Aging is both a blessing and a curse of sorts. With the years of wisdom gained, the body pays with mobility issues. Heck some have really bad backs in their thirties. Having a home where you can move around comfortably in becomes a priority as you age.

Stairs are no longer needed and huge spaces can be too tiresome to move around in.

Meet Merle. This sweet old lady found herself moving back to Victoria, Australia where her daughter Ferne lives on a beautiful farm. Living closer to family at her age was a good idea but Merle still wanted her own private space.

Ferne took on the challenge. She’s built many wonderful homes but her mom’s has to be her best. It is mom’s after all!

Merle says she’s not getting older. She’s just reaching a more mature age. And with independence comes a need for personal space. So Ferne designed this stunning 23.5 x 8 ft home that accommodates a woman of Merle’s age.

Ferne designed the home to be completely mobility friendly and accessible. There are ramps leading up to the home with wide entrances and zero trip hazards. The kitchen counter-tops are lower to make them a more convenient height for her mother.

The home was built with future possibilities in mind. Meaning that if Merle were to need a wheelchair, there would be no need to redesign or rearrange the house.

Walls were reinforced in places where hand rails could be mounted should Merle need to hold on to something if or when she loses her footing.

That lovely looking patio can be dismantled should the family decide to sell or move. But that doesn’t seem likely with such a lovely farm and a wonderful home.

The view is fantastic but Ferne was still able to design the roof and the walls in such a way that insulation during winter would not be an issue for the elderly lady living there.

This is Australia so there are screens to keep out those Star Wars looking insects.

The main screen by the entrance ramp is motorized. All Merle has to do is push a button to raise or lower that part.

Ferne made sure that the interior was all her mother’s choices. She made sure that Merle chose colors and designs that made her feel happy and very much at home. Merle went for the timber look but with more shine while having that open space feel.

There’s underfloor heating which when you’re older, is such a welcome feature. The floor is non-slip and of course, totally flat.

Merle’s lift bed runs on a 12-volt battery and it runs through channels on the wall. It’s raised up to the ceiling during the day then with a push of a button, comes down in the evening.

The cabinets are built into the walls with drawers neatly placed in convenient places making it easy for Merle to grab anything she needs without them taking up unnecessary space.

That skylight is one of Merle’s favorite features!

Merle gets around with a walker easily. She can get to her bedroom and into the kitchen with ease, and even heading into the bathroom is completely hassle-free for this independent lady.

She calls the house her daughter’s best present for her and we’d have to agree.

This sweet old lady loves her independence. She can make tea and enjoy the scenery all while sitting in comfort in her own home. When asked what her favorite part is, Merle says, “Everything“.

For more on this amazing Australian home, check out the video below!

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Source: YouTube, Living Big In A Tiny House