24/03/2025
A group of four couples, best friends for over 30 years, decided to deepen their bond by creating a unique living arrangement for their retirement. They purchased land along the Llano River, about 80 minutes from Austin, Texas, and established a small community affectionately known as “Bestie Row.” 
Architect Matt Garcia designed four eco-friendly, 400-square-foot tiny homes, each costing approximately $40,000. These homes feature sustainable elements like slanted roofs equipped with water barrels capable of holding up to 5,000 gallons of rainwater, reflective walls to mitigate Texas’s summer heat, and insulated windows. The interiors, crafted from plywood, provide a warm and spacious ambiance. 
In addition to the individual homes, the community includes a larger central cabin of about 1,500 square feet, serving as a communal space with a shared kitchen and living area. This setup allows the friends to maintain privacy while fostering close-knit interactions. 
While initially intended as a full-time residence, “Bestie Row” now serves as a retreat where the couples gather during holidays and weekends to reconnect with nature and each other. The community’s design ensures that each home offers an unobstructed view of the Llano River, harmoniously blending with the natural surroundings.