A man is saving hundreds of pounds every month after leaving his normal home life and moving into a small eco-house he built himself in his garden.
Chris Marsh lived in the tiny house for five years. Last year, a 40-year-old man built his own miniature wooden house that would fit in the back garden.
He told the Mirror that his expenses are just £150 a month for a gardener and £80 a month for the electricity that allows him to heat the floors all day.
His water supply is free thanks to the owners, whom he pays to live in a garden on the outskirts of the village of Riding Mill in Northumberland at a standard rate.
Trained builder Chris previously rented a two-bedroom home for £800 a month, with monthly bills of £80 electricity, £70 gas, £25 water and £160 council tax.
He believes that the value of his house will now double due to rising fuel prices. And while he initially needed to raise money to build a 140-square-foot house, he benefits from lower bills each month.
© Chris Marsh Chris says the forest has everything he needs.He said: “I have always dreamed of building something and living in it, living in a garden instead of a traditional house. This is where the idea of the tiny house came from.
“It seems to suit my needs and a very comfortable lifestyle. A true minimalist lifestyle.
“When you rent, it's just extra money that you never get back. Making something out of me is a win-win.
© Chris Marsh Chris had nowhere to stand.The first eco-friendly house built by Chris was larger than his current one, cost around £50,000 and was made from natural wood.
It consists of a double bedroom on a mezzanine floor, an additional bedroom with space for a bed on the floor, a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen with oven and hob. Double burner stove and living room.
Chris went into manufacturing and learned how to build tiny houses, and in 2017 he opened his own business, Tiny Eco Homes UK.
The garden in which he lives is only 20 meters from the owner's house, with whom he lives happily. “It's a great way to live without worrying about hundreds of books coming out every month,” he explains.
© Chris Marsh Chris' shower . 
© Chris Marsh Eco-House toilets by Chris.“I work well with the owners, which is certainly important. My currents have increased a little, as have everyone else, but in a small house you are mainly heating small rooms and spaces. This building is very efficient.
“Heated floors are always on and they retain heat more than the traditional houses I've lived in which are warm. Now I always go to a nice warm house.
“If you subtract rent, council taxes, utility bills, I will save at least £600 a month living like this.”
© Chris Marsh This property has a comfortable wood veneer.Chris moved into this house in 2022 with a partner who has never heard of an eco-friendly home. A married couple must decide what to take with them when moving and storing other things.
He sold his first cottage to a couple who used it as a holiday home in Scotland and Chris now employs five people.
Houses are built on wheels so they can be moved around, but most are built for a specific location.
She added: “Everyone has completely different backgrounds – age, partners, singles, which is pretty amazing. You might think that a certain generation would like it more.
"People who have done it say, 'Oh, if only I had done this many years ago.' It completely changed the course of his life.
“This allows them to be open and outside, in contact with nature. Much less stress. I think some people find that brick and mortar just doesn't work for them. And this allows them to live in any area. Such a beautiful indoor garden in the countryside. You can get beautiful surroundings for less money.
"I can still improve my lifestyle a bit and I don't have a lot of income, I can save."
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