Yurts

Multifunctional Structures with All-round Appeal

Whether looking for a simple full-time permanent home or an inexpensive weekend getaway, an artist or yoga studio, meditation space, guest cottage, or unique commercial space, a yurt can meet your needs. They have even been used as churches and home school classrooms. Their unique and simple design allows for a variety of uses.

Unique Structures Tested Over 2000 Years

Originally called a Ger, the yurt originated with Mongolian nomads over 2500 years ago and is still in use today. Today's modern version is based on the Mongolian design, but includes many upgraded features and engineering to make it more comfortable and user friendly.

Considering the Options

While you may choose to build your own yurt, you may want to buy a complete kit that contains the structural elements and exterior covers. Manufactures build them in sizes ranging from 12 to 30 feet in diameter. Purchased as a kits, they can be equipped with many options like extra windows, stove pipe flashing, fabric upgrades, French doors, rain catchment systems and more. Photo by Zahora photography © 2007

Interior partition walls can be added to separate living areas from bedroom and bath areas making it feel like a home. Some choose to add a smaller yurt to a larger central one to create a larger space with private areas. Others even connect two or more with wooden structures. The possiblities are endless. Larger ones typically have higher ceiling heights that allow for a second floor loft or storage space.

An Affordable Housing Option

Purchased at a cost far less than a conventional cabin or home a yurt can provide great affordable housing for those on a tight budget. It can also be erected in a couple of days. Another benefit is that it can be easily disassembled and moved to another site.

A yurt can serve as a temporary shelter while building a permanent cabin or weekend home. Once the permanent structure is completed, it can be left up as a guest cottage, office or studio. Some have even chosen to forego the construction of a permanent dwelling since they love yurt living so well.

Making Them Comfortable for Home, Office, and More

Can a canvas structure really serve as a home, office, spa, or studio? Definitely! A yurt can be equipped with electric, heat, plumbing, insulation and other features to make it more comfortable. A well or rainwater harvesting system can be installed to supply fresh water. Some are totally off the grid and utilize solar or wind power. Composting toilets can also be added easily to avoid expensive and environmentally unfriendly septic systems. In some parts of the country a grey water system can be installed to process shower and sink water created by the bathroom or kitchen. Many ways of making these unique structures livable are discussed on this site.

One area of caution: Be sure to investigate the local building codes/restrictions for your area. You may be required to get a building permit, meet applicable codes and educate local officials.

Purpose of This Site: We have yurts at our bed and breakfast inn. This site was developed to help answer questions that many have asked us. A major decision involves where should I buy my yurt? There are many manufacturers to choose from. Explore the pages on this site to see if a yurt can meet your needs. There are many steps to follow and things to consider before making a purchase.

Disclaimer Of Liability And Warranty- I specifically disclaim any warranty, either expressed or implied, concerning the information on these pages. I will not have any liability for loss, damage, or injury, resulting from the use of any information found on this, or any other page of this site.