BUSSING IT

We live in a double-decker bus after buying it for £4K and transforming it into our dream home – it even has a log fire

Abigail Wilson

Published: 15:42, 3 Feb 2022
Updated: 15:42, 3 Feb 2022

A NEWLYWED couple have converted a double-decker bus into their dream home - and they’re ready to set off.

Solar installer Gareth Hollingsworth, 40, and Lamorna Hollingsworth, 39, from Hereford met each other while they were both travelling abroad, and soon found that they shared a love of exploration.

Gareth and Lamorna share a love of exploration and decided to buy a double-decker Scania bus to fulfil their passionCredit: mediadrumimages/AndrewCrowley

In 2019, the pair got married and went on a year-long honeymoon travelling the world in a camper van.

But when they got back from their honeymoon in February 2020, they realised that they didn’t want to stop travelling together - so they logged onto eBay and bought a 1997 double-decker Scania bus for £4,000.

Gareth said: “On our return from a truly epic honeymoon, talk turned quickly to the idea of buying a larger van and seeing more of Europe.

“Talk of vans quickly became talk of buses, and before long - and after a couple of glasses of wine - we bought a double-decker on eBay.

“I’ve always wanted to build a house, and the bus was a step in the right direction.

“Not an easy one, if it was, everyone would be doing it, but we like a challenge.

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“And a challenge it has been, but one that will be worth all the effort.

“Think of it as a tiny home, as opposed to a camper van.

“We chose a bus because we wanted enough space to live in comfortably, but with the ability to move.

“It was also important to us to be completely self-sufficient.

“Our solar setup gives us nearly four kilowatts of battery storage, enough for almost a week's usage.”

Gareth and Lamorna have spent nearly two years working on the bus, spending an estimated total of £20,000 on the project, including purchasing the bus for £4,000, spending another £4,000 on solar power and batteries, and £1,000 on getting the right driving licence.

The couple bought the bus for £4,000 and have spent an estimated total of £20,000 on the projectCredit: mediadrumimages/AndrewCrowley

The couple bought the bus on eBay and have had a lot of renovation to doCredit: mediadrumimages/AndrewCrowley

The renovation involved entirely stripping the bus of its old floors, ceilings, walls and radiators, adding in fresh ones - as well as a water tank to allow for everyday living.

The bottom floor of the bus contains a fully-functioning kitchen, with a full-sized oven, sink, and fridge-freezer, as well as a slide-out pantry and overhead kitchen storage, plus a log fire to keep the double-decker warm, and of course, a composting toilet and shower.

Upstairs is a multi-functional office and lounge area, plus a double bed and purpose-built wardrobes, with solar panels on the roof.

Gareth added: “Every job takes longer than you think.

“Nothing is square, nothing is level, every wall is curved and you can say goodbye to a spirit level as the bus isn’t parked on level ground.

“We have repurposed where possible, recycled, shopped around online and done all the work ourselves to keep to budget.”

Gareth and Lamorna are currently living in a trailer next to the bus along with their dog Maya, who will be joining them on their double-decker journey.

Gareth continued: “We wouldn't be without Maya now, even if she brings muddy paw prints into the bus.

“We will actually have more room in the bus when we move in soon.

“Every aspect has been painstakingly thought through to the smallest detail.

“Space is a premium, and we have to really think outside the box to ensure we make the most of it.

“For instance, rather than just having a door to our bedroom, instead we have built a bookcase which doubles up as the door, opening on secret hinges by pulling the right book.”