Family,Uncategorized

Caravanning – a brave new world

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We’ve bought a caravan. It’s a four-berth tourer, for those in the know, complete with orange and green upholstery, folding bunk beds, and a shower. Never has such a statement caused such a stir amongst our friends. Once a pursuit that conjured up images of retired couples in folding chairs, drinking tea from their flasks and knitting tank tops, caravanning seems to have become cool. Nearly everyone we’ve told about it has reacted with wide-eyed fascination, excitement, and envy even as it seems the world of caravanning has had something of a vintage chic, chi-chi makeover.

And this is what we intend to do to this little beauty. Ever since we stayed in a friend’s static caravan in the summer, my husband has been quietly mulling over the possibility of us getting one ourselves. The appealing thing about it is you can have all the fun of camping, but with the relative comfort of your own bed, kitchen and loo. As I wrote about at the time, many of my childhood holidays were spent camping in Wales, and my sister and I absolutely loved it. The only downside that I can remember is the occasional time I wanted to get out in the morning and a daddy long legs had parked itself on the zipper door. I still shudder at the thought. Still, camping (or caravanning) is something kids love, and we want that to be part of our own offspring experience whilst they’re still young enough to enjoy sleeping in a bed the size of a small li-lo.

So…after a few months of looking around for the right one, we’ve finally settled on a caravan and we’ve got the whole winter to set about doing it up before it makes its campsite debut in the spring.

I’ve been collecting ideas on Pinterest, and you can see my board below. First job is to get it reupholstered, as the 80s style interior has got to go. We’ve spent a few days pouring over sample books, spent a lunch break looking round John Lewis and looked at several places online, and finally settled on a pale grey for the seats. To get the holiday vibe going, we’re going to style it up with lots of bright cushions, like some I’ve already spied at Etsy, habitat and Ikea. My husband is set in the idea that it has to look brighter than our own home, so we’ve got free reign to go mad on the curtain prints. What better way to while away the cold and dark nights than to dream of summer hols?

Have you got a caravan? Have you ever stayed in one? Or have you seen any cool ideas to inspire me? I’d love to hear about them.

X Julia

Follow my caravan board on
Pinterest

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11 Comments

  • Reply
    Mini Travellers
    October 20, 2014 at 9:18 pm

    Hurrah you went for it! Have you chosen somewhere to keep it??

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      October 20, 2014 at 9:41 pm

      Yes we have! Found a lovely place near Abersoch, roll on spring!! X

  • Reply
    Steph
    October 22, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    OMG!! I’m totally jealous!! I think it’s a perfect little investment. Some of my most cherished and vivid memories of my childhood are the moments I spent in my parents caravan in many various campsites along the south coast. And you’re spot on – holidaying in the UK in general is becoming more the ‘thing to do’ and I would dearly love to go camping – in both tents and caravans – with my little family. Perhaps we’ll meet in some random campsite somewhere!! Xx

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      October 22, 2014 at 7:47 pm

      I know, we always camped when we were kids and I think it’s such a fun thing to do, let’s hope I’m still saying that after a few rainy weekends in Wales! It would be amazing to meet up on a campsite somewhere hee hee xx

  • Reply
    rachel
    October 22, 2014 at 8:26 pm

    I’ve only ever stayed in really small pokey ones. Not the best experience, once I had to wash my hair in a bucket of cold water brrrr! I am assuming your caravan has hot water and is alot bigger ha ha!

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      October 22, 2014 at 8:58 pm

      It does have hot water but I still think it’s small, I’m relying on the awning for me time!!

  • Reply
    Katrina @ Beau Twins
    October 23, 2014 at 4:32 am

    Amazing and good skills. I’ve never stayed in a caravan. M and I have been discussing doing something similar though. I once had dreams of owning a California blue VW camper and travelling Italy. Maybe when the girls are older right!? Great post and good luck on your adventures. Look forward to reading them! Xxx

  • Reply
    mummyofboygirltwins
    November 3, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    Fantastic!! All the best of luck and hope you get some fab memories and holidays!! 🙂 xxx Jess xx

  • Reply
    Looking forward to 2015 - Rainbeaubelle
    December 31, 2014 at 9:47 pm

    […] caravan for the very first time. We bought it second hand at the end of the summer, and have been planning our renovations ever since. I’ve been pouring over vintage caravan looks on Pinterest, and can’t wait […]

  • Reply
    Our cool caravan - an update - Rainbeaubelle
    January 5, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    […] of you will know already that at the end of last summer we decided to buy a caravan. It’s a tourer, second hand and in good condition but in need of a bit of love and a makeover […]

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