Couple convert an old post van into a mobile home

Couple convert an old post van into a mobile home

This adventurous couple converted an old postal van into their dream mobile home so they could explore Europe without breaking the bank. 

Kate Quinn, 26, from Coventry, West Midlands, and her boyfriend Benny Leyland, 23, from Melbourne, Australia, spent just £500 transforming the bright red van into a fully-functioning home, complete with beds, a table and a skateboard table. 

The couple, who met while Kate was travelling in Australia, packed up their lives and hit the road in the van, which they have affectionately called 'Pat', and have now clocked up 10,000 miles criss-crossing through Spain, France and Portugal.  

Kate, a project co-ordinator, said living in the van has opened up a 'whole world of possibilities' that they otherwise would not have experienced.

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Explorers: Kate Quinn, 26, from Coventry, West Midlands, and her boyfriend Benny Leyland, 23, from Melbourne, Australia, spent just £500 transforming a van into a motor home so they could travel Europe without breaking the bank. Pictured, the couple in Sintra, Portugal, in June

All you need: The quirky mobile home is packed with essentials - including a world map

Adventure: Kate Quinn with the ex-post van, which the couple have affectionately called 'Pat'

'The best thing about this is the freedom,' she said. 'Picking somewhere on a map and driving there with no real idea what it will be like is incredibly exciting, it's amazing to know you can stay as long as you'd like or move on if it's not what we're looking for.'

The resourceful couple keep everything from their clothes to essential tools and equipment in the van and said it has helped them learn to 'live simply'. 

Kate said: 'A really good thing about living in the van is being able to pull over and nap on long drives, and knowing what you need is always there with you from a surf board, to a piece of blue tack.'

Kate and Benny, a videographer, discovered they had a shared passion for travel shortly after meeting. 

Food to go: Sitting beside a portable fridge, Kate tucks into a pasta dish in the van

DIY dream: The couple drew inspiration from Pinterest to create their cosy interior

Tranquil: Fairy lights add a homey touch to the back of the van, which converts into the sleeping area 

'In passing conversation we'd spoken about dreams we both had and we said how awesome it would be to travel Europe at some point,' Kate said. 'I joined Benny on a work trip where we spent five hours in the work van together and after joking if we survived that we could take on Europe in a van it just escalated.'

By the time Kate left Australia, Benny had started applying for a UK visa and the pair were busy making enquiries about buying a van and the materials they needed to create their house on wheels. 

Kate said: 'We got more and more excited, got into Pinterest and thought, if those guys can do it, so can we.'

Free spirits: Kate and Benny, pictured in the van, have explored France, Spain and Portugal

Resourceful: Crouching in a car park, a barefooted Kate uses a skateboard as a table

Road trip: Kate makes the most of the Spanish sunshine with a boat trip in Mallorca

The couple have since travelled through France, Spain, Portugal and crossed over to Morocco. 

They are currently exploring the Netherlands and hope to tour Belgium before returning to Britain to save money for their next trip - backpacking around Asia in early 2018.

The van draws plenty of attention from passersby, Kate said. 'We've met a lot of people older than us doing it in a fully equipped motor home and say they think it's cool we're doing it now in this way. They're always really excited to see the van and have a sit inside.'

Idyllic: Benny and Kate share stunning photographs of their road trip on social media

Beach days: Benny and Kate snap a selfie as they enjoy some beers in Portugal

Sightseeing: Benny and Kate strike a pose in front of The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

However Kate and Benny have suffered some setbacks along the road. The motor broke when the couple arrived in Portugal and their roof deck, solar panels and laptops were stolen during one pit stop.

Kate added: 'The main message is go for it. If the idea is there, then do it. Regret is far worse than making some sacrifices now to save and make it possible.

'There's no time like right now, money and careers can always be made but there are memories and friends make along this journey are truly priceless and absolutely has been the best thing both of us have ever done.'

Tourist attractions: As well as remote locations, the couple are sure to check out the landmarks

Slice of culture: Kate enjoys some Pizza while exploring Barcelona, Spain, with Benny

 

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