How this tiny ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, meets this couple's needs

Bousa relaxing inside the custom-designed ADU located behind her Fairfax district home. Photos: Mariah Tauger/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Bridget Bousa knew from the start that she wanted a functional home and not just a temporary guest house when she added an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, in her backyard.

When the first-time home buyer purchased the 1925 three-bedroom, two-bath home in the Fairfax district, Los Angeles County in California, the United States in 2021, she loved everything about the charming storybook cottage, except the garage.