Big ideas for living small

When Wyoming architect John Carney and his wife Elaine bought a five-acre lot at the top of the market, they had their hearts set on a huge family compound. But then the market went belly up and their plans had to change.

As Houzz chronicles, the Carneys backed their plans down and built the compound’s planned 980-square-foot guesthouse first. “I like walking 10 feet from my bed to the kitchen,” Carney told the site. “It’s like being on a boat. You learn what’s essential. It’s made me a better architect.”

Located in the town of Wilson, the two-bedroom, two-bath guesthouse has a central living, kitchen and dining space, flanked on either side by bedroom and bathroom suites. There is a courtyard effect thanks to the garage, which was built at the same time.

Features include window walls, extensive cabinetry and a smaller-than-normal refrigerator in the 12-foot kitchen. Check out the Houzz article for more details.

Dreaming of San Francisco? Cece Blase offers local advice to San Francisco buyers, sellers and owners– and feeds the dreams of those who wish they could live in Tony Bennett’s ‘City by the Bay.’ Call 415-577-0809 or email cblase@paragon-re.com. www.ceceblase.com