A creative couple, Hayley Rubery and Ben, have successfully transformed a £500 damp-ridden caravan into a stunning home. With a tight budget and determination, they tackled the project with DIY skills, transforming the 1989 Van Royce into a stylish living space they named Joyce. The couple’s journey showcases the power of creativity and hard work in achieving a dream home, despite initial challenges.
A couple has purchased a bargain caravan for £500 on Facebook Marketplace and is transforming it into their tiny dream home. Hayley Rubery, 33, and her partner, Ben, 40, had long dreamt of van life but could not afford the hefty price tag of £30,000 for a traditional van renovation. They stumbled upon a 30-year-old caravan on Facebook and negotiated the price down to £500 due to damp issues. With a limited budget of just £500 for the renovation, they have already spent £300 removing damp wood and revamping the kitchen. They plan to complete the transformation themselves through a process of trial and error. Hayley, a full-time influencer residing in Norfolk, shared their motivation: “We’ve always loved the idea of van life, but it’s an expensive dream.” She further explained, “This caravan, despite its age and dampness, will give us the van life experience for a fraction of the cost.” The couple, who are also renovating their house, found the opportunity to purchase the caravan while searching for an affordable vacation home. Hayley discovered the listing on Facebook in February 2024 for £1.5k, but after learning about the damp issue, she negotiated a £500 deal. They allocated £500 for the renovation, focusing on addressing the dampness first. They replaced damaged wood using plywood purchased for £5 per piece from a timber yard. Hayley applied her creative skills to upcycle the kitchen for around £60, utilizing budget-friendly hacks like stick-on tiles and leftover paint. The couple 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 necessary.” The bathroom is next on their to-do list, where they intend to use waterproof adhesive for decoration. Hayley is excited about the progress they’ve made, stating, “I’ve just been winging it, but the results are surprising.” They aim to complete the project before 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.”
