From Techy Shed To Retro Retreat
Practical Caravan|March 2017

Faye Bates and Simon Shelton’s Ci Europa has been transformed from a hi-tech hideaway into a cosy, quirky home on wheels.

Bryony Symes
From Techy Shed To Retro Retreat

ALTHOUGH THIS 1976 Ci Europa was far from being wasted as a garden shed, Faye and Simon decided to take it on and restore the classic tourer to its original use so they could travel the country with their son, Finn.

A Little Guesswork

This was no ordinary garden shed, though: it was clearly the previous owner’s pride and joy, a bolt hole where they could relax in comfort. It had state-of-the-art gadgetry and all the spider’s web of cables that goes with it. It even had a house alarm – with that much technology housed on board, it needed some protection.

“We call the wall by the wardrobe the ‘flight deck’ because there are so many wires and buttons,” says Simon. “We don’t even know what some of them do – we’re still working our way through! They gave us a lot of surprises as we started to do up the caravan.”

Faye and Simon had spent a lot of time looking around for a suitable van. They live in Looe in Cornwall, where they run a café, and want to travel around in their spare time, but on a budget. With that in mind, they scoured eBay until they came across this retro gem not far away. After paying just £789, they began work.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2017 من Practical Caravan.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2017 من Practical Caravan.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من PRACTICAL CARAVAN مشاهدة الكل
Uncooperative utilities
Practical Caravan

Uncooperative utilities

Gracious friends didn't mind using Penny with no water or electric for a weekend, but it was puzzling news to Nigel Donnelly

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting
Practical Caravan

PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting

Good lighting makes all the difference to any caravan interior, but which type is best for you? Sammy Faircloth looks at options for upgrading

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Practical Caravan

STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

A poorly driven car and caravan can do a great deal of damage, especially around vulnerable road users. Here’s how to keep everyone safe

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
FORD KUGA
Practical Caravan

FORD KUGA

Ford has upgraded the Kuga SUV with improved hybrid powertrains, high-tech features and a better infotainment system.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)
Practical Caravan

BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)

This fixed-bed layout offers ideal touring for two, says Andrew Jenkinson

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
How to buy SECONDHAND
Practical Caravan

How to buy SECONDHAND

There are brilliant used bargains to be had if you know where to look and how to avoid the pitfalls. Here's what you need to know, says former salesman Peter Rosenthal

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520
Practical Caravan

ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520

A sleek new profile graces the exterior of this compact two-berth and inside, there’s an impressive washroom

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA
Practical Caravan

COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA

The opulent living space in this comfortable four-berth makes the 845 an ideal choice for a seasonal pitch

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
See the best of France
Practical Caravan

See the best of France

Enjoy a trip to the most beautiful regions of France with a stay at these brilliant campsites

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
48 HOURS IN...ST MALO
Practical Caravan

48 HOURS IN...ST MALO

Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024