Carrie Rava Van is a 1998 Elddis Mistral GT and is in good condition but rather tired décor-wise. Being a brand-new caravanner, I decided to buy her from the local dealer www.kirkcaldycaravans.com recommended by my experience caravanner friends though right at the bottom of their second-hand price list and another fifth knocked off the price in their sale. At least I know that she's just been serviced, faults fixed and is structurally sound and safe.
Yes, I've already found out where I can get replacement decals for the faded ones.
Can't you just see her with some fabric bunting and a felt flower wreath on the door? Don't think I can fit even an aluminium pony shoe above that door, though. An awning would be good for muddy shoes and coats as well as putting up a friend on an airbed, to say nothing of sitting out with a glass or two on a fine day or evening. However, some part of me does yearn for a pretty sunshade rather than the rather ugly and utilitarian awnings. Maybe it's time Cath Kidston designed one...
Lots of comfy sofa space for me to recline (and a double bed at night), lots of floor space for large hairy dogs (on rugs). Those curtains are thick velvet but sadly sun-faded but they'll make great linings for some pretty new ones. I've already got some gorgeous cotton fabric for new covers for the throw cushions and will eventually cover the seats with crochet blankets and patchwork quilts - but they do take time to make!
It's a good kitchen with a proper cooker with grill and oven. I'm not a cook at the best of times but it's nice to have the opportunity for a hot meal in Scotland's dodgy summers! And a rag rug at that door to take care of muddy feet and paws - or should I make it slippers only indoors? I'm not this houseproud in the house - ever. Am I getting just a little ridiculous about my dinky house on wheels?
That wallpaper definitely has to go. As does the shower curtain. And the less said about what's possibly been on that carpet covering the shower tray in front of the loo over the past fifteen years the better. Let's just say the carpet's not staying. But I need a rubber duck, and it has to be small enough to fit on that basin side. Every washroom needs a rubber duck. Though I don't need the large tub of Brylcreem that was left behind for me.
We have a fridge with freezer compartment! Must have somewhere to keep the wine, cider and ice cubes cold. Perhaps some ice cream. Oh, and some food.
The real surprise is here - not standard issue apparently. A previous owner has kitted this cupboard out as a cocktail cabinet, complete with space for both wine glasses and tumblers, as well as bottles. So the Pimms and peach schnapps will be safe anyway. That is a seriously large drinks cabinet, by the way...
Now all I have to do is pimp my van! I've been having such fun shopping for her with lots of bright sugar almond colours and lots of handmade stuff planned. She's not old enough to be vintage but I love the Cool Caravan vintage/ glamping style so some vintage melamine, some enamel cookware and dining things, crochet, knitting, sewing, patchwork, embroidery....
I've got things ready for her, piled up on the spare bed, but I don't collect her for a few days yet. Picture of the goodies and the start of the glamming process will be up soon.
I'm so ridiculously excited over this. It's like playing house, escaping from the bigger, untidy house which isn't how I want it and making a little doll's house on wheels for me to escape into.
