Back in the 1960s, when van life was started by hippies searching for freedom and a simpler way of living, this lifestyle was frowned upon by many. But after going through the pandemic a few years ago and seeing how conventional houses are getting more and more expensive, living in a vehicle is no longer regarded as an oddity.
Nowadays, we all have a greater appreciation for motorhome living and the opportunities for adventure and exploration it opens up. Like many young people dreaming of homeownership, Josie Rose, a professional dancer from the United Kingdom, could not afford to buy a brick-and-mortar house, so she decided a motorhome was her best shot at turning her vision of having her own special space into reality.
However, she didn't want to live permanently in a van. She wanted something bigger for more comfort and convenience, and that's how she got hooked on skoolies. Her journey into bus life started in 2020 when she picked up a 2002 Mercedes-Benz Vario 24-seater minibus for just £4,000 (close to $5,000) and took on the challenge of turning it into her dream home on wheels. She spent no less than three years working on the conversion and did almost all the building work herself, and the result is a quaint mobile cottage she baptized "Bo."
Though she had no previous experience and no DIY skills, she acted as project manager, designer, carpenter, and sewer when converting the old school bus into a charming tiny home. The only things she needed some help with included welding the roof rack and the plumbing and electrical work.
Photo: Josie Rose/Bus.off on Instagram
The minibus came with a white exterior, but Josie wanted a more feminine aesthetic for her soon-to-be full-time house on wheels, so she hand-painted it honey beige. That's not what she initially had in mind, as she wanted a pinky-brown fawn color for the exterior, but she's pleased with how it eventually turned out. Apart from the unusual color scheme, the minibus is bound to turn some heads on the highway due to its large roof rack that makes it look like a safari vehicle.
As for the interior, she knew she wanted something homey and cozy that wouldn't feel like a van at all. Truth be told, she achieved much more than that, as this stunning motorhome manages to bring up memories of childhood summers spent at your grandparents' farmhouse. Once you step inside, you'll notice the interior exudes cottage/country home vibes through all its pores. The warm, inviting ambiance is achieved through the use of natural, recycled materials, a soft color palette of neutrals and pastels, fairy lights, and plush cushions.
An unusual layout, minimalist decor, and the abundance of natural light flowing through the many windows of the bus also contribute to creating a welcoming ambiance. The cab area is separated from the actual living area through an authentic French shutter that was repurposed as a mirrored sliding door, and the first functional area is - unexpectedly - the bathroom. A shower cabin with tiled walls and western saloon-like doors sits behind the driver, while a toilet can be found on the opposite side.
Photo: Josie Rose/Bus.off on Instagram
Moving forward, you step into a charming kitchen that looks like something you would find in a beach hut. The custom-built cabinets are made of reclaimed pallet wood and boast a weathered look, while the chunky work surfaces were upcycled from charity shop tables. The cupboard doors were made of thin ply covered with calico fabric and bulked out with pallet wood, with the conventional handles replaced by thick rope. The cute, small appliances fitted inside this kitchen are vintage-inspired, including the 12-volt under-counter Swan fridge, the oven, and the two-burner gas stove. The retro look of the appliances ties in very well with the overall cottage aesthetic of the bus, and a wood-burning stove is the perfect accessory for adding warmth and style to the space.
Right next to the kitchen is the lounge, which includes a plush pink sofa with integrated storage made from 100% recycled materials and a swivel table. For the L-shaped sofa, she used wood, foam, and springs from a second-hand sofa, while the fabric for the pink upholstery came from four pairs of velvet pink curtains. A wooden shelf above the seating area is perfect for books and framed photos.
Another standout feature in the living/cooking area is a large skylight that not only lets in plenty of natural light but also adds height to the bus.
Photo: Josie Rose/Bus.off on Instagram
The ingenious layout of this mobile home also comprises a hideaway bedroom at the very rear of the bus. Because Josie wanted a relaxing sleeping space that was separate from the lounge area, she installed bi-fold shutters between the living room and the bedroom. It's a clever solution to create a sense of separation and privacy within such a compact space, and one side of the shutters is mirrored, adding depth and brightness to the living area.
The bedroom consists of a double bed built on a raised platform and a shabby chic overhead cabinet. Soft, feminine colors and weathered finishes tie in with the overall aesthetic of the bus. The "garage” area can be found under the bed. This is where Josie stores the gas tanks and electric components.
For the moment, Josie is not living full-time in the Bo bus, but she plans on moving in permanently soon enough and embarking on travels across the UK. For her future off-grid adventures, the minibus is equipped with 800 watts of solar power, a gas tank, and a high-quality Imass water heater for her shower with a recirculating system.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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