Book Talk
Tales of a Not-So-Tiny-House
Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2—4 pm
Know before you go
In-person event
Location: Morse Auditorium
Included with admission
Pre-registration encouraged
Image courtesy of Morgan Karansios.
Join us for a captivating book talk and discussion with authors Chloe Barcelou and Brandon Batchelder as they share insights from their book Tales of a Not-So-Tiny House, in conversation with Ruthie Dibble, PEM’s Robert N. Shapiro Curator of American Decorative Art. Their tiny house will also be on display in the Federal Garden area behind the historic Plummer Hall and Daland House for guests to view!
The house will also be on view for Historic Salem’s Christmas in Salem tour on Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 am–1:30 pm and 4–5 pm, and on Sunday, December 7, from 11:30 am–4 pm.
Tales of a Not-So-Tiny House is a visually rich book that tells the story of the couple's custom steampunk caravan, nestled in the wilds of New England. If you're lucky enough to take a wrong turn in the mountains of New Hampshire, you might just stumble upon this 300-square-foot handmade home. A magical blend of fairy tale cottage, steamer trunk and pirate ship, it's built almost entirely from recycled film sets, thrift store finds, flea market treasures and junkyard gems.
Originally featured on HGTV’s Tiny House, Big Living, this unique home garnered international attention in print and online and became a TikTok sensation. The book takes readers on a journey through the couple’s process of building and decorating their home, which they have completely redesigned in recent years. Much like the house itself, every inch of this richly ornate book is packed with innovative ideas for small-space living. Discover foldable sections that create individual wings with custom-built wardrobes, desks, chairs and a vanity. Explore a bathroom complete with a composting toilet and a folding sink, and even a guest bed. Barcelou and Batchelder also share the everyday joys of small-space living: creating storage in every nook and cranny, baking pies in their tiny kitchen with freshly gathered fruit and climbing into their dramatically curtained bed loft by candlelight.
Sumptuously designed and illustrated, this book offers a truly original perspective on small-space living.
Books can be purchased from the museum shop in advance and on the day of the talk. The authors will be available for a book signing and meet-and-greet after the talk.
About our collaborators
Chloe Barcelou and Brandon Batchelder
Ruthie Dibble
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