A MAN has revealed that he ditched his “depressing” concrete house to live in his “dream” caravan and spends just £90-a-week on rent.
Ben John, 38, had always dreamed of living in a caravan as a child after growing up on a council estate in Leeds.
After moving down to Bournemouth, Dorset, aged 23 he spent his twenties socialising before realising six years ago that he wanted a quieter life.
He bought a touring caravan for just £1,000 and moved it onto a residential site – surrounded by nature.
Ben upgraded it a year ago to a newer £5,000 caravan and fitted it with an awning to create a separate living area.
He spends just £90-a-week on rent, council tax and water.
In the summer Ben spends £20-a-month on electric, and a £100 in winter and £60 on diesel for heating.
But Ben says he “chooses” caravan life because he loves it – not because it is significantly cheaper.
Ben, a content creator and mobile hairdresser, said: “It’s the freedom of it.
“I’ve got 360 degrees of nature around me.
“It’s my own space.
“You can live like this and be a normal person.”
Ben had always had a pull to live in a caravan.
He said: “It had always been a childhood dream.
“I wanted to go with the Gypsies in their caravan.”
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
Ongoing Monthly Costs
Other Potential Costs
Sample Monthly Budget
Annual Estimated Cost
Tips to Save
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
Ben found living in Leeds and Bournemouth “overwhelming” and decided to buy a caravan in September 2018 for just £1,000.
He has since upgraded to a £5,000 one with an attached awning costing £3,000 – to create a separate living space.
Under the awning he has a living and dining room but likes to spend most of his time in the “cosy” caravan.
Ben created a desk space in the kitchen but has left the rest of it reasonably untouched.
He said: “It’s my own space.
“It’s a way of life.
“It’s not for everybody. You have to empty your own toilet.”
Ben also doesn’t have a constant water supply and has to fill up his water tank – which lasts for one shower and to wash up.
He has permanent residency by renting his pitch out for £90-a-week – which includes a council tax contribution and water.
He spends £80-a-month in summer on his bills and £160 in winter.
Ben said: “I don’t do this because it’s a cheaper life.
“The thought of going back to concrete makes me feel depressed.”
Ben says since living on the caravan he’s been on a spiritual journey and now feels comfortable in his own skin.
He said: “I have ADHD and I’m not very good at conforming into normal life.
“It’s like a little escape from the real world.”
Ben shares his life on TikTok @bensadhdworld and says many people are intrigued to find out about his lifestyle and want to do it for themselves.
He said: “Everyone thinks you’re going to be cold on a caravan – that’s not true.
“My first caravan was so cheap is leaked.
“I was constantly chasing the leak.”
Ben now can’t see himself going back to living in a modern home and dreams of living in a lodge on a similar patch of land.
He said: “Everyone who comes here says it’s really peaceful and really calm.
“It gets you away from the rat race. You can sit with your thoughts.”
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