Hayley Rubery, 33, and her partner Ben, 40, are a testament to the power of creativity and perseverance. The couple, who have a passion for van life, found themselves drawn to a 1989 Van Royce on Facebook Marketplace. Despite its significant damp issues and a hefty price tag of £1,500, they knew this was their chance to embark on their dream project. With a tight budget in mind, they negotiated the price down to a mere £500.
“We’ve always loved the idea of van life,” Hayley shared with her Instagram followers, “But with the costs of a new camper van or a big renovation project easily reaching £20-£30K, it just wasn’t feasible for us.”
The caravan, christened Joyce, was in dire need of TLC. “She was beautiful but in some need of some serious TLC,” Hayley admitted. The couple first tackled the damp by pressure washing the entire caravan and using a mould remover spray to eliminate any lingering grease or mould. This meticulous cleaning was crucial to ensure a clean slate for the upcoming renovation.
Next, came the paint job. Hayley and Ben meticulously taped off any areas they didn’t want painted, including windows and handles. Although Hayley had never used a spray paint gun before, she was determined to master the technique. They even took to hand-painting their revamped caravan, with Hayley personally crafting the stripe across the door. “I taped up the stripe, cut in the green by hand, and then used a small roller for the rest,” she explained. “It took two coats to get the perfect finish, but it was worth every minute.”
The couple’s dedication to detail transformed Joyce beyond recognition. Their 34-year-old £500 caravan had a new lease on life. “It’s surprising what a difference you can make with a small budget and a lot of elbow grease,” Hayley remarked. The paint alone, gifted to them, cost approximately £150, which was enough to cover the entire caravan.
Moving onto the interior, they initially planned to paint the existing cupboards. However, they soon discovered the damp was more extensive than anticipated. The damaged cupboards and ceiling had to be completely removed. They then tackled the daunting task of resealing the caravan, both inside and out, re-boarding the ceiling, and completely transforming the kitchen, all for a mere £60.
Their hard work and ingenuity created a rustic charm that perfectly reflected their vision. “It was a labour of love, but the finished look is exactly what we wanted,” Hayley concluded.
Hayley and Ben’s story is an inspiration to anyone dreaming of creating their own unique living space. Their journey shows that with dedication, creativity, and a little elbow grease, even a £500 damp-ridden caravan can become a stylish and comfortable home.
