Project Summary
After purchasing property in secluded southwest Maine, Sheila and Kim were ready to leave a smaller footprint on the world after selling the traditional builder-grade home where they raised their family. They spent extensive time researching their options, but only one idea stuck — a solid-wall Yurt-Cabin. The Yurt-Cabin proved to be the perfect solution for creating a comfortable gathering space for entertaining while providing a cost-effective, durable structure designed to last for years to come. It all started with a sketch…
Meet the Owners
Sheila and Kim are adventure-seeking retirees who split their time between Mexico and Maine, spending six months of the year in each location. Wherever they are, they stay busy. They never pass up an opportunity to host family and friends, and they take pride in maintaining a clean, well-kept property.
Starting with raw land, they built their own personal oasis, centered around an 18-Wall Freedom Yurt-Cabin that serves as their main living area and kitchen. To complement the Yurt-Cabin, they added two fully finished 12′ x 20′ sheds — one serving as a bathroom and utility room with a washer and dryer, and the other serving as a dedicated bedroom. Together, the structures create a functional and inviting seasonal home.
Project Details
After more than two years of extensive research, the couple chose Freedom Yurt-Cabins for their Maine property. Durability, speed of construction, cost efficiency, and ease of assembly all played a major role in their decision. For Sheila and Kim, choosing a Yurt-Cabin was a no-brainer.
Because they spend six months of each year out of the country, they also wanted peace of mind knowing their structure would remain secure and low-maintenance while they were away. The solid-wall design and quality construction gave them confidence that their Yurt-Cabin would be exactly as they left it when they returned each summer.
Their project plan:
- One 18-Wall Yurt-Cabin to utilize as the main living quarters and kitchen space
- Two built-out sheds to act as a bedroom and bathroom/utility room
Challenges
According to Sheila, their extensive research helped eliminate most potential surprises before construction even began. With the help of several friends and family members, their Yurt-Cabin was assembled in just four days and built to code with a structurally sound finish.
- A durable, fully insulated, and long-term solution that was well-engineered.
- A structure that can be quickly assembled with only a handful of people, to fit their fast-paced lifestyle.
- A company with a commitment to deliver on its claims and stand behind the product over time, answering questions and assisting when needed.
“Choosing Freedom Yurt-Cabins lightened our load in many ways for a simpler life. We wanted to leave a smaller footprint in the world. We ultimately picked a Yurt-Cabin because the Building Specialists are truly angels, answering all of our random questions and reassuring us that we were making the right decision for over two years before purchasing! Everybody loves our home — even the mailman makes special trips up to the door just to see it.”
– Sheila Speckin, Property Owner
Final Results
Today, the couple enjoys the freedom to live comfortably on their Maine property while expanding their retreat with additional structures that blend seamlessly with their Yurt-Cabin. By matching the paint and stain on the sheds to their selected Yurt-Cabin finish package, they created a cohesive and visually appealing property.
Their retreat is fully equipped with a septic system, well, electricity, and propane service for both their stove and fireplace. They also recently added a hot tub. Despite having all the conveniences they enjoyed in a traditional home, their utility costs have decreased significantly.
To maximize their living space, they added a three-quarter wraparound deck that connects all of the structures together. The deck nearly doubles their usable living area while creating additional space for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the natural beauty of Maine.
For Sheila and Kim, the result is a low-maintenance seasonal home that supports the lifestyle they envisioned from the beginning. As more Americans seek simplicity, lower maintenance, and a stronger connection to the outdoors, Yurt-Cabin living offers a practical way to reduce their footprint without sacrificing comfort, functionality, or the feeling of home.
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