The Tiny Homes of Glenmont Village

NewsLifestyle

May 13

*Tax Map Index and Street Map of Montgomery County, Maryland, Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; home photos Bright MLS*

When exquisite or unique homes are listed in Montgomery County, you’re likely to read about them on The MoCo Show and Bethesda Magazine. Usually, the bigger the better. But there was a time when county developers were focused on the opposite direction. They built homes as small as possible to keep loans affordable and meet FHA "Minimum House" designs under the GI Bill.

The 650 homes in Glenmont Village, a neighborhood on the west side of Georgia Avenue and north of Randolph Road, were built between 1949 and the early 1950s and include two-bedroom Cape Cod and Ranch style homes. Most Ranch models are 792 square feet, following an identical design. The Cape Cods have slightly more living space, plus they originally came with unfinished basements. Over the years, many of these houses have been changed and updated, but several still exist with their original footprint.

Glenmont Village homes are among the smallest in the county, but technically not “tiny.” Maryland building codes define a tiny home as less than 400 square feet. In Montgomery County, detached tiny homes are regulated as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). If they meet land criteria, they can be a maximum 1,200 square feet—fifty percent larger than a standard Glenmont Village Ranch.

There are currently two single-family Glenmont Village homes for sale that are less than 1,000 square feet. At under a half million, they make attractive starter homes for small families, offering walking distance to Metro and major commuter routes, as well as shopping, restaurants and parks. Let’s take a look!

2715 Randolph Road
1950 Cottage, 792 sq ft plus converted 200 sq ft shed, $420,000

This is a classic Glenmont Village 792 square feet rancher. The updated two-bedroom, one bathroom home is smaller than some stand-alone Montgomery County ADUs. It features an open main living area with recessed lighting, newer flooring, and large windows that bring in substantial natural light.

The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and connects to a separate laundry area. The home’s bathroom has been renovated with contemporary tile finishes and a glass-enclosed shower.

Outside, the property includes a fenced backyard with a large patio and a detached 20-by-10-foot shed that has been converted into conditioned flex space with a mini-split heating and cooling system. The additional structure can function as a home office, studio, exercise room, or informal gathering space. The property also includes a front patio and a private driveway.

It’s a tiny house with a tiny house! Learn more about it here: Zillow Listing

12628 Farnell Drive
1949 Bungalow, 910 sq ft, $485,000

This Glenmont Village bungalow-style ranch home is slightly larger than the standard 792 square foot model. This remodeled unit somehow manages to squeeze two extra bedrooms and another full bathroom into its 910 square feet on a single level.