Image: Getaway

This is a Tiny House. It has everything you need for a cosy weekend in the country – only less of it (so you’ll need to travel light).Getaway Tiny House, BostonImage: Getaway

The Tiny House movement originated in the US at the beginning of the millennium, born out of a desire for more environmentally sustainable living spaces. A number of companies now rent out tiny houses to weekenders, including New York-based Getaway, which aims at ‘city dwellers looking to unplug’. This one, and top, is part of the Getaway Boston collection of 25 small but beautifully formed dwellings set in 40 acres of woodland a couple of hours’ drive from the city. They include all necessary comforts, like a proper bed, loo, shower and cooking facilities, as well as provisions and to help city dwellers unplug properly there’s a lockbox for mobile phones. From $99 per night.Tripadvisor Rentals, Tiny HouseTripadvisor Rentals has tiny houses all over the world, including this floating example in Wrangell, Alaska. Built on a cedar deck, it has all the mod cons, including a full-size bath and a washing machine (it’s supplied with biodegradable products). From $110 per night.Tripadvisor Rentals, Tiny HouseOr how about this one in Portland, Oregon, also through Tripadvisor Rentals? At just 350 sq ft, it’s described as ‘a perfect gem’; so perfect, in fact, that it has appeared on a US television series called Tiny House Nation. From $130 per night.Silva, Tiny Homes HolidaysCloser to home, Tiny Homes Holidays has recently launched three tiny rental properties on the Isle of Wight. The three architect-designed Tiny Homes – Eilidh, Hygge and Silva, above – are set in a smallholding environment adjacent to the Parkhurst Forest. An adjacent Studio offers a schedule of workshops, courses and experiences, from Pilates and yoga to clothing upcycling and bread-making. Tiny Winter Retreats cost from £175 for two nights midweek.

BY MAGGIE O’SULLIVAN