Transforming a Vintage Trailer into a Family Adventure Home

More and more people are getting creative when it comes to campervans and mobile homes, embracing the fun challenges involved with customizing a home away from home that allows freedom and opportunity. One such example is Jade and Patrick, who have transformed a vintage Viscount trailer in Australia into a cozy escape for themselves and their two young children.

The family decided to take on the task as a fun DIY project. With Patrick being a carpenter and Jade an interior designer, they used their own skills and knowledge to turn a basic vehicle into something eye-catching, dubbing it Vinnie the Viscount. “I found Vinnie on Facebook marketplace in 2018; we bought her in original condition, she was charming, but tired. So we brought her back to life!” Jade shared.

The family did the renovation themselves © @vinnie_the_viscount

The trailer spent the first six months in the yard of their family farm, where they would visit it weekly. It wasn’t until the family moved to the Central Coast that they fully began the renovation. They added a double bed and a dining space that transforms into a sleeping area for the children. The 14ft trailer also features a cozy kitchenette, allowing for relaxing family holidays. The interior was inspired by the coast itself, with crisp whites, muted greens, and brass accents finishing it off.

When it’s not on the road, the trailer sits in a spot at the Central Coast, packed and ready for its next adventure. As well as visiting the site, Jade noted that she loves having the opportunity to set off on a trip on short notice with her partner, 3-year-old Charlie, and six-month-old April. “Vinnie gives us the freedom to hitch up on a whim, explore, and create special memories for the kids without the burden of paying a small fortune for accommodation. Living here, we are lucky to have so many coastal caravan parks close to home so we are in the process of planning a few short trips while we find our feet. The plan is to take a month off next year and head north,” Jade explained.

The vintage camper was updated with some modern touches © @vinnie_the_viscount

When it comes to providing advice to others considering a renovation, Jade emphasizes the importance of shopping around, deciding how much work you want to invest, and exploring different options. “The more of the renovation process you are able to do yourself, the more affordable it will be. Ours cost approximately AU$2500 excluding the van cost; if we were to outsource trades, it would have been triple that amount,” she added.