EP 111: Building a Life Less Ordinary: A Conversation with Bill Thornton on Tiny Homes, Community, and Debt-Free Living

Jul 10

Written By Laura Lynch, CFP® ABFP™ AAMS® CDFA®

← aLL podcast EPISOdes

Tiny Homes, Debt-Free Living, Community Building

In this episode of the Less House More Moola podcast, host Laura Lynch, CFP® ABFP™ AAMS® CDFA®, sits down with Bill Thornton in his unique, self-built home in El Rito, New Mexico. Their conversation explores Bill’s unconventional journey, from his early days as an aspiring architect to building a debt-free life rooted in community and a philosophy of "small is beautiful."

El Rito, New Mexico, Adobe Building, Debt-Free Homebuilding

Bill Thornton, a self-proclaimed "mid-century modern product of Detroit," always had a passion for building. After a year at the University of Michigan in 1973, he took a "gap year" that eventually stretched into 50 years. A chance encounter led him to a "Low Energy Living" class in El Rito, New Mexico, in June 1975. This transformative experience introduced him to Peter Van Dresser and the art of making adobes – a technique that immediately captivated him and set the course for his future. Bill spent the winter in El Rito, winterizing a cabin in exchange for rent, thus beginning his journey of rent-free living and developing building skills on a shoestring budget.

Land Ownership, Cooperative Living, Affordable Housing

After a communal building project fell through due to land ownership issues, Bill seized an opportunity to buy a half-share of a six-and-a-quarter-acre parcel with friends for $5,500. This casual co-ownership, a hallmark of the 1970s, allowed him to secure his "piece of dirt." This concept of co-ownership, Laura notes, offers a viable solution to the high cost of land and housing in today's market.

Bill's approach to homebuilding was slow and deliberate, dictated by his financial means. The first year (1977) was dedicated to installing utilities – power and a hand-dug well – consuming all his time and money. The second year (1978) focused on excavation and pouring the foundation, again wiping out his budget. This patient, incremental process allowed him to avoid the burden of a mortgage.

Phased Construction, Sustainable Architecture, Family Home

With a modest footprint of approximately 800 square feet, Bill initially planned his entire home from the beginning, even building a clay model. His understanding of solar-tempered adobe structures, with large south-facing windows and minimal north-facing ones, guided his design. He consciously angled his home slightly to the east for quicker winter warm-up and to avoid the intense western sun.

The first phase of construction was a small pantry/cold storage room, a manageable space to start. However, the arrival of his first child prompted the need for expansion. Though their first daughter was born in a teepee on the property due to space constraints, the family soon desired indoor plumbing. This led to Phase Two: building straight up from the existing foundation to create a functional bathroom. Phase Three involved encapsulating the front living room and adding two more bedrooms upstairs, along with a half-bath downstairs, to accommodate their three children.

Despite its gradual, budget-conscious construction, Bill's home is far from utilitarian. It boasts stained glass, beautiful beams, and arched windows, showcasing its artistic and sculptural qualities. This stands in stark contrast to the "square box" homes of his upbringing, driven by Bill's desire for taller ceilings and a more aesthetically pleasing environment.

Tiny House on Wheels, Conscious Building, Energy Efficiency

As Bill aged, the physical demands of large-scale construction led him to explore a different approach: building a tiny house on wheels. He built a "tiny factory" on a trailer and embarked on this new project. While different from adobe construction, it offered a refreshing speed of assembly. Bill meticulously insulated the tiny house and installed an efficient heat pump mini-split system, demonstrating that energy efficiency can be achieved in simpler structures, even without the thermal mass of adobe. The tiny house remains a project for his semi-retirement, potentially serving as a guest space in the future.

Small is Beautiful, Community Cooperation, Sustainable Living

Bill's life journey in El Rito exemplifies an unconventional path, one built on self-sufficiency, community, and a deliberate avoidance of debt. For those on a more conventional housing path, Bill offers a profound piece of wisdom: "small is beautiful." This philosophy, deeply ingrained since the first Earth Day in 1970, emphasizes cooperation, sustainability, and mindful living.

He highlights the importance of local initiatives, like the Kit Carson Electric Co-op, which powers El Rito with photovoltaics and will soon incorporate batteries for 24-hour renewable energy. Bill vividly recalls the cooperative spirit of the 70s, where friends and neighbors would gather for "Viga day" to peel logs or "adobe day" to pour concrete, demonstrating the power of shared labor and community support. This spirit continues to thrive in El Rito, where neighbors readily lend a hand.

Laura concludes by emphasizing the power of cultivating community wherever one is, sharing resources, expertise, and muscle. Bill's story serves as an inspiring example of how intentional living, combined with a strong sense of community, can lead to a fulfilling and debt-free life.