Meeting the ‘number one most hospitable host’ in the Commonwealth

FLOYD, Va (WFXR)– After losing their home and business during the economic collapse of 2008, Hari Berzins and Karl Berzins, her husband, never wanted to use credit again. They started saving every dollar and decided on building a mortgage-free tiny home in Floyd.

Hari says they purchased three acres of land and built their 168 square foot “Tiny Home.” It comes equipped with two sleeping lofts, queen size bed, a full kitchen, and 3/4 bath. Outside, are two decks. One has a rocking chair, porch swing, and wicker chair. The other has several seats along with a ‘Solo Stove Firepit.’

In May of 2011, the family of four moved in and lived there for a little more than four years. During this time, they continued to save and build their main house that they live in now.

After moving, Hari and her husband set out to start new renovations to the tiny home. They took out one sleeping loft to create the living room/bedroom space. They remodeled the kitchen to include a dishwasher.

Hari says every decoration, book, or part of the home was done with intention.

“I don’t want anyone to ever come here and wonder if they are welcomed, and I just wanted that to be known,” said Hari.

Inside the home are multiple guest books filled with positive experiences:

“By far it was the best two nights of sleep in years. Thank you for making us feel at home in your tiny home. The hospitality has been healing.”

A couple from Brooklyn, New York

Another guest wrote to Hari that her place is enchanting. After reading her story about how the Tiny Home developed, she was moved to tears while lying in the home’s queen-sized bed.

“When I went inside, it reminded me of my grandmothers cabin, that was up in the mountains. it just reminded me of a cozy little spot, has everything you need,” said Amy Squires, a person vacationing at the home.

Even with the tiny home getting a lot of publicity, Hari says she and her husband are in the process of building more tiny homes. The end goal is to have a community of homes where people can sit around the campfire and share stories.