One of the most iconic Baluchon tiny houses, flaunting a fantastic layout, is home to a couple and their two pets (a dog and a cat) and is just as colorful and full of life as it is ingenious.
If you're tired of all-white, Scandinavian-style tiny homes with an ultra-clean design, this adorable abode by Baluchon will feel like a breath of fresh air. The name L'Ile au Tresor (Treasure Island) fits it like a glove – this quirky and vibrant haven is filled with cool features and unusual décor items that are just waiting to be discovered.
Apart from its lively style, this French house on wheels is remarkably spacious and comfortable, and it's all due to the ingenious design that helped maximize interior volume. Even though it was custom-built for a couple and their two pets, this tiny house could easily accommodate up to five people – an impressive capacity for a tiny house that's just six meters long (19.6 feet). Most Baluchon tiny homes have a minimal footprint, yet they are so well-crafted that their interior living space always seems surprisingly generous.
Another signature characteristic is the eye-catching exterior. No Baluchon tiny house looks basic or discrete. This 2019 build shows off a beautiful contrast between two types of siding, red Cedarwood, and thermally-treated poplar, with wine-red accents. This is a home on wheels that would stand out anywhere it shows up and become impossible to forget. Those wine-red accents hint at the home's colorful interior and kitchen in particular.
Photo: Baluchon
The kitchen offers generous countertop space, paired with elegant cabinets and adorable tiny shelves to one side. All basic appliances were neatly integrated with balanced precision, and a surprising perk showed up in the form of a slide-out table. It's really small, but it's a great design hack nonetheless. In just a few seconds, the owners can enjoy a bohemian dining setup for two, which "disappears" as if by magic when not in use. Plus, it doesn't take any of the storage space, so it's advantageous from all sides.
Instead of the typical tiny house lounge, usually placed at the center of the house or at one of the ends, the Treasure Island tiny reveals a reverse-loft configuration, which includes a raised lounge with a main-floor bedroom underneath. It's not a very common layout, but one that's great for those who want a more traditional bedroom. Plus, the reverse loft is part of a dual-loft configuration with a typical loft bedroom, which means that the Treasure Island tiny comes with two generous bedrooms and a separate, elevated lounge.
This particular configuration truly maximizes interior volume. The elevated lounge is a dreamy, wonderful, informal room. It's big enough for a large sofa and a cool coffee table inspired by a pirate's treasure chest. Large horizontal windows bring in lots of natural light, and the tiny steps with open storage that lead up to it are another charming, unique addition.
Photo: Baluchon
Underneath, the compact main-floor bedroom becomes a secret cocoon, just like a hidden haven on a treasure island. It may not be too spacious, but it feels extra cozy and intimate. A sliding wooden door keeps it separate from the rest of the house, which boosts privacy and relaxation. A single small window adds sunshine and becomes the magical portal through which those inside can admire the outside world. At the very least, this room can be used as a generous storage space so that the main floor doesn't become overcrowded.
A classic ladder was used to access the main loft bedroom since a classic staircase would have taken up too much of the floor space. The bedroom itself is truly beautiful. It's big enough to fit a comfy bed. The bedside table is another retro-style treasure chest. A huge window taking up almost the entire wall length brings in lots of light and fresh air. Standard protection walls were replaced by beautiful handrails made of oak with stainless steel strings; they add safety and privacy without obstructing the views entirely.
Despite its rustic, bohemian vibe, this tiny exudes the same seamless flow as more modern homes on wheels. It feels airy and spacious even though it strays from the typical Scandinavian minimalism. Its colorful, vibrant style is a joy to explore and is reflected in every corner, including the unusual accent wall in the bathroom. The hot pink was a personal touch expressing the owners' personality and lifestyle. After all, one of the greatest perks of owning an affordable tiny house is the freedom to customize it in any way.
Photo: Baluchon
The Treasure Island tiny was built to last, using a wide range of high-quality types of wood, paired with electric and gas-powered appliances for extra sustainability. L'Ile au Tresor is fully worthy of its whimsical name and a dream family home for anyone with a romantic heart and a nomad soul.