Lets dive into getting to know Gus's owners and their experience of vanlife!
What initially attracted you to the idea of owning a campervan?
We hadn’t travelled much throughout our lives because we were always busy with work and prioritising our kids. But now, as we approach retirement, it felt like the perfect time to explore something we had always thought about. We wanted to begin by traveling within the UK. Katerina is someone who really values home comforts, and traditional travel didn’t appeal to her as much, but the idea of having a "home on wheels" that offered personal space, and all the familiar comforts made the concept of a campervan particularly exciting.
What made you decide to take the plunge and buy a campervan when you did?
The timing just aligned perfectly. It fit with our retirement plans, giving us the flexibility to travel more. Plus, we had just sold a property, and we wanted to invest the money in something that would not only bring us joy but also hold its value over time. A campervan seemed like the perfect blend of adventure and practicality.
What did you name your van and why?
We named our van Gus, after our beloved dog. Gus was meant to join us on our Vanlife adventures, but sadly, he passed away before the van conversion even started. Naming the van after him felt like a fitting tribute, especially since he was a Boxer, and the van is a Peugeot Boxer. It’s our way of keeping his memory with us on all our travels.
How do you typically use your van?
We just completed our first big road trip, which lasted for three months, exploring all over the UK. Next, we have a series of shorter trips planned. Then, looking ahead to next year, we’re gearing up for another longer journey, this time through Europe, with Norway being a top destination on our list.
What made Vanlife Conversions stand out during your research?
The bespoke craftsmanship really stood out to us. The cabinetry, made from scratch and finished with high-quality paint, felt far superior to the furniture board we’d seen elsewhere. We saw Vanlife Conversions at the Quirky Campers festival, where we compared several companies, but VLC just felt like the best fit for what we wanted.
Describe your experience before, during, and after your van build.
It was fantastic from start to finish. Oli and Emily were amazing—they really took the time to listen to our needs and requirements, offering helpful advice based on their experience. Throughout the build, we loved following the updates on their portal, and they continued to support us even after the van was completed. They’ve been great with offering tips and advice on how to use the van's features, especially when it comes to the controls.
What are the top 3 features of your van that you can’t live without?
The bed is incredibly comfortable, better than we even imagined. We were initially worried about how we’d sleep in the van, but it’s been better than our bed at home! Katerina’s Garmin watch even shows that she gets more deep sleep while we’re in the van. The gasless package has also been a game changer. We do a lot of cooking in the van, and using the air fryer and induction hob makes it really easy. Lastly, the composting toilet. At first, we were concerned about using it, but it’s given us so much freedom. We don’t have to rely on campsites, and to our surprise, it actually smells less than a chemical toilet and is very easy to use.
What was important to you when it came to customisation?
We wanted the van to feel like a home, with a vintage twist. The style was important to us, so we chose shaker cabinets, custom seat fabric, and handles that fit the aesthetic we had in mind. The colours were also key, we wanted them to be warm and inviting, which has made all the difference in creating a cozy atmosphere.
How has owning your van transformed your lifestyle?
It’s given us the freedom to travel whenever we want, which has been absolutely liberating. Financially, it’s helped too, since we rent out our house while we’re away, which provides a bit of extra income. We also find ourselves visiting family members who live far away more often, especially our grandchildren, which has been an unexpected bonus.
Where have your travels taken you so far?
So far, we’ve travelled across the UK and Ireland. Next year, we have our sights set on Europe, and we’re especially hoping to visit Norway.
What is your favourite memory in your campervan so far?
It’s hard to choose just one! Driving along the Wild Atlantic Way was an unforgettable experience—the scenery was stunning. But we also love the Vanlife community. Everyone we meet on the road is so friendly, and we’ve had so many great conversations with fellow travellers parked nearby or in other vans. We’ve met people from all walks of life, and it’s always fun to compare setups and show off Gus.
What is your best tip for someone considering getting a campervan?
Go for it! Just make sure you find a company that truly listens to your needs and can offer advice tailored to how you plan to travel. Also, keep a diary—it’s a great way to remember all the special moments and the best places you’ve parked. The Park 4 Night app has been super helpful for finding places to stay along the way!
If you are interested in your own van conversion, come along to our free webinar about getting started in vanlife! We will cover the best van to convert, how to work out what spec you need and handy tips for vanlife. More info on the free webinar.
