Millennial couple built a tiny house in the Philippines to raise kids
Summary
Dmitrii Stepanov and Nivy Mondaya built a tiny house on Negros Island, in Dauin near Dumaguete, and moved in during September 2023. The home sits on a coconut-plantation plot close to both mountains and the sea. Originally compact (one bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom) the couple have since added an extra room, a veranda and walkways. They raise two young children there and say living in a safe, rural neighbourhood has made tiny-house family life work well for them.
Key Points
- The couple bought a plot in Dauin, about 40 minutes from Dumaguete, choosing cooler, rural surroundings near the beach and mountains.
- The tiny house was built on a raised platform and completed in about four months; they moved in September 2023 and later expanded it.
- They grow some vegetables, use the municipal water line with a new backup tank, and cope with frequent power outages using large portable power stations and Starlink internet.
- Despite the Philippines’ typhoon risk, the couple report minimal damage so far and no major flooding or landslides at their site.
- Raising two children in the tiny house has been positive: outdoor space, nearby neighbours and a local private school give the family room to breathe.
Content summary
Dmitrii arrived in the Philippines in 2018 planning a short trip; he met Nivy six months in and they later married and had children. Wanting permanence and space for kids, they found a large coconut-plantation plot via Facebook Marketplace. They hired a contractor and completed the tiny house in four months, moving in September 2023. Over time they added extra living areas and improved utilities. The family balances rural living (roosters, cows, quiet) with modern conveniences like Starlink to handle connectivity. They originally thought the tiny house might be temporary or an Airbnb option, but after expanding it they now feel comfortable staying long term.
Context and relevance
This piece sits within the wider tiny-house and rural living trend: people seeking lower costs, simpler lives and more outdoor childhoods. It highlights practical issues for would-be tiny-house families — costs, utility backups, resilience to extreme weather, and how local community support matters. For those watching remote work, digital nomadism or family lifestyle moves, it offers a useful, real-world example from the Philippines.
Why should I read this?
Want a quick, feel‑good case study of tiny-house family life with actual practical takeaways? This is it — the story shows what works (and what you need to plan for): utilities, space tweaks, childcare logistics and how rural community ties can make small living surprisingly livable. Short, practical and a good bit of inspiration.