What to expect at Tiny Estates

Staying in a tiny home at TE is often the first time for many of our visitors.  After watching popular tiny homes shows on TV, a lot of people are interested in seeing a tiny home first hand.  Doing one of our tours is a great way to experience up to about 5 different homes, built by different builders and different designs.  For $15 per person or $25 for two people (kids are free), you can get a tour of our 14-acre property, hear about our history and go into different homes. Tours are done in groups of five or less and we drive through the property on a golf cart.  Keep in mind for those who have difficulty navigating stairs, there are steps involved going in and out of the homes.  Another thing to remember is the weather, we will be outside for a lot of the tour so dress appropriately. 

Doing the tour is usually a good first step for people who are new to tiny and want an idea of what tiny is really like.  A lot of times, people doing the tour will often come back to experience a tiny home overnight.  Some people are doing their own personal research about whether they could potentially live in a tiny home.  Others, just enjoy coming for a unique lodging experience.

TE operated as a campground for several decades prior to us purchasing the property in early 2018.  We still operate as a campground and follow basic campground regulations and booking procedures. We like to call it glamping. No, it might not be luxurious, but it is, however, nicer than a typical cabin rental at a campground.  Our houses include comfortable living furniture, linens, and comforters on the beds, towels, and toiletries, pots and pans, high-speed internet. Most have propane cooktops or full-size appliances in some, you might find a cook plate in a house or two.  All of these amenities are listed on our website under general information, as well as in the booking description of each house. All of the tiny houses are equipped with running water and regular working toilets as we are hooked up to public sewer and water.  Each of the houses also has air conditioning and heat.

Like a campground, we also have two community areas with propane burning fire pits, outdoor sofas, hot tubs, picnic tables, grills, and outdoor games. There are also a few areas with wood burning fire pits and Adirondack chairs.  These are the fire pits that are available for cooking smores and other food.

There is a beautifully paved road that weaves around the 14 acres, through the tiny houses and past both fishing ponds.  We have a lot of natural wildlife on the property including many varieties of birds, fish, turtles and more.  It’s very relaxing to sit outside in the evening and take in the sounds and views of the beautiful nature we have surrounding us.  With nature, come bees, flies, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, even ticks, and more.  All the same, things you would encounter on a nature hike, trail or typical campground and everything you would expect being in the outdoors.  Be prepared for encounters with some of the creatures, pack your sprays and creams, burn some punks where you are sitting, but most of all enjoy nature. Take a walk, read a book, take a nap, go fishing in our catch and release pond.  Visiting TE is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with the comforts of home.

When you come to check in, you will find our office located on the right-hand side of the driveway when you pull in.  You will not be able to access the property without first checking in and obtaining your key and security fob.  This will allow your entry and the security gates to open.  The public is not allowed access to the property.  If you are not able to check in during our check-in times, we will arrange for you to get your key and directions to your tiny house when you arrive.

If you want to schedule a tour of the homes during your stay, you can do that when you make your reservation.  Tours are by appointment only and weather permitting.  Without an appointment, we may not be able to accommodate last minute requests for tours.

If you want to cook, you will need to provide your own food, snacks, and drinks. Our office has a few items, such as bottled waters and sodas, candy, ice cream, and a few frozen meals and of course, all the fixin’s to make smores, along with sticks for roasting marshmallows and roasting forks as well.  In the office, you also buy some t-shirts, pick up some brochures and pick up personal supplies if you forget something.  Conveniently, we are located just a few minutes away from grocery stores, wine, and beer stores and general department store shopping.

We staff our office from 10am to 6pm daily but we are available 24 hours a day for any guest needs or issues that may arise.  We do have staff on site, so we are not usually far away when needed after hours.

TE is situated just outside of Hershey, Harrisburg and Lancaster PA.  We are also just minutes away from Elizabethtown College. This makes us a great destination location for your visits to Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland, Amish Country and so many more attractions in the area. 

If you would like to view our tiny homes, you can visit our website, and look under the “our homes” tab.  We have them listed by size.  Each house will note how many it can sleep and if you are able to bring a pet to that home or not.  You will be able to see the exterior and interior pictures of each house so you can make a good selection when choosing your tiny vacation with us. 

Feel free to call our office if you have any questions between 10 am and 6 pm daily, we will be happy to help you in any way we can!