Don't laugh; I've just bought a caravan.
I don't want you thinking that I've decided to take to the open road; no, this is a very old, 1979, semi-derelict, van, that I have positioned in our paddock adjacent to the 'Dangerous Fun' tree house. It is for the children to have as their own little cabanon. In the past I've tried to buy a Gypsy caravan for them, but my attempts all failed. This is a reasonable alternative.
Over the next few years I'm hoping to teach the kids to cook, make their own beds, keep things tidy (some hope), and generally look after their own wee 'home'. I have a feeling that they will succeed.
I mentioned to my friend Laurence just a few weeks ago that I was looking for an old, no longer used, small caravan, and she came up trumps almost at once. It was EXACTLY what I was looking for, and at a price that didn't make me wince.
It will be repainted DARK GREEN, and will no doubt be camouflaged by Wisteria before too long. The inside will be re-worked to suit their needs; a couple of beds and a table and chairs maybe. Watch this space!
Now, where are those lucky grandsons?
The kids will love that caravan and the green paint and plant camouflage will make it unrecognisable to its former owner.
ReplyDeleteAlphie
It's in a bad state at the moment, so any work will be an improvement. Luckily the roof is water-proof.
DeleteLove that idea. I think you will have as much fun as the kids transforming it into something special.
ReplyDeleteIt'll keep me busy anyway.
DeleteGet the paint out quick and watch out that 20 passing migrants on their way to England don't doss down for the night.
ReplyDeleteMy address is ex-directory.
DeleteThey dont need address.
DeleteI have pits with sharpened stakes in the bottom.
DeleteGreat idea! And it gets them out of the house too!
ReplyDeleteThey're not allowed IN the house, Jean.
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea Cro .... they are going to LOVE it !!!! ..... it's the stuff memories are made from...... you are such a good Grandad. XXXX
ReplyDeleteI hope they'll like it, I certainly would have at their age. All boys love 'dens'.
DeleteFantastic fun! I've heard of ones used as crafting rooms or writing rooms. The grandchildren are going to have so much fun.
ReplyDeleteIf they don't use it, I'll take it over as a studio.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea, and great fun for the children and for you. Lovely memories ahead, that is what I can see for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI do hope so Vera. I'll send them a photo today.
DeleteA Grandpa like you is one to be treasured, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about that Weave, I just do my bit.
DeleteI wish I'd had a Grandpa like you.
ReplyDeleteI'm for hire!
DeleteWhat a tremendous idea. Great fun for all.
ReplyDeleteJean
I hope so. They haven't seen it yet.
DeleteWonderful idea. A tree house and a secret hideout..little boys couldn't ask for more!!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I thought, I'm just hoping they think the same way.
DeleteI love those old caravans parked-up forever in gardens - so romantic. A thing on wheels which is going nowhere. I just hate them when they are on the road and I am behind them.
ReplyDeleteI've only ever driven with one once, when the owner became ill in France and had to be driven back to the UK. It was a horrible experience, especially when trying to reverse, etc.
DeleteI wish I had a grandpa like you, I would have loved my very own caravan to play in.
ReplyDeleteI hope they think the same.
DeleteWill you adopt me, Cro? That sounds like FUN!
ReplyDeleteI'll send the papers.
DeleteI've been looking through the Irish ads for over a year now for a caravan. Without success, dammit.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I'm now very envious of you and your new project. ;)
I was so lucky, I just happened to ask the right person.
DeleteIt is all the rage over here in Canada and the US to get old trailers and fix them up. There are a multitude of clubs that have camping meets. The kids will love it.....the privacy away from nosey adults, the fun sleeping out. Wow good on you Cro
ReplyDeleteThat was my idea, I hope they think likewise.
DeleteHeaven for grandchildren. They'll never forget it.
ReplyDeleteAll part of growing-up. Their own little home; no adults allowed!
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea.
ReplyDeleteI hope it proves to be.
DeleteAlmost exactly the same size of the camper we lived in last summer while building our Grain Bin House! We sold it for $150 to a couple with 9 children (or was it 10?) who will use it as playhouse. Yes, lucky GK's for sure Cro.
ReplyDeleteMine cost around the same. A maximum of 5 will probably use it. Any more might make it fall to pieces.
DeleteWhat a great project, glad to know that you plan to have it disappear into the landscape. Have you seen any of the George Clarke amazing spaces programmes? Apart from being driven mad by his endless repletion of 'amazing!' it is interesting to see the ideas that people come up with. (My man is outside happy in his man-shed as I type!)
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't seen that, but I have seen pictures of the Cuprinol Best Sheds awards. Some of those really were 'amazing'.
DeleteVery cool. I think you mentioned before you were going to do this. x
ReplyDeleteThat was probably when I was still trying to buy a Gypsy Caravan. I did find one, but the man preferred to let it rot, rather than sell it.
DeleteThis is a great idea and I love it !
ReplyDeleteWhat fun for the grandchildren and possible a granddad to nap in.
We have several programs where people have DIY campers and trailers. Fabulous !
cheers, parsnip
The man I bought it from had another one that he used for siestas.
DeleteLike many prior commenters, I wish you'd been my grandfather when I was a child. One of my grandfathers died before my parents ever met, and the other grandfather really just wasn't interested in my brothers and me.
ReplyDeleteAm I correct in remembering that there might be a grand daughter before long who would also enjoy this special place. It won't be a boys-only zone, will it?
Best wishes.
Frances, we don't know if it'll be a girl or not, but Kellogg says she feels as if it might be!! We will be thrilled either way, but a girl would be lovely. Lady Magnon can't wait to go shopping for girl's clothes.
DeleteWe had a caravan in the side field and my cosmopolitan, younger brother and his partner insisted on staying in it when they visited. They called it 'the garden suite'...
ReplyDeleteGosh, I haven't thought of a name yet. 'Dangerous Fun Manor' perhaps.
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