PAYING for a mortgage can be expensive so one couple decided to think outside the box.
Adventurous Tash and Connor gave up living in a bricks and mortar home to move full-time into a big yellow bus.
Two and a half years later, they’ve transformed their Mercedes Vario Van into a luxury mobile home for their off-grid travels.
Both Tash and Connor, known as Carramello, work as self-employed roofers, so their van doubles up as a mobile work base and gives them the freedom to earn money on their travels.
Speaking to Liveration’s YouTube channel, Tash said: “It was kind of like a rash decision, wasn’t it?
“We weren’t actually planning on living in it, and then we were just like, ‘Hang on a minute, why aren’t we living in this?’”
Tash joked that they don’t class themselves as “normal”, and explained: “You go to school, you get your grades, go to college, you know, get married, have kids, get a house or something with a mortgage.
“And I’m like, well, we didn’t want to do that. We love travelling, and for us to have this means we don’t have to worry about the bills—we can just go away when we like, but we’ve literally got our home with us.”
One of their expenses is gas for the cooker and hot water, which is £10 a month and stored in a big 47kg cylinder.
Another cost is fuel, but they often park up for each job and keep the van stationary to save on cost.
She pointed out that house deposits are often so large it makes it very tricky for some people to get on the property ladder.
The couple gave a tour around their beautiful home-on-wheels, which includes a green-tiled kitchen, storage cupboards, skylight ceilings, and a bathroom with toilet and shower.
There is also a snug seating area and bedroom with a double bed.
To help them have more freedom, the van also fits their two motorbikes so they can reach areas that can’t be reached by the bus.
Tash said: “You can go down tiny little lanes, into towns and you can park it anywhere and not pay for a parking tickets.”
You go to school, you get your grades, go to college, you know, get married, have kids, get a house or something with a mortgage. And I’m like, well, we didn’t want to do that
Tash
However, the couple say the best part of van life is having a different backyard, but say it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Tash said: “People are actually looking for alternative ways because they cannot afford to live in houses.
“We just like to show every side of van life. It’s true to what we do—the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s the same as everyday life, but that’s what our life is.”
Many people were impressed with one saying: “Stunning build guys, and what a fab couple.”
Another added: “I think your home is lovely, and looks comfy. I love the bathroom and all the plants. It’s a good lifestyle while you are you g and active. Enjoy your travels.”
And a third commented: “Great video and a beautiful van.”
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up to sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to stop in certain locations, particularly at night-time.
Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.
