Carry on Glamping – Part 2
If you’re considering setting up a glampsite then Carry on Glamping, the documentary following comedian and potter Johnny Vegas as he set up his own site is required viewing. The series looks at all aspects of the process, from finding land to host the site to sourcing vehicles for restoration and conversion.
Vegas wanted to restore some old vehicles to create the individual accommodation options and he sourced one from Malta and the rest from within the UK. He worked with several companies but Shred and Butta were the main ones featured in the series. They have worked on some very unique projects and specialise in the conversion of vans, buses and other vehicles into liveable spaces. This aspect is something that will appeal to people wanting to create their own tiny mobile homes for camping and glamping, or even to live in.
The tiny house and van living market is booming at the moment, as more people opt to live a life free of ties to a house or other permanent base. Some people do this as a lifestyle change, perhaps as part of a retirement or travelling plan, while others intend to live full-time in their converted vehicle. This documentary showed the myriad issues that come with restoring and converting vehicles, especially Patricia the bus, which was structurally unsound. Watching Vegas grapple with the decision to go ahead with the costly renovation is food for thought for anyone considering a similar project.
If you are thinking of creating your own vehicle conversion then you’ll see from watching the series that you’re best off finding a vehicle that is in good shape to begin with, as the process of making Patricia sound was a long and costly exercise which pushed their deadlines to the limit. When you’re thinking of the budget you have for the project, you must consider the expense of making the vehicle sound before any conversion can take place. Because these old vehicles have often spent years exposed to the elements and the wildlife, there is always a lot of work to do before the conversion can begin, so ensure your budget accounts for this.
Old buses provide a lot of space to work with, but they’re often ones which need a lot of preparatory work. Transit vans, horse boxes and other large vehicles make a good base for glamping or living accommodation, as they are more likely to have been in use recently and have not endured years of wind, snow and rodent activity. With that in mind, if you have your heart set on restoring and converting a vehicle to which you have an emotional or sentimental connection, then you may think it’s worth spending the money.
Even if you’re not considering undertaking a project like this, the series is still worth watching as it really shows the behind the scenes activity that setting up a glamping site entails; which also explains why these very unique accommodation ideas command a high price for holidaymakers. With high end finishes, unique touches and all mod cons, the vehicles at Field of Dreams (and similar options across the country) are well worth the money for a holiday you’ll never forget.
