 32,700 euros) on their compact homedepot. Despite its small size, their younger child, just eight months old, feels perfectly at home in a cosy, two by two meter room.

Their older child, a lively four-year-old, attends a private school near the house. The family's decision to buy a property, rather than rent, was influenced by their desire for stability, even though Stepanov initially preferred to invest the money in passive income.

The Tiny House, located in a peaceful, rural area, is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life. The only sounds that break the tranquillity are the occasional cock-a-doodle-doo of roosters, the lowing of cows, and the rustic melodies of the countryside.

Initially, the Tiny House was a short-term living option, but the family's love for their new lifestyle has led them to reconsider their plans to move to a larger apartment. In fact, they are now considering renting out their Tiny House on Airbnb if they were to move.

The Tiny House, built on an elevated platform, boasts a self-sufficient and energy-efficient design. It is connected to the city water supply, but the couple also installed a water tank as a backup. Power outages are common, but the family manages with large portable power stations and Starlink Internet.

Stepanov's growing passion for diving and underwater photography brought him to Dumaguete, a coastal city in Negros Oriental, Philippines. The couple, who make YouTube videos, spent about six months in a rental apartment before deciding to look for a permanent property.

Since moving into their Tiny House, the couple has expanded their home to include an extra room, a porch, and walkways. Their dedication to sustainability is evident in the recent renovations, which have focused on making their home more energy-efficient.

Mondaya, who grew up in the countryside, fondly remembers her childhood playing outside instead of spending the whole day with digital devices. She and Stepanov are passing on this love for nature to their children, providing them with a unique and idyllic upbringing in the heart of the Philippines.

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