With coronavirus affecting much of the world, many homeowners have been dealing with the challenges of isolating in pocket-sized properties. No one knows the hurdles of tiny living better than Rebekah and Robert Sofia, who've spent lockdown in this 221-square-foot house on wheels. From self-sufficiency and space-saving tips to surprising silver linings, they share the unexpected joys of riding out a pandemic in a tiny home.

Having lived in Gypsy Mermaid, their tiny home on wheels, for just under four years, Rebekah and her partner Robert were well-prepared for life in quarantine when coronavirus hit Florida, where their petite property was pitched up in the grounds of Rebekah's sister's home. The lessons they'd learned from years of tiny living would prove to be especially useful during the turbulent time ahead...

The couple began their tiny home journey all the way back in October 2015. Built from scratch by Rebekah and Robert Sofia, Gypsy Mermaid was born from sketches, then built from the frame up, with the project taking 20 months to complete. Made entirely from recycled and reclaimed eco home building materials, including a metal and cypress facade, the project cost them a grand total of £12,300 ($15k).

“We built every inch of it, including all of the wooden beams which were built by Robert and carved by me”, explains Rebekah. The build was a natural next step for the duo, particularly as Rebekah runs her own interior design business, and she often shares pictures of the home's stunning living spaces on her Instagram account. 

The couple gathered their inspiration for the design from a number of places. “Travelling through France inspired me and I’ve always loved Europe and the way the architecture is there. Their aesthetic is very simple yet refined and I absolutely love it”, says Rebekah. 

However, due to coronavirus, the couple who love nothing more than travelling the world, are now stuck in Florida. Despite the strict rules, they've thrived in lockdown and are still as comfortable and happy in their tiny home as they were before the pandemic. "The best part is that we've been married for 40 years so we know how to get along", says Rebekah.

While others struggle to adjust to life between four walls, it's no wonder that the duo have found the transition so easy. The tiny home's interior is bright and comfortable, combining eclectic European style with bohemian touches. “Everything was custom-made for the space to be comfortable and to fit adequately”, adds Rebekah. The snug house even has a wood-fired pizza oven, framed by decorative tiling, where the couple can make their own pizzas!

Tiny living is all about organisation and economy, according to Rebekah. When the Sofias moved from their 800-square-foot cottage in Ocklawaha, Florida, downsizing to their 221-square-foot tiny home, they learned to live with the necessities and get rid of any excess. "Buying what we need while not buying too much or buying unnecessary things has proven very important during the lockdown situation", says Rebekah. 

The mezzanine level, where the couple sleep, has been especially useful during lockdown. Luckily the zone was designed with plenty of floor space on either side of the bed, which has come in handy for storing extra items that don't fit in the kitchen downstairs. They're also lucky to have some extra leeway, as they can store some bits in Rebekah's sister's home if necessary.

Due to the tiny size, the wagon had to have an airy open-plan layout to make everything accessible, something the pair are grateful for during the pandemic as the snug space doesn't feel cramped. Rebekah's favourite place is still the kitchen as she loves to spend time cooking, not to mention firing up the pizza oven.

Clever storage hacks like these chicken wire drawers tucked under the sink allow the pair to easily locate what they need. However, Rebekah and Robert had to reassess their storage in the wake of restrictions. "Our storage during lockdown I obviously had to reorganise. I have also had to prioritise what I keep on hand and have some containers I purchased that fit exactly inside my drawers to keep things organised", says Rebekah. 

One of the smartest uses of space in the Gypsy Mermaid are these built-in understairs drawers that use the voids beneath the steps as precious extra storage. Colourful reclaimed handles add a personal touch and a welcome pop of colour.

The small but stunning bathroom is accessed through a beautiful archway and was designed to give the couple some privacy, perfect when they are stuck in the small space together for 24 hours a day.

Rebekah describes the tiny home as "quiet and cosy" during lockdown. Faux fur, warm wood and whitewashed walls create a calming living space to see the couple through the long days, while the surrounding natural landscape is important to them too. "Our windows are fabulous to see nature and we truly enjoy our home", says Rebekah.

While their snug living area was, for the most part, well-prepared for lockdown, one aspect the pair struggled with was workspace. Before, Rebekah was confined to her dining area to work on her art. As beautiful as it is, there wasn't enough space for the duo to work together there day in, day out.

Their homeworking predicament, coupled with their new-found time at home, inspired the creative couple to tackle new ventures to expand their living space. "The main thing that we had to adjust to, as did everyone else, is staying home. But because we are very creative we found many projects to work on. We’ve also been able to read more, enjoy nature more, and do more of our artwork", says Rebekah.

As part of their expansion efforts, they decided to build a small garden in the grounds of their tiny home. Made from recycled wood, the raised beds gave the couple the perfect opportunity to live more sustainably by growing their own produce.

Their new vegetable garden has flourished, with yellow squash, watermelon, peppers and a huge array of herbs. A stone's throw from their front door, the thriving patch has everything the pair need to cook up a storm, reducing the need for food shopping.

Not content with just building a veg garden, the couple decided to make the most of their spare time at home by embarking on a larger venture. "We’ve been able to work on a project we’ve been wanting to do for a long time which is an art studio", says Rebekah.

Taking 10 days to build, a friend of the couple gave them all the lumber they needed to construct the new creative space. They managed to source the rest of the necessary equipment and fittings from local hardware stores that were still open during lockdown.

Located near the woods, the beautiful garden room is an ideal place for Rebekah to get away from it all and indulge in her favourite hobbies, from exercise and reading to music and bird-watching. But most importantly, it's a separate space for her to work on her art, away from the tight squeeze of the main living areas.

Equipped with everything Rebekah needs to let her creativity run wild, the small studio space has a workbench right next to the window that offers tranquil views of the natural surroundings. Along the edge of the bench, she's even painted inspirational quotes in French, adorned with pretty illustrations.

Inside, the quirky art studio is packed full of storage space. One of the walls acts as a giant easel where Rebekah can hang as many canvases as she likes, while the cute stable door offers a welcome dose of fresh air while she paints.

The ultimate relaxing nook to escape to, there's even a bathtub hidden away in the corner of the studio. The tiny hobbit door, painted a mottled blue and white to resemble the moon, leads straight outside to the woods.

Likened to a spa by Rebekah, the small tub comes complete with a showerhead, while an opening in the wood panels above draws the outside in. We can't think of anywhere more relaxing to kick back and unwind.

"My favourite thing about it is that it holds all of my favourite things that I enjoy and that I really didn’t have room for before. And it’s very peaceful. I enjoy reading out there in the evening. I also have my poetry books out there, I used to write a lot of poetry so I’m hoping to be inspired again", explains Rebekah.

Reflecting on the last few months in lockdown, Rebekah appreciates her cosy tiny home more than ever: "It has been disappointing not to be able to travel. But, as you examine the risks, you realise it wouldn’t be worth it. You want your home to be your haven, your place of comfort... in a time like this we are so glad we have such a comfortable and beautiful home."