Hayley Rubery, 33, and her partner, Ben, 40, have always dreamed of embracing the van life, but the exorbitant cost of traditional van renovations, often reaching £30,000, has been a major deterrent. However, their dream took a step closer to reality when they discovered a 30-year-old caravan listed on Facebook Marketplace for £1.5k. Upon closer inspection, they noticed some damp issues, and through skillful negotiation, they managed to secure the caravan for a bargain price of £500. With a limited budget of just £500 for the renovation, the couple embarked on a journey to transform the caravan into their tiny dream home. They have already invested £300 in removing the damp wood and revamping the kitchen. The couple, who are also renovating their house in Norfolk, have decided to tackle this caravan project on their own, employing a trial-and-error approach. Hayley, a full-time influencer, expressed their excitement: “We’ve always been drawn to the idea of van life, but it’s a dream that can put a significant dent in your finances.” She further explained, “This caravan, despite its age and dampness, will allow us to experience van life without breaking the bank.” Their budget of £500 has guided their renovation strategy, with a focus on addressing the dampness first. They have replaced damaged wood using plywood purchased for £5 per piece from a local timber yard. Hayley’s creativity has been instrumental in upcycling the kitchen for around £60, utilizing budget-friendly hacks like stick-on tiles and leftover paint. The couple has sourced decorations from budget-friendly stores like The Range and Matalan. Hayley noted, “We’ve tried to preserve as much as possible and only replace what’s absolutely necessary.” The bathroom is next on their to-do list, where they intend to use waterproof adhesive for decoration. Hayley is enthusiastic about the progress they’ve made, stating, “I’ve just been winging it, but the results are surprisingly impressive.” They hope to complete the project in time for their summer road trip to Scotland in August. Upon completion, the couple plans to equip the caravan with a mini projector and other home comforts. Despite the initial dampness, Hayley believes the caravan is a worthwhile investment: “Caravans can be a bit underrated. We’re hoping to get several summers of enjoyment out of this one.” Their journey towards creating their tiny dream home is documented on TikTok @hayleyrubery_, where followers can witness their progress and glean inspiration from their creative and budget-conscious approach to van renovation.
Couple Transform Bargain £500 Caravan into Tiny Dream Home
