Is This the Original Tiny House? - 1832, Alexander Campbell Study

I recently had the pleasure of running across the drawings for this delightful building at the Historic American Building Survey. It's a small garden pavilion built as a haven for quiet contemplation and study.

Is this the original tiny house?

It was built by Alexander Campbell in 1832 in Bethany, West Virginia.

Alexander Campbell and his father Thomas where the influential founders of the Disciples of Christ, one of the earliest homegrown denominations to emerge in the young United States of America. Thomas Campbell built a simple and spacious home in Bethany, West Virginia. Over the years Alexander added to this and eventually built the lovely Tudor/Gothic style hexagonal study in the garden. It is a simple, geometric and light-filled structure of whitewashed brick, with Gothic style pointed arches and buttresses.

The main hexagon space is lined with bookcases and is top lit by a cupola. Opposite the entrance an alcove opens off the back, almost like a church altar opposite the entrance. With a cozy fireplace as a focal point this becomes a spot to sit and enjoy a book taken from the overflowing bookshelves.

If I were using this as a model for a new design, I might consider replacing one bookshelf with a Murphy style, drop down bed, which could then be lifted out of the way during the day to keep the floor space clear. For fun I might wallpaper the underside of the bed with old book bindings so that when it was in the upright position it hid among the bookcases.

The original design has a second door off the alcove. I consider that unnecessary in such a small space. So I would eliminate that and put a small kitchenette against that wall. The back alcove would extend 3 feet beyond the fireplace and I would tuck a shower and toilet back there.

The plans in the image above are available at my Historic American Homes store. Please drop by and browse around. No pressure to buy anything to take home. But if you do I'd be thrilled.