One woman has transformed an old bus into a tiny but charming home, which she calls her “forest retreat.” This magical place, furnished by Chelsea herself with passion and creativity, is located in the heart of the forest, far from civilization, and has been her home for several years.
The bus, now equipped with a comfortable bed, practical kitchen, and even a shower, was completely renovated by Chelsea herself. Every detail has been carefully planned to make the most of the available space.
Curious how she achieved this incredible transformation? Read on to find out more.
Chelsea, a young artist passionate about sustainable solutions, created this project, which she calls “Bus Shelter in the Woods.” Her goal was to design an affordable home, while also pursuing her artistic career and living in harmony with nature.
The 11-meter-long Mercedes Nambucca bus was discovered after an extensive search on Marketplace. With its double doors and large panoramic windows, it offered the perfect charm for her project. Chelsea painted it green to allow the vehicle to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
The renovation cost between $10,000 and $13,000, showcasing Chelsea’s resourcefulness and commitment to using carefully selected materials that aligned with her artistic vision.
While she learned to do much of the work herself, Chelsea enlisted the help of friends and family for more technical tasks such as carpentry and plumbing.
The interior of the bus mixes functional design with inspiring décor. From practical furniture to handmade items collected over time, every corner reflects Chelsea’s personality and creative spirit.
She also preserved some original elements, such as the dashboard and hand-crafted lamps, to honor the bus’s history.
The exterior has been transformed into a welcoming space for visitors to relax and enjoy, nestled amidst a peaceful forest.
Today, the bus is connected to electricity and water networks, though Chelsea plans to explore more autonomous options in the future.
Transforming the bus into a unique home has been a constant learning process and an enriching experience for Chelsea, demonstrating that living creatively and sustainably is possible. So, would you dare to live in such a place?
Discover the magic of this incredible project in the video below.