First truly female-friendly caravan?
UK woman who couldn't find the caravan of her dreams, designs and builds her own!UK-based lawyer Cathy Chamberlain couldn’t find the stylish caravan of her dreams so did what any frustrated (normally male) camper would do – designed and built her own!
“It was a weekend camping trip which inspired me, when I got cold and wet. It goes dark and everybody gets a bit damp. I thought, ‘Why is there not a trendy caravan?’” she said.
"I searched and searched and searched and saw that there weren’t any. I couldn’t find one, so I decided I would make one.
Looking like a cross between a curvy American-built Airstream and a giant egg, the Barefoot caravan was three years in the making and is completely round on the outside.
"I have really made it for myself, to be able to use at festivals. I’ll be taking it to Glastonbury next year," she said.
"We have got real oak in there. It is done to the standard that you would want to have your own home.
“I wanted to make it look nice from the outside as well as the inside.”
To get her idea into production, Chamberlain enlisted a variety of businesses including Watsonia Squire, a company renowned for their iconic sidecars and motorcycles, and motorhome specialist Auto-Sleepers.
While designers from the Automotive and Transport Design course at Coventry University, also helped bring her cute, fibreglass creation to life.
Retro touches abound, like the Roberts Revival DAB radio available in different colours. There are plenty of modern conveniences though, with the stylish kitchen featuring a gas cooker, sink, and 65 litre fridge.
There's also a gas-powered air and water heater, 30 litre water tank, LED lighting and 12V/230V/USB sockets.
The L-shaped lounge converts to a double bed, and the curved ensuite features a cassette toilet, shower and vanity.
There are three exterior colours available -- duck egg blue,
Cotswold cream and graphite grey -- and more colourful options inside.
With a compact 3.78m (12ft 6in) long body and 910kg Tare, the '50s-style van should be as easy to tow as it is to look at.
However, you do pay for all that style; the Barefoot van costs £21,950 in the UK, or around $47,000!
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