Tiny Homes Spur Big Ideas

Innkeepers Find Inspiration--and a Much-needed Solution--in Bangor’s New “Tiny Home Park”

When Drew Butterworth and his young family moved to Maine from New Jersey four years ago, they saw no trouble in their financial future. “Our accountant loved the idea,” said Drew in a recent interview. “It looked great on paper.”

     “The idea” to which he’s referring is his family’s purchase of Denmark’s Pebble Pond Inn, which Drew claims they bought “for less than the price of some Taylor Swift tickets.” Built in 1912, the sprawling country inn boasts 22 guest rooms, tavern, full-service dining room, and separate innkeeper’s cottage. Butterworth discovered the property during a 2021 vacation to the area with his wife. “We’ve always loved Maine, and here was a chance to get away from the rat race and be our own boss for a change.” A review of the inn’s tax returns sealed the deal. “Save for the pandemic, the place showed perennial growth,” said the owner. “Seemed a no brainer.”

     Sadly, the Butterworth Family’s “no brainer” turned nightmare when they found themselves confronted with a problem Maine business owners know all too well.

     “Not enough workers,” said Drew.

     During peak seasons—May through October and January through March—Pebble Pond Inn requires upwards of two dozen employees. “Our first three years in business, we had to make do with less than half that,” explained Drew’s wife, Darla. Desperate to attract more staff, the Butterworths began offering health insurance in addition to some of the region’s highest wages. It made no difference.

     “We couldn’t give prospective employees what they want and need most,” said Drew, “and what they want and need most is a place to live.” The innkeeper turned up his hands. “There’s no affordable housing around here--none. Everything’s a vacation rental or Airbnb. You almost never see anything for lease. And if you do, it’s a one bedroom for $1,800 or $2,000 a month. Utilities not included, of course. Show me a breakfast cook or housekeeper who can afford that.”

     Desperate for a solution, the couple converted six of their guest rooms into employee housing prior to the start of this year’s summer season. “It was our first time running this place with enough crew,” said Drew.

     Darla laughed. “Felt like a vacation!”

    Unfortunately for the couple, the season felt like a vacation in more ways than one.

     “We made no money,” admitted Darla.

     “Not a dime,” added Drew. “Losing those six rooms killed us.”

     Believing they would forever face a choice between not enough workers and not enough income, the couple began talking seriously of closing for the winter and putting the property up for sale.  Days later, though, Drew stumbled upon a newspaper article about Bangor’s new tiny home park--30 freestanding, 320-square-foot homes, each available for a reasonable monthly rent.

     Drew explained what happened next: “I showed the article to Darla and said we should develop something similar for our staff. On a smaller scale, of course.”

     Darla smiled. “I told him we didn’t own enough acreage for a building permit.”

     “I said who needs a building permit?”

     “Next thing I knew,” said Darla, “we were in the truck and headin’ to Lowe’s!”

     That afternoon, the couple purchased a dozen 10’x12’ sheds, each with a single window and household door. In the three weeks since, Drew (with some serious help from YouTube, Darla wants you to know) has insulated, plumbed, and electrified the buildings, in addition to fitting each of them with a small wood stove. Next up: appliances, generators, holding tanks (for wastewater), and, of course, furniture. “Once that’s all done,” said Drew, “we just sit back and wait for the ice to freeze.”

     In case you’re wondering: yes, he means exactly what you think he means: the Butterworths plan to locate their “tiny home” development in the middle of Pebble Pond.

      “Some people flat-out think we’re crazy, but it’s already made a huge difference to our recruiting,” said Darla. “I’ve received more job applications in the past few days than in the last three years combined. People really appreciate the availability of employee housing. And I think they’re attracted to the sense of adventure.

     “That’s fine for the winter,” I said, “but what about your summer help?”

     “One step ahead of ya,” said Drew. He tossed me a houseboat brochure.