Technically, the “Mela” isn’t a house—though it could be one. It’s actually the “outdoor living space” at an artist retreat located in Santa Monica, CA. The retreat has a larger main house attached to it, but this little outdoor structure is quite a wonder, as you will see when we step inside. You could certainly live in it full time if you wanted.
The word “Mela” is Italian, and translates to “apple”—a pretty apt description of the shape of the exterior. At the same time, with the way the door lifts up and out, it almost seems like some kind of futuristic space capsule.
Here you can take a glimpse inside through the front door. You can already start to see just how much space is packed into this little thing!
Once inside, you may a little feel like a character on the BBC sci-fi hit Doctor Who, and find yourself saying with wonder, “It’s bigger on the inside!” There are two beds and a bathroom in here. And yet, there is still plenty of floor space and beautiful natural light streaming in from above.
Below, you can see what the view is like from inside, looking out the front door. As you can see, natural light is also able to come through the door.
Here is another view looking up toward the loft. I really love that ladder! The way it widens the higher you go gives it an organic look. It almost puts me in mind of a tree; and at the top, it is like you are sleeping in the boughs. It is a subtle yet whimsical design.
Here is an even better view of the loft bed. Don’t you just want to take a nap up there right now?
And here you are able to see the view of the tiny dwelling from behind the ladder:
This shot is taken looking up the ladder toward the skylight in the ceiling:
Wondering what this tiny house looks like from a bit of a distance? Here is a photo where we are looking down on it from the main guest house across the way. This photo has a person sitting on a bench outside it, so you get a better feel for the scale. As far as tiny houses go, this is definitely one of the tiniest ones I have ever seen. So it is just amazing that it is fully functional. It is like some kind of posh luxury tent.
If you are interested in staying in the “Mela,” you do need to pay the price for the entire artist retreat, which doesn’t come cheap. But if you are traveling with a larger party, it might be a perfect rental for your group. Visit the link below to view the AirBnB page for the “Mela” and attached guest house!
AirBnB: airbnb
