Living in a shepherd’s hut-style wagon as a cheaper alternative

In recent years, alternative housing has become very fashionable. Many people have taken to it because it is another way to save money, so it has become a question of both economics and ecology. Some people do not need huge houses with a swimming pool; instead, they enjoy minimalism and cosy, more sustainable living. Living in a wagon falls into exactly this category. You will be surprised how many options today’s market offers.

Designers, for their part, are discovering a way to express themselves freely in a small space. One such option is living in a wagon. This kind of home no longer resembles life in the novel Circus Humberto (Cirkus Humberto); it has become modern and more comfortable.

Life on four wheels

What should you expect when you buy a wagon? It is important to decide where it will stand. It is not quite true that you can put a wagon anywhere. On the other hand, a wagon does not need a building permit, but you must notify the building authority (stavební úřad).

If you have decided to live in it, you must place the wagon on a plot designated for building a family house or a recreational building according to the zoning plan (územní plán) of the municipality concerned.

Life in a wagon sounds romantic, but under the Building Act (stavební zákon), if you want to live in a wagon, it must not stand in a forest, in a field or in a meadow, so you will have to forget about wandering through the countryside and admiring the scenery. The advantage is that you do not have to report the wagon, but only if a family house already stands on the plot.

The most popular wagons are in the USA

In our part of the world, living in a wagon or a so-called tiny house is not very common. In the USA, however, people have even founded the “Tiny House Movement”. Tiny houses generally embrace minimalism and clearly accept the freedom they also offer. Above all, it is about the freedom they provide, and on top of that, living in a small house costs far less money.

Besides the low purchase price, running costs are very low, so you are not forced to work long hours to pay the rent and you still have time for your hobbies. A modern wagon offers thermal comfort and plenty of light.

Is a wagon good for nature?

As we have already written, wagons save you money, so buying and running one will cost you less than living in a flat. Yet the living area of a wagon is a third of that of an average flat, which affects both the amount of material used and the area that needs heating.

There is also a big difference in how a wagon is built. Many people buy a second-hand wagon, which is most often made of wood, and wood has a lower carbon footprint than brick or concrete. People in wagons often heat with wood. They use a dry toilet, compost and rainwater, so there can really be no doubt about their ecological credentials.

The biggest problem? Small space

The space usually ranges from 15 to 25 m², so it is not easy to arrange everything in such a small area. When renovating a wagon, plan for a place to cook and eat, but you should also have space for hygiene: a bathroom and a toilet. Another problem is heating, which is closely linked to thermal insulation. Without it, your wagon will be cold in winter and stuffy in summer. Today’s wagons are made of sandwich panels, with thermal insulation foam inserted between the layers of sheet metal or wooden boarding. Wagons can also come fitted with their own heating. Propane-butane gas heating is often used now, or you can have solar panels on the roof. The small space will certainly not allow you to have a children’s room, so you will live in one room with your little one.

It always depends on how you use it. Only when you live in a wagon will you realise why, in the film Stardust, the witch kept her slave turned into a little blue bird and locked separately in a cage. The space really is miserable.

Weekend cottage

Finding an old wagon is not that difficult. On average, you can get one for around 40,000 to 50,000 CZK (about 1,800 to 2,300 USD). However, budget for its renovation, which can cost you up to 100,000 CZK (about 4,600 USD) if you want to live in it all year round. On the other hand, a wagon will serve you as a welcome place to rest and recharge. What is more, the need for a cottage or a weekend house disappears completely.

Life in a wagon is not for pampered princesses, but for people who do not insist on first-class comfort. Even so, living in one is the most wonderful thing that could happen to you. At least, that is what the owners of today’s modern wagons claim.

While you look around for a wagon, do not forget to check out our other articles. We will advise you on how to recognise quality food or what to do to get a loan for a cooperative flat.

USD amounts are approximate, converted at the Czech National Bank rate of 21.75 CZK per USD on 9 October 2026.