One Central Georgia couple will soon be featured on a national television show after their decision to downsize.
John and Fin Kernohan live in a tiny house, which is a home only a few hundred square feet in size.
The so-called tiny house movement has gained more attention in recent years, thanks to television shows on channels like HGTV or the DIY Network.
One of those shows called “Tiny House Big Living” will feature the couple’s latest housing project—a tiny firehouse.
The couple says their unconventional lifestyle helps them give back.
“This is our beloved cabin” exclaimed John Kernohan as he opens the front door to his 300-square foot abode.
The humble cabin in Eatonton may look small enough to be a storage shed, but inside, it has all the comforts of home.
“Not only is this like a sitting area, it's also two beds for guests,” said Kernohan. “Also, the whole underneath area is storage.”
John and his wife Fin have been living on the small scale for about five years now.
“Easy to clean. I will say that” laughed Fin.
The couple thought they were unique until, thanks to social media, they found they were part of a huge tiny home group.
“There was a big tiny house community out there before all these television shows happened,” Kernohan said. “The shows just gave exposure to it.”
One of those shows took notice.
The HGTV show called “Tiny House Big Living” will feature the Kernohans on the DIY Network for their newest venture-- a Tiny Firehouse.
While they live in their cabin full-time, the 147-square foot firehouse on wheels is what they use to head out on the road
Even though it is small, it makes a big impression.
“We travel in this,” said Kernohan. “It's not a museum. It's not a showpiece. It's an actual residential dwelling.”
The Kernohans travel a lot since starting the United Tiny House Association. They held their first tiny house festival last year, which has since expanded to other states.
100 percent of the money they raise from their events is donated to a variety of charities, including animal rescues, wounded veterans, and breast cancer awareness.
Another cause that is close them is helping fire departments and firefighters. They decided to use their love of tiny houses to pay tribute to first responders.
The episode of “Tiny House Big Living” shows the five-week building process for their tribute fire house, from construction to completion.
The space is outfitted with old fire extinguishers, hose nozzles, and helmets, with red flashing lights at the top.
Hatch doors from a firetruck make a fold-up dining table and storage space. Right in the middle stands a bronze fire pole, which is actually a painted galvanized fence post.
The Kernohans say they built their small house for a bigger reason other than looking flashy -- giving back to those who put their lives on the line. He says the house helps draw crowds to firefighters’ money raising efforts.
“They use it for their fundraisers, their boot drives,” Kernohan said. “We also let them use it for fire prevention education.”
John and Fin say they downsized to live more environmentally friendly, clear the clutter, and put their financial resources to experiences they say are more valuable than their square footage.
“We live very inexpensively,” he said. “Because of that, Fin and I have opportunities now to share a lot with other people.”
Their episode of Tiny House Big Living” airs Thursday, August 17th at 9 p.m. on the DIY Network.
The following Thursday, August 24th, the Kernohans will have a party at Georgia Butt Barbecue in Eatonton.
There, you can see the Tiny Firehouse up close, and you can win a chance to stay the night. Proceeds go to Putnam County Fire Rescue.
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