Little Helper

My little helper replaced the hinges to the vintage caravan cupboards this weekend. It was lovely to have an extra pair of hands. 

I explained to my little helper that the caravan table turns into a double bed. After much thought and a sigh he said 'cool, where's the button Mummy'?

The 1960's was a much simpler way of life Son!

Rust, Rust and more Rust - Sprite 400 Chassis

It was love at first sight when I purchased my Sprite 400. Thoughts of turning this little time-warped capsule into a usable family space made my heart skip a beat. My tiny vintage bubble van was all mine, bought and paid for, mine to keep.

You've watched George Clarke's Amazing Spaces yes? I guess this is very much like one of those projects. It's about creating a magical space that I can share with my family. In a moments notice we can be on the road and change our view at any given time. The kids are going to love it! Ok, so I've not given it too much thought about losing our creature comforts but that's all part of the fun right? Glamping I believe it's commonly known as. When it's not a family road trip it will be a room at the bottom of the garden.

So far the project has took far more man hours than I ever anticipated. It's definitely a labour of love. I have to admit that I did not foresee the painful process of cleaning up the vintage caravan chassis. My fingers hurt with all the degreasing, wire brushing and sanding. I really haven't enjoyed this job at all but I'm willing to get stuck in and see this project to the end (with the help of Mr. Grubby Cottage).  

A vintage caravan project will push your diy boundaries but it's achievable. It just takes time and patience. You have to be prepared to multi-task. You will do more preparation work than renovation and this can be a bore at times. If this happens simply walk away and do something else - this will keep your project on the move.

Chickens, Eggs and Coops

Fresh eggs in the morning? Check out these adorable chicken coops by rural Dorset based family company Flyte So Fancy

My favourite has to be the Maggie six hen house shown below. 

Source: Images my own/flytesofancy. 

Sprite 400 - One foot in the past and one foot in the present.

Miss Potter, my little Sprite 400 caravan is well on her way to having a full makeover. It's almost the equivalent to botox and collagen. This project is in full swing and I can almost taste the excitement of interior design to come with the most gorgeous fabrics, textures and colour. I can't wait!

Let me remind you of what she looked like...

Stored in a barn for 30 years this little cutie had at one time been very-much loved by it's previous owners. There was a lot of teak effect hardboard, stencilled flowers, tired looking peach walls and flea bitten turquoise curtains with matching musty-smelling foam seating (not fire-retardent!).

Some may say that I should have kept the late 1960's / early 70's decor... 

To quote Plankbridge Hutmakers, who are Master Craftsman of the most beautiful shepherd huts... 

'one foot in the past and one foot firmly in the present'. 

There will be a touch of hardwood teak restored that will be my nod of respect to the nostalgia of the 1970's interior. I've restored the old gas lamp and kept all the fixtures and fitted furniture. 

But as you will see it will be a very light, cosy and relaxing space... Can you visualise this? 

I know I do. The colour of my rainbow for this little gem is a palette of Farrow & Ball greeney/greys and a delicious light cream white. 

More to come soon...

A friend of Grubby Cottage

He likes nothing more than a tickle on the nose it seems...

He's often waiting for my children to return home from school. He waits patiently at the bottom of the garden and mimic's the children's nodding seemingly encouraged by their laughter. He makes us smile!