A single mother built a tiny house by herself after a divorce, and she says it changed her life

Frank OlitoMay 26, 2020, 22:22 IST

Kelley Lewis' tiny house.Stories/ YouTube

Kelley Lewis decided to build a tiny house after slipping into a depression after getting divorced.
The 192-square-foot, $30,000 house is located just outside Columbus, Ohio, on a lake.
The process of building the house brought Lewis a purpose, and now she loves that the home is filled with memories.

After a bitter divorce, Kelley Lewis knew she needed to start over.

At the time, Lewis was a single mother of three children living in Columbus, Ohio. She needed a project that would occupy her mind and that would pull her out of depression. She found the tiny house movement and instantly knew she wanted to build a tiny house on a piece of land as a vacation home for her family.

Here's how Lewis single-handedly built the home nail by nail and how the process changed her life.

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Kelley Lewis' story begins back in 2008 when she fell pregnant unexpectedly and got married.

Kelley Lewis. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

When she was got divorced years later, she slipped into depression again and looked for a way to bring healthy creativity back into her life.

Lewis on her piece of land next to her planned house. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Although her original plan was to build a normal-sized house on the property, she fell in love with the idea of a tiny house.

The design plans for the tiny house. Frank Olito/ Insider

In 2013, after the design process, Lewis got to work building most of the house on her own.

Lewis building her house. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Lewis said she did get some help throughout the building process, however.

The walls go up. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Throughout the five years of building, her children pitched in every now and then.

Lewis' daughter helping out. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Although it's still a work in progress, Lewis said the 192-square-foot tiny house cost her $30,000 to build.

The exterior of the cabin. Stories/ YouTube

Once inside the house, you find a U-shaped kitchen to the left.

The kitchen and part of the great room. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

With such a small kitchen, Lewis said she has struggled with storage.

The kitchen. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

The breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the great room, which has 13-foot ceilings and overlooks the lake.

The great room. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Lewis said every piece in the home is attached to a memory, such as the window behind the couch.

The large window behind the couch. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Lewis said the wood-burning stove in the great room was the most difficult task she completed in the house.

The fireplace. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Like the wood-burning stove, the water system is another challenge for Lewis, especially in the bathroom.

The bathroom. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Back in the great room, you can look up and see the second-story loft.

The living space. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

The loft fits two full-size beds, so in all, the house sleeps six people.

The loft bedroom. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Lewis, who has remarried and welcomed a fourth child, says the tiny house is the best vacation spot for her family.

Lewis' children. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

Although it's a work in progress, the home remains a symbol of hope for her.

Lewis and her family. Courtesy of Kelley Lewis

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