Outdoor enthusiasts typically choose larger vans for camper conversions due to the additional interior space they offer, but minivans like the Volkswagen Transporter are also a popular choice among campers. Today, we will look at one of the most adorable camper vans built on a Transporter, the best-selling van in history.
Named Île de Ré, after a small island off the west coast of France, this camper is masterfully crafted to convey the chilled-out ambiance of that slice of paradise with beautiful beaches, salt marshes backed by dunes and pine trees.
Île de Ré was built in the UK and is the most recent creation coming from Twin Coast Campers' workshop. This Devon-based builder specializes in creating truly bespoke camper vans with unique layouts and features tailored specifically to meet the owners' requirements and desires.
This gorgeous camper van was completed in April 2024 and is based on a 2022 Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 LWB. With its galvanized body, all-wheel drive option, and advanced engineering, the Volkswagen T6.1 Transporter is an exceptional choice for a camper conversion. Unlike a motorhome or towing a caravan, the Transporter is a multi-use vehicle due to its compactness, so it can easily act as a second family car during the week or whenever you're not out there camping. This means your vehicle won't sit idle on the driveway when the camping season is out.
Photo: Twin Coast Campers
With an unassuming dark gray exterior, the 5.3-meter (17.4-foot) long Transporter is a rather stealthy camper. On the inside, however, it is a fully-fledged camper that packs plenty of practical solutions for enjoyable outdoor adventures. It is a two-berth build with all the facilities you find in modern campers and an off-grid electrical setup, which makes it suitable for extended outdoor holidays.
Equipped with a double passenger seat up front, Île de Ré can easily transport three people, but the actual living space inside the camper is designed to accommodate two people. It has a practical kitchen and a convertible L-shaped couch that transforms into a comfortable double bed, plus an ingenious pull-out seating and table at the rear. A premium-quality Storm pop-top roof increases the headroom inside the camper and enhances the feeling of spaciousness.
As you slide open the side door, you are greeted by a compact yet well-arranged interior decorated with neutral tones of gray and beige, which perfectly complement the warm wood walls and floorings.
Photo: Twin Coast Campers
The kitchen comprises not one but two blocks, a full-width L-shaped one located at the front and a smaller unit right next to the sliding door. The first one houses a corner sink and offers generous counter space, being designed for washing, meal prep, and storage. The second one is destined for cooking, as it integrates a two-burner cooktop and an under-counter fridge. Both units are made of quality light-colored plywood and boast beautiful butcher block countertops. A custom shelf adds extra storage space for bowls and mugs.
The generous L-shaped sofa can comfortably seat up to four people and is the perfect setting for hanging out with friends or simply chilling out and enjoying some peace and quiet in the middle of nature. An adjustable swivel table is also included in the design and helps create a nice dining space inside the van.
The lounge/dining space can easily transform into a comfortable bed for two adults by adjusting the table at bench level and fitting the removable backrests in their designated space. The clever design of the entire rear area means you can still have access to the adjacent kitchen block and the integrated fridge so that you can make breakfast even if your partner is still snoozing.
Photo: Twin Coast Campers
The true highlight of this dreamy camper is definitely the awesome rear seating area. It comprises a handy flip-up table and two seats that pull out from under the interior lounge benches, creating a great setup for dining, chatting, or simply chilling out and enjoying the outdoors. It is a great idea to extend the living space to the outside without the hassle of carrying a table and extra chairs with you. It is also very sturdy (each seat is rated for up to a massive 200 kg), simple to use, and frees up valuable storage space inside.
Given the compact size, this camper van does not have a proper bathroom space, but it does come with an external shower point and a Porta Potti portable toilet that is neatly stowed away under the rear sofa when not in use.
With its fine-looking and comfortable interior and the clever pull-out seating area at the rear, Île de Ré is the perfect camper van for nature lovers who want to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors. In terms of pricing, this van conversion cost £21,500 ($27,300) plus VAT, without the cost of the base van.
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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