We live off the grid in a completely renovated caravan… we have a fully working kitchen & even grow our own food
A COUPLE who live off the grid in a completely renovated caravan say they have a fully working kitchen and even grow their own food.
Ambrose Uren and Alice Le created a homestead on wheels, named ‘Lazy Days’, as they wanted to live in a sustainable way.
Escalating property costs have meant that many young adults are often struggling to find a place to call their first home.
Determined to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle, the South African couple have instead renovated the motor and have saved literally thousands in rent and bills in the process.
Ambrose and Alice have relished the opportunity to creatively refine the caravan, and frequently share their journey on YouTube and Instagram.
In one video, speaking to Tiny Home Tours, the couple say that they bought the caravan for just over £1,500.
The caravan measures around 7.8ft by 16ft and cost a total of £872 to renovate.
And the plot of land they are renting on prices in at just over £12,000.
Ambrose and Alice believe that their cosy home is definitely an improvement on city life.
Their L-shaped kitchen boasts a three-plate gas stove that lasts a month per refill.
And the couple have also constructed a makeshift rubbish bin to keep their dog, Lady, from scavenging.
Although small compared to a house, their living space is incredibly useful and has a number of purposes.
Ambrose describes it as a “multi-venue area” which they can eat, work and even play table-tennis on.
He says that the inside has been completely renovated from what it was before, with a larger table taking up space in the middle of the caravan.
With the help of friends, the couple have revamped countertops, built a custom-built table and also constructed an adaptable basin without a tap.
Ambrose and Alice have also transformed the orientation of their bedroom to maximise space.
Pal Gino helped once again to “build a base underneath” so that the bed could face a different direction.
They then completed the area with more storage space and re-decorated it to feel more homely.
And with repurposed knocked-through cupboards and new bookshelves, they’ve created a cosy nook that serves as a peaceful retreat.
It means they can hang up artwork, clothes and have more freedom to move around.
They also have a hot water tank to use for showers and a picturesque garden plot where they grow their own food.
The house is complete with a compost toilet and they have an outdoor dining area for sunnier days.
Ambrose and Alice have plans to extend their living space outdoors with a roof over the caravan and a deck, envisioning rainwater catchment systems and an outdoor bath for a full immersion in nature.
There are some drawbacks however, with a fridge not yet fully functional as they need to plug it in to run on electricity.
Meanwhile, there is understandably not that much storage space in the RV compared to a proper home – although they can put things away in their shed.
However, the couple insist the benefits outweigh the negatives.
Ambrose and Alice said it was a “long vision” that they finally turned into reality.
And they wouldn’t change a thing moving to the peaceful surroundings of their personal oasis.
However, Ambrose said that any one hoping to do the same “will have to be up for the challenge”.
He added: “Don’t think it’s going to be all easy and fairytales. You have to work with what’s happening and go with the flow.”
Alice said: “Sometimes it depends on how much money you have at the start – but when it’s sunny and nice it’s all worth it.
“It took us a while but we are very happy with the results.”
Viewers were quick to take to the comment section to share their thoughts on the mobile home.
One said: “I really love this RV set up… It’s perfect! And I especially love the beautiful gardens and outdoor space you’ve created!!! It’s stunning.”
Another wrote: “Your caravan and space look cosy and eclectic. Nicely done.”
“Really open – better than a studio apartment!” said a third.
