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Small Spaces in Big Places: The Real Estate Strategy for Financial Freedom and a Life You Don’t Need a Vacation From
Do you dream of having financial freedom, spending more time doing what you want, with the people you love?
In Small Spaces in Big Places, discover how one unconventional decision – to own multiple, smaller, income-generating residences – created both financial independence and a lifestyle of endless variety. From a condo in a downtown waterfront, to a northern lakeside to an ocean beach, this model proves that you don’t need to be rich to live where others vacation. You just need to think differently about ownership.
LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE. OWN SMART. LIVE FREE.
Learn how to:
Use real estate not just as investment but as a life-design tool
Convert equity into passive income enabling a self-funded model
Rotate between homes in desirable locations
Be minimalistic by downsizing your footprint while upsizing joy & time
Create financial freedom and flexibility long before retirement
Over the years, Wayne and Jennifer have refined their real estate strategies to create wealth and freedom. In Small Spaces in Big Places, they share actionable advice and the mindset that led to financial independence and a fulfilling, flexible lifestyle, inspiring others to rethink what’s possible.
LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE. OWN SMART. LIVE FREE.
In Small Spaces in Big Places, discover how one unconventional decision – to own multiple, smaller, income-generating residences – created both financial independence and a lifestyle of endless variety. From a condo in a downtown waterfront, to a northern lakeside to an ocean beach, this model proves that you don’t need to be rich to live where others vacation. You just need to think differently about ownership.
LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE. OWN SMART. LIVE FREE.
Learn how to:
Use real estate not just as investment but as a life-design tool
Convert equity into passive income enabling a self-funded model
Rotate between homes in desirable locations
Be minimalistic by downsizing your footprint while upsizing joy & time
Create financial freedom and flexibility long before retirement
Over the years, Wayne and Jennifer have refined their real estate strategies to create wealth and freedom. In Small Spaces in Big Places, they share actionable advice and the mindset that led to financial independence and a fulfilling, flexible lifestyle, inspiring others to rethink what’s possible.
LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE. OWN SMART. LIVE FREE.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 3, 2026
Process and accumulated knowledge
As someone who has wanted to live minimally for years but struggled because of the ‘material’ demands of a spouse and special needs child. I have reconsidered how to love for me but also still figuring out the path with as a caregiver now. I have done multiple moves in many years, downsizing belongings and lifestyle and am living at the whims at the moment. Much practical advice is given on different situations and although the writers have a like for the resort style living, we had a timeshare that we weren’t able to ever use and wasted money on until we were able to leave the contract, so sounds like Canada has a few better things going for it than the USA. But I do appreciate the data and learning aspects from both the USA and Canada. My ex spouse was also a real estate broker at one point in time and it helped and hindered our financial independence. The trap in my family is the ‘bug’ to build our own home, my grandmother had built 3 in her lifetime and as someone that was interested in interior design and architecture I loved spending hours as a child dreaming up floor plans. I think they used their time wisely during the pandemic by learning more, I know I was innovating my garden and tending to farm animals during that time (and preservation, cooking, baking with homeschooling.)
As someone who has wanted to live minimally for years but struggled because of the ‘material’ demands of a spouse and special needs child. I have reconsidered how to love for me but also still figuring out the path with as a caregiver now. I have done multiple moves in many years, downsizing belongings and lifestyle and am living at the whims at the moment. Much practical advice is given on different situations and although the writers have a like for the resort style living, we had a timeshare that we weren’t able to ever use and wasted money on until we were able to leave the contract, so sounds like Canada has a few better things going for it than the USA. But I do appreciate the data and learning aspects from both the USA and Canada. My ex spouse was also a real estate broker at one point in time and it helped and hindered our financial independence. The trap in my family is the ‘bug’ to build our own home, my grandmother had built 3 in her lifetime and as someone that was interested in interior design and architecture I loved spending hours as a child dreaming up floor plans. I think they used their time wisely during the pandemic by learning more, I know I was innovating my garden and tending to farm animals during that time (and preservation, cooking, baking with homeschooling.)
May 9, 2026
I have just completed production for the Audio Book of “Small Spaces in Big Places: The Real Estate Strategy for Financial Freedom and a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From”.
Okay, so you may think that I am biased, since I recorded it, but, it truly is an excellent book.
For me, I appreciate that it is written in a conversational type of format. It's not a lecture on how “you need to do this”, or “do that”.
It is very detailed and personal where Jennifer and Wayne share their journey from professional corporate lives to a true Lifestyle change. Not only are the details shared from personal experiences but it is all backed up by real data.
When I retired from my corporate journey, and we sold our B&B, we had a few decisions to make. Interestingly enough, we considered a lifestyle just like Jennifer & Wayne described in Small Spaces in Big Places. Just with a different home base and tropical location.
We did however choose a different path, living full time in Stratford Ontario with our retirement option featuring tropical travel and no tropical location ownership. Our journey also included downsizing with some minimalizing as well.
We love our chosen lifestyle but I admittedly lived somewhat vicariously through Jennifer & Wayne's lifestyle decisions.
The information shared is very interesting and by the time you are done the book, you feel a bit of a personal connection with the Barkers. It is an engagingly written book, so even if you choose your own lifestyle option, you will be grateful for getting to know this couple and their journey.
I definitely recommend this book.
Okay, so you may think that I am biased, since I recorded it, but, it truly is an excellent book.
For me, I appreciate that it is written in a conversational type of format. It's not a lecture on how “you need to do this”, or “do that”.
It is very detailed and personal where Jennifer and Wayne share their journey from professional corporate lives to a true Lifestyle change. Not only are the details shared from personal experiences but it is all backed up by real data.
When I retired from my corporate journey, and we sold our B&B, we had a few decisions to make. Interestingly enough, we considered a lifestyle just like Jennifer & Wayne described in Small Spaces in Big Places. Just with a different home base and tropical location.
We did however choose a different path, living full time in Stratford Ontario with our retirement option featuring tropical travel and no tropical location ownership. Our journey also included downsizing with some minimalizing as well.
We love our chosen lifestyle but I admittedly lived somewhat vicariously through Jennifer & Wayne's lifestyle decisions.
The information shared is very interesting and by the time you are done the book, you feel a bit of a personal connection with the Barkers. It is an engagingly written book, so even if you choose your own lifestyle option, you will be grateful for getting to know this couple and their journey.
I definitely recommend this book.
February 7, 2026
I’ve picked up a few real estate books before, but this one actually kept my interest. It’s less about just "investing" and more about how to set up your life so you aren't stuck in one place forever.
The idea of having a few smaller spots in cool locations instead of one big house is a smart move. It makes the whole "financial freedom" thing feel way more doable for normal people, rather than just a pipe dream. It’s practical, easy to follow, and gave me some solid stuff to think about regarding my own living situation.
If you’re looking for a way to have more flexibility with where you live and work without needing a massive bank account to start, this book will point you in the right direction!
The idea of having a few smaller spots in cool locations instead of one big house is a smart move. It makes the whole "financial freedom" thing feel way more doable for normal people, rather than just a pipe dream. It’s practical, easy to follow, and gave me some solid stuff to think about regarding my own living situation.
If you’re looking for a way to have more flexibility with where you live and work without needing a massive bank account to start, this book will point you in the right direction!
February 7, 2026
First book of 2026 and I loved it! Small Spaces in Big Places is an eye-opening and inspiring read about using real estate as a tool for life design, not just investment. As someone young and just beginning to explore the real estate world, this book truly shifted my mindset about what ownership and financial freedom can look like. Wayne and Jennifer Barker show how owning smaller, strategic properties in places you love can create flexibility, passive income, and a richer lifestyle. Practical, thoughtful, and full of actionable advice. Highly recommend!
August 23, 2026
Really enjoyed Small Spaces in Big Places by Wayne and Jennifer Barker. I especially liked the idea of challenging the status quo and questioning the traditional “North American Dream.” The book is a great reminder that you don’t have to follow the path laid out by previous generations to build a successful and fulfilling life. There’s something really refreshing about choosing your own definition of success and creating a lifestyle that genuinely makes you happy. Definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read, highly recommend!
February 7, 2026
Small Spaces in Big Places transformed how I think about living large without the overhead! Their insights on owning multiple compact, income-generating spots unlocked financial freedom and endless adventure for me. The content is spot-on practical and inspiring. Highly recommend for anyone ready to downsize up—game-changer!
March 13, 2026
Small Spaces in Big Places is the ultimate guide for anyone feeling weighed down by a massive mortgage and a house full of empty rooms. Wayne and Jennifer Barker offer an inspiring, honest, and incredibly practical roadmap for "rightsizing" your way to financial freedom. I loved how they balanced their personal journey with the actual strategy they used to build a life across three world-class locations. If you want to stop trading your time for square footage and start designing a life you don’t need a vacation from, read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small Spaces in Big Places is a great read filled with insightful, practical tips on real estate investing. If you’re looking for guidance on how to not only invest in real estate and earn a profit, but also design a life centered around travel and adventure, this book is for you.
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February 11, 2026Perfect timing to read this amazing book for what's happening in Real Estate. Very informative and helpful to plan our next steps in Retirement. Loved it!
D.H
D.H
April 18, 2026
Very insightful easy to read with concrete examples and experiences for anyone interested in real state! Highly recommend ! -
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wayne and Jennifer candidly and practically share their path to building financial freedom through real estate while shaping a life they didn’t need to escape. It’s not about high-flying theories and frameworks that look convincing but don’t get off the ground. It’s about starting where you are, making smart, grounded decisions that compound into confidence, more opportunities, and freedom.
You’ll be guided step-by-step through the mindsets, research, decisions, and trade-offs needed to move from aspiration to execution. As the authors share their phased progress, you will see how starting small and building experience leads to smart ownership, passive income, and the ability to choose the life you want to lead. They demonstrate how they leveraged their careers in finance, sales, and real estate, complemented by expert professional advice.
Honest, pragmatic and inspiring, Small Spaces in Big Places gives you everything you need to create the life you don’t need a vacation from. All you need to do is take this first step toward their motto: Live where you love. Own smart. Live free.
You’ll be guided step-by-step through the mindsets, research, decisions, and trade-offs needed to move from aspiration to execution. As the authors share their phased progress, you will see how starting small and building experience leads to smart ownership, passive income, and the ability to choose the life you want to lead. They demonstrate how they leveraged their careers in finance, sales, and real estate, complemented by expert professional advice.
Honest, pragmatic and inspiring, Small Spaces in Big Places gives you everything you need to create the life you don’t need a vacation from. All you need to do is take this first step toward their motto: Live where you love. Own smart. Live free.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those rare books that works no matter where you are in life or on your investment in real estate journey. What I really appreciated is how the authors challenge assumptions we rarely stop to question — not just about real estate, but about how we think about opportunity, security, and choice. The book is practical without being rigid, and aspirational without feeling unrealistic. The frameworks, especially the pillars, self-assessments, and end-of-book checklist, are exceptionally well done. They guide the reader step by step and encourage meaningful reflection. The real-life stories woven throughout add depth and make the concepts feel grounded and achievable. As someone who moved across the ocean and started over, I found this book particularly meaningful. It’s written in a way that allows anyone, regardless of background or starting point, to see themselves in it and apply the thinking to their own situation. A genuinely thoughtful and empowering read that expands your horizon of what’s possible. Absolutely fun to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book offers a clear and approachable introduction to real estate, explaining complex ideas in simple terms that anyone can understand. The authors break down topics like market trends, financing, and property value in a way that makes real estate feel practical and manageable rather than overwhelming.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how easy it is to follow. It helps readers truly make sense of real estate by using everyday language and relatable examples, making it accessible even to those with no prior experience. The book also emphasizes smart decision-making and long-term thinking instead of quick profits.
Overall, this is an excellent foundational read. It should be read by every young adult before jumping into real estate, as it provides the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed and responsible choices.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how easy it is to follow. It helps readers truly make sense of real estate by using everyday language and relatable examples, making it accessible even to those with no prior experience. The book also emphasizes smart decision-making and long-term thinking instead of quick profits.
Overall, this is an excellent foundational read. It should be read by every young adult before jumping into real estate, as it provides the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed and responsible choices.
Review of advance copy
Such a refreshing and realistic take on creating a freedom lifestyle through real estate.
I loved how simple and relatable this book is. It shows in a very real and practical way how location freedom and financial freedom are actually possible. The examples are clear and easy to understand, even if you’re not an expert in real estate.
This book truly applies to any stage of life - whether you’re a young professional thinking about early retirement, someone looking to diversify income, an empty nester wanting to live in different locations, or just anyone dreaming of more time, flexibility, and freedom.
A great read if you’re curious about using real estate as a tool to create more choice, flexibility, and control over how (and where) you live your life.
I loved how simple and relatable this book is. It shows in a very real and practical way how location freedom and financial freedom are actually possible. The examples are clear and easy to understand, even if you’re not an expert in real estate.
This book truly applies to any stage of life - whether you’re a young professional thinking about early retirement, someone looking to diversify income, an empty nester wanting to live in different locations, or just anyone dreaming of more time, flexibility, and freedom.
A great read if you’re curious about using real estate as a tool to create more choice, flexibility, and control over how (and where) you live your life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small Spaces in Big Places shifted my thinking about familiar concepts -- down-sizing and right-sizing -- to a new concept I'm referring to as "right-placing." Jennifer and Wayne outline the path to "live where you love and enjoy a life well lived." The experience, knowledge gained, and plan they share, coupled with their perspective on the benefits of moving toward a minimalist lifestyle allow us to rethink the concept of home. Be strategic and intentional, make lifestyle adjustments over time, shed emotional attachments to possessions, and importantly, create new beliefs about what it is to achieve the dream. In doing so, you too can live a financially-freeing life, invest your time enjoying the people and things that matter most to you, and do it in places most people only dream of.
February 11, 2026
Finally , a down-to-earth guide to achieving the possible ! Living life to the fullest isn’t going to happen by wishful thinking or buying lottery tickets . This is a thoughtful book that outlines how you can change the consumerism mindset we all buy into and realize a life full of experiences rather than things. It challenges you to think differently; provides a step-by-step guide to realizing passive income through real estate acquisition; and tangible solutions to potential roadblocks via lessons learned . My copy is already dog-eared and highlighted!
Review of advance copy
The core message of the book is simple yet impactful: live modestly, make a few sacrifices, exercise the right balance of process, discipline and mindset, will make a difference to what you can achieve. The authors show the reader anything is possible and go into detail with how-tos of what they lived and learned. This book is for those interested in building wealth with real estate, ultimately enabling the financial freedom to live a life on your own terms, that can include multiple residences in beautiful locations.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Impactful trends are often started by people who can visualize outside of the box thinking. Jennifer and Wayne have provided a thoughtful and realistic approach to incorporating the desire for an active, unencumbered retirement lifestyle while utilizing sound financial planning and portfolio management to enhance their personal financial wellbeing. This book touches on so many key aspects of their process, that it provides a “how to” guide that anyone can implement if they take the time to plan properly. Well Done!
Ehren M.
Ehren M.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the book! Very approachable way to understand how real estate can help gain financial freedom. Best concept I read was “right sizing vs down sizing”. Another important thing was the humanization of the strategy. Sometimes you think that you need a lot of knowledge to start something like this - Jen and Wayne make it very clear, step by step, so you can decide if this is something that could work for you. I definitely learned a lot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
SSiBP presents a different way of thinking about traditional home ownership, where you really want to live, etc. The authors present numerous strategies that offer a very different approach to achieving your aspirations. This book provides a easy to understand "blueprint" for investment decisions (e.g. interest rates, location, etc.) allowing you the opportunity to live a life tailored to your tastes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thoughtfully written – a nice quick read. Grateful to have some realistic guidance in this arena. Offers practical tools to facilitate mindset shifts as many of us are risk-averse regarding real estate investing. Especially love the tips to rethink "what if I mess this up?" to "what can I learn from this, and how can I move forward wisely?". A great resource for building confidence and clarity. Really enjoyed this!
Review of advance copy
I appreciated the opportunity to review “Small Spaces in Big Places” and found it to be thought provoking, challenging the norms of real estate investing and how to live one’s life. The concept of splitting one’s time between multiple properties in amazing locations then having them fully managed and providing income when not in use is very smart. The fact that they not only share their journey but also provide a solid resource to be able to follow a similar path is amazing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Small Spaces in Big Places. It offers a fresh perspective on how smart design and strategic thinking can turn limited square footage into meaningful opportunity. The ideas are practical, not just aspirational, and it challenges the assumption that bigger is always better.
A thoughtful read for anyone interested in real estate, urban living, or maximizing value in today’s market. Simple concept — powerful execution.
A thoughtful read for anyone interested in real estate, urban living, or maximizing value in today’s market. Simple concept — powerful execution.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small Spaces in Big Places highlights and emphasizes a repeatable system. I so appreciated this guide making a compelling case that successful real estate investing isn’t about luck or timing the market perfectly ~ it’s about building processes. If you are looking for a read that aims to move beyond a single property and build a portfolio, this perspective is invaluable.
Review of advance copy
Small Spaces in Big Places – wow!!! If you are looking to get started, to set a new path, or set a plan and strike your direction, Jen & Wayne Barker have put together some compelling and resourceful details. This book is not complicated, it demonstrates what is possible with a plan, focus and discipline. Thanks to Jen and Wayne for sharing their experience and putting it into this great book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Simplifying a complex conversation in a simple way with this book. I say to my wife don't fall in love with your investment if you want to built growth and equity. Make sure you sell when you have reach your desire outcome.
Great easy read!
Luc and Pauline
Great easy read!
Luc and Pauline
Review of advance copy received from Author
Small Spaces in Big Places shows how rethinking ownership can open up income, flexibility, and lifestyle choice, making an approach to real estate that often feels out of reach feel clear, practical, and possible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Any guidance that can have you travelling and living in places you own in the likes of Turks & Caicos and Muskoka, while earning income while you are not, is worth exploring further. This book has opened up the realm of possibilities and a how to.
Review of advance copy
Small Spaces in Big Places completely reframed how I think about real estate—not just as an investment, but as a tool for designing your life. Thoughtful, practical, and full of actionable advice. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wayne and Jen have done a terrific job of showing the potential that financial freedom can provide. The book is wonderful at demonstrating through their experience how a good plan, teamwork and persistence can provide a future worthy of envy by all! Awesome job!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews