After several months of this Lockdown, and as my husband is fast approaching his 80th Birthday, he has now lost his confidence to tow our Caravan anymore, or even travel very far from home like we used to do. The problem is that we are quite emotionally attached to our little ‘Box on Wheels‘ and all the happy memories, and a few sad ones of our Late daughter, that it holds for us, since we first bought it new 8years ago.
We store it at home, so it’s not costing us anything in storage fees, and is just a small two berth. On site, the ordinary caravan step is a bit of a struggle for me to manage too, due to Arthritis in my knees. At home, we have built a better Semi permanent way to solve this problem by using some spare paving slabs we had to form a more gentle and shallower flight of steps up to the door which l can manage ok. We have a EHU Hook up from an outside point on the main house, so we are ok for making a drink out there, or using the heater if needs be. It remains insured and regularly serviced, so is safe in that aspect.
Compared to the cost and disruption of say adding a ‘Garden Room’ to our house it’s a cheap and practical way of providing my husband with a comfortable ‘Man cave’!
For the last few weeks, he’s practically moved into it during the day, taking his books and small craft hobbies with him, plus a supply of snacks, sweets and biscuits, and everything needed to make a hot drink! It also enables him to have our older Grandchildren tap on the door for a chat, or to scrounge a bit of extra pocket money lol, without breaking the social distancing rules of entering the main house, as they sit just inside the doorway.
Long term I’m unsure what will happen, I have one daughter who has shown an interest in learning to tow, and is an experienced driver, and caravanned with us as a child.
We are considering adding her to our car insurance policy anyway, so that we can go for Longer distance days out with her, and still have my the use of my scooter hoist in the boot of our car, whilst retaining a full 5 seat capacity. She is also an experienced tent camper.
I live in hope that maybe we will find a way to continue with this Caravan ‘Addiction’ we have for the rest of our lives, I am certainly not going to give it up without a good fight to save it!
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Sounds like an excellent idea. I wouldn’t be surprised if George Clark hadn’t done an “Amazing Spaces” program on a similar project. It’ll be a fun sleepover place for grandchildren too.
Our caravan is in our garage and permanently connected to the electricty.
When working in the garage I use it for my cafe and restroom. It will also serve as a spare room for children coming to stay nd being able to keep to the social distancing and exclusion. So I would advise your keeping the man cave for memories.
My wife is the driver for our setup. ( She drives a car from whatever seat she occupies, so it might as well be the one withthe steering wheel).
As we are both in our 80s, I don't want her getting ideas of not towing the caravan.
If we can't get away this year we want to go to Spain and/or Italy in 2021. I have told her that it is her marital duty not to get ill or unfit to drive
I think it's lovely to be able to still spend time in the caravan, even if you can't take it anywhere. It's certainly cheaper and far less disruptive than building an extension! Enjoy it in whatever way is possible for you.
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
Great idea.
My other half as always wanted an old 10' 60's, or 70's van parked in the back garden to sit in.
Or a nice Gypsy bow top van,
But prices are now stupid for any of them, and that's be honest a old 10' van ant worth what they asking.
I hope you and your husband spend many a happy hour in the Garden, in your van.
If your daughter does decide to tow, buy a new van between you all, that she likes, and keep yours in the Garden.
A lady round the corner from us has 2 caravans. One on the drive, the other, an older (possibly previous model?) on the lawn. Which she uses as a dog grooming parlour. Its got flower tubs round it not unlike statics you see on sites, and looks the part. Obviously works very well, as its hooked up to everything and can be heated in winter.
We kept an old 2 berth in our garden as a playroom for our grandson. He kept lots of toys in the cupboards and drawers, had a table for colouring and games and really loved having his own space. When he was too old to want it, we donated it to a charity who ran dog shows and used it for making drinks and as a rest room.
When my Daughters were still at school our caravan was used as a meeting place for young ladies and at times we would have a few sleeping over in the caravan
Man space is made from wood and perspex and has a table 2 benches beer frigde and a tv the door section has been removed so that i get a good view of the bird tables but will be refitted in october
I think it’s a brilliant idea RG, get it kitted out with photos and happy memories etc and enjoy some quality time in your van without even leaving the confines of your own property.
------------- Who needs travel agents,we have our static
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Caravan as a Man Cave?
via mobile 21/6/2020 at 10:08am
