Most middle schoolers probably have other things on their minds besides building houses.
But Luke Thill, a 13-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, is unlike any other middle schooler you’ve seen before.
This talented and proactive boy has crafted his very own little house — in his parent’s backyard.
The project cost him roughly $1,500 USD — and now Luke is living his dream in his little cottage.
Come on in and have a look at what it looks like inside.
I think it’s safe to say that Luke is not like many of his 13-year-old peers. In a time of iPads, smartphones, gadgets, and X-Boxes, this young man decided to keep himself busy in a different and more ‘old-fashioned’ way. As he explains on his YouTube channel, his desire to build a small house grew out of feeling bored last summer.
After some thorough research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how he was going to put his plan into action.
The Process
It took him about a year to get the money and materials he needed to build the house. Luke mowed lawns, started a fund-raiser online, and ran errands for anyone who needed help in the neighborhood to make money.
An electrician Luke was friends with helped him install the electricity in exchange for Luke cleaning his garage out, for instance.
Luke used about 75 percent recycled material, many of which were things left over from his grandma’s house. The front door of the house was a gift from an uncle’s friend.
The 89-square-foot house is 10 feet long and 5 1/2 feet wide, with electricity but no plumbing, so no water or bathroom… yet.
“I liked the minimalism,” he told The Des Moines Register. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Luke has made several video clips and posted them online, where he talks about his project as many have grown curious about the little house.
As you can imagine, Luke also received some help from his parents, both financially and with the building itself.
But dad Greg made sure that it would be Luke himself who would pay for most of his project and also build most of it himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg told The Des Moines Register. “It teaches life lessons.”
Teenager’s Dream
The house is in many ways a teenager’s dream, an oasis where you can chill and hang out in. It has a microwave, a TV, and a loft with a bed.
There’s even a barbecue and flowers at the back.
Luke usually does his homework after school at his new house and some nights during the week he gets to sleep there.
Luke already has aspirations to build another house — one that’s a little bigger for when he starts college. He also hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams:
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” he says in one of his videos.
You can really see how proud he is about his project below.
Luke’s story is a great example of what a child can achieve with a clear goal, a strong worth ethic, and support from home.
Kate Middleton’s Potential Return to Royal Duties: A Beacon of Hope
Around the world, many were shocked to learn that Kate Middleton had been diagnosed with cancer. Although her recent operation had been made public, the news of her diagnosis was shocking. Since then, Kate has concentrated on her medical care, but her return to royal duties appears to be imminent.
Maintaining Her Royal Work Connection
Kate managed to maintain her royal duties even while she was recovering from surgery at the London Clinic. According to reports, she worked from her hospital bed to complete part of her duties. It demonstrates her devotion and dedication.
An Epistle of Solace
Kate took time out of her own health struggles to write a touching condolence letter to Kate Garraway, whose husband had passed away earlier this year. Kate’s supportive and kind act revealed a great deal about her understanding and generosity.
Regards from a Royal Fan.
Kate sent a special thank you to one lucky royal fan. Following the Princess of Wales’ operation, the fan sent love and well wishes, and Kensington Palace responded with a lovely note. It was a heartfelt moment that showed how grateful Kate was to her fans.
The Support of Queen Camilla
Throughout this trying time, Queen Camilla has been a rock for Kate and King Charles. She mentioned Kate on a recent visit and expressed the princess’s appreciation for all of the well wishes and encouragement she has received. Kate and Charles are receiving support and strength from the royal family.
The Anchors of Family
Although the royal family has offered assistance, Kate’s parents and siblings have been her real pillars of support throughout her difficult journey. Every step of the journey, they have shown her love and support. Kate is so grateful for the love and support of the Middleton family during this difficult time.
A Prospective Comeback to Public Life
It’s possible that Kate will return to the public eye earlier than anticipated. Even though she had prophylactic chemotherapy, a royal specialist says she might go to some occasions if she feels well enough. Even if a full-scale return to royal duties might still be some way off, everyone would find optimism if Kate appeared this summer.
Let’s hope for encouraging news in the upcoming months as we extend our warmest regards to King Charles and Kate Middleton. We are all inspired by the princess’s fortitude and tenacity, and we can’t wait for her to resume her cherished position as a working royal.
Perhaps you might be interested in reading more about Kate Middleton’s trip if you liked this tale about the royal family.
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