This article was originally published on SmartCelery
Do you ever just sit back and dream of the good old days? Everything seemed so much simpler before technology invaded our lives. That’s precisely how the Davis family felt and decided to give up on the hustle and bustle of the modern world by transforming an old school bus into the home of their dreams. The idea was to travel the country and take in all its glory. They wanted their kids to see a different side of the world and learn from nature. Below is a series of photos depicting their journey and all the amazing things they learned along the way.
How it all Started
In 2015, Luke Davis found himself unemployed and depressed. He was living with his wife Rachel and their daughter at the time. Together they decided to invest their savings on a 1992 AM Tran Genesis school bus and found one for $4000. They were incredibly excited about the renovation and pulled in family and friends to help with the work. The whole project took 18 months to complete, but once it was done, all the hard work with worth it!
Luke and Rachel couldn’t wait to fasten their seatbelts and embark on their adventure with their daughter.
Let the Work Commence!
Luke and Rachel were very passionate about their decision. Although this renovation is not the first of its kind, it takes special types of people to give up their entire lives, hop on a bus and travel the country with no backup plan. But they were convinced this was the perfect life choice for them, and they were ready to jump right in.
This is a photo of Rachel, smiling from ear to ear, ready to get the renovations started. We can only imagine how free and proud she felt at this moment.
Out with the Old, in with the New
The first task the couple had to overcome was the stripping of the bus. They had to remove all the seats and overhead storage. In addition, they decided to extend the roof by 20 inches for extra space. Looking at the empty shell, it actually appears pretty big. But that’s the problem; it's normal for people to have way too much stuff, and storage is always an issue.
They also decided to extend the walls for that extra bit of space when extending the roof. The planning process was exhausting as they had to consider every tiny detail.
Jack of all Trades
The couple carried out the entire renovation by themselves. Luckily, Luke used to be a pipefitter, and his skills came in handy, but there were a lot of elements he couldn't do, like the solar panels and electrical work. What they didn’t know they asked their friends in the trade or found “How To” videos on YouTube. It saved them in the long run, especially the bigger projects that usually require a professional’s eye.
But when it came to welding, fabricating, and other tasks, Luke was the man! So we can see why it took so long to renovate; they had to learn on the job; that must be so rewarding.
Figuring out where everything goes
Once the hard work of gutting the bus was done, the fun part began; designing the layout. Although this was the most exciting part, it didn’t come without problems. First, the couple had to decide where they wanted what. They changed their minds numerous times, even while the construction was underway! But in the end, they landed up with a layout that worked for them.
The kitchen was built in the middle of the vehicle, with a couch and table on one side and the bedroom on the other. This worked well because they had to add the gas and electrical supply for the kitchen to operate properly.
Saving the World one Solar Panel at a Time
To ensure they were making the most out of their home, they decided to go green and install solar panels on the school bus roof. This reduces their power usage, but it also allows them to go entirely off the grid for up to 14 days at a time. Perfect for a desert adventure or a remote camping trip.
Here we see Rachel putting her DIY skills to use. Because of the total circumference of the roof, they were able to install larger solar panels, which means a significant amount of solar energy can power their home.
Finding Storage Space
It’s hard to think that a family of three can fit their whole lives onto a single schools bus, but Luke and Rachel were determined to make a plan. So they came up with ingenious ideas for storage space. They chose to build a nook behind the oven, created storage under the couch, and their steps opened up as well. Basically, they turned anything with space for a cupboard or drawer into storage.
The couple methodically planned everything out to suit the family’s needs. Here is a picture of the indoor layout coming together.
The Sleeping Arrangements
As you can imagine, finding space for a full-sized bed on the bus was tricky, so, instead, Luke and Rachel decided to build bunk beds. Their bed was on top, and they designed a smaller version on the bottom for their daughter. They even went as far as to build stairs with storage space leading up to their bed. No detail was left unturned; they honestly thought of everything.
Here we can see Luke making sure their daughter’s bed can hold his weight. Looks pretty cozy, right? All that’s missing is a thick, spongy mattress.
Paint can make a Huge Difference
Once most of the construction was done, it was time to bring their vision to life. With a fresh coat of paint, new windows, skirting, and frames, the bus started to transform into a home. Looking at the next photo, can you even tell it’s a bus? They also chose to install magnificent timber flooring, which made a massive difference.
Just look at Rachel in her element. She takes extreme precaution to ensure everything in her new home is perfect. The love and passion this couple put into this project is inspirational.
Looking Good
Luke is in his element. Knowing that he put love into building his home is a great comfort to him. He takes extra care when carrying out any task. The bus is really starting to come together, and the couple is excited to gaze upon the fruits of their labor. They are now at the stage where all the fine details need to be added.
Their excitement is at boiling point, and everything seems to be coming together. But, as the renovation progresses, they always see room for improvement. For example, they discovered an 18-inch gap, which they filled with a custom-made end table.
Natural Light
Because the couple extended the walls, they could customize the bus to meet their needs. For example, they wanted their privacy but didn’t want a dark and dingy interior. So, they decided to install a massive vertical window. The photo below was snapped shortly after they installed it. Rachel looks very pleased with herself, and we can’t blame her.
They truly have some spectacular ideas, and it is great seeing them come to life. Their hard work is paying off, and soon they will be off on a new adventure!
The Last Stretch
Their last job was waterproofing and painting the outside of the bus. Rachel and Luke spent hours doing this as they had to paint multiple coats. After 18 months of continuous work, this must have been frustrating. It takes forever, not just because of the massive surface; you also have to wait for each coat to dry before you can paint another.
But they were dedicated to making their home as beautiful and safe as possible, so they sucked it up and continued working patiently. Here’s Rachel taking advantage of the excellent weather.
Before and After
The time has come! The bus is finally complete. Luke and Rachel are delighted and can’t wait to test their new home out! When they first embarked on their journey, they never thought the outcome would be this amazing. They finally have the home of their dreams and deserve nothing less. The blood, sweat, and tears poured into this home paid off in the end.
This is proven in these before and after photos. What a transformation! They look like two completely different busses.
Living in a Construction Site
Many people don’t know that the Davis family actually moved into their mobile home while still under construction. So for those of you who have experience living in a house during renovations, you know it’s not easy. Now imagine that home is tiny! It’s not ideal. But Luke and Rachel made it look easy. So even though the bus is not done, it doesn’t look that bad!
Besides the big dogs taking over the space, they managed to keep it clean. Thankfully, they completed the renovation soon after Rachel took this photo.
It’s Time for the Big Reveal!
What a wow factor! The interior is gorgeous! Who would have thought that 18 months ago, this was a stinky old school bus? Their stunning finishes really pop, and you can see all the love that went into building this masterpiece. The bus features a wood burner, a custom-fitted kitchen, and polished timber countertops, and don’t even get me started on that blue ceiling; it’s stunning!
Everything is meticulous and has a place. We can’t believe Luke and Rachel were able to pull this off as rookies. It looks like an experienced contractor designed and built this home.
Everything in its Place
Luke and Rachel had an eye for everything. They designed this bus perfectly and saw to every detail, no matter how small. There are hooks to hang coats, scatter cushions for decoration, and even a pot plant. They have nailed the portrayal of their family through the decor, and you can’t help but feel at home when looking at this photo.
Although there is not much for kids to do on the bus, we're sure there will always be something entertaining outside. The freedom is intoxicating, and I’m sure more people will want to buy a bus and tour the country after seeing these pics.
The Sleeping Quarters
The bedrooms are nice and cozy, and they even managed to fit a Queen-sized bed in there! However, they had to cut 6 inches off the end of the mattress to make room for the staircase. Luckily, they are not basketball players, and it all worked out. The only thing I would have done differently is put up a railing, so nobody falls out in the middle of the night.
They had this in mind for their daughter, Charlotte’s bed. Although hers isn’t as far off the ground, they wanted the extra bit of protection. You can never be too careful.
Living the Life
Ok, you can’t tell me that if you were given this opportunity, you wouldn’t take it. Just look at the following picture! They drove their home into a National Park and lived there for a few days. What a life! The freedom of living in a transformed school bus cannot compare to anything else in this world. Nothing is holding them back, and they can go wherever they want, whenever they want.
The setting is out of this world, and you can’t help but feel a little jealous. Once they got started on their adventure, there was nothing stopping them.
Going off the Grid
If you will recall, we mentioned the solar panels previously, but here is the end result. The family felt very strongly about being able to go off the grid for long periods of time, which is why they opted for the larger panels. What they love the most is they don’t have to rely on camping grounds for power.
They can literally park their home anywhere without stressing about where they are getting power from. Rachel took this photo at one of these exclusive locations, Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming; peaceful, right?
Showing Off
After all their hard work, Luke and Rachel decided to attend the Tiny House North Carolina Street Festival. During the festival, attendees are welcomed into their home to admire their creation. It was a great chance to meet people who have similar interests, who will understand exactly how much love and time they put into their home. It’s also an excellent opportunity to pick up new tips and ideas.
Pictured above is Luke, sitting casually on his kitchen counter while attendees are left in awe while looking around.
Peek-a-Boo!
Living in such a small space with your family can get a tad bit cramped. So, it was important for Luke and Rachel to give Charlotte her privacy when she needed it. Even though she is still so small, she still has the right to her space. Charlotte loved to build forts by pinning a sheet to the entrance of her room. She even went as far as requiring a password to enter.
It’s great that her imagination can run wild, even on a bus! Who needs fancy toys when you can make a fort in your mobile home?
A New Arrival
After a year on the bus, the Davis family learned they were expecting their second child. So naturally, everyone was extremely excited about the new arrival. During their first year of living on the bus, they had already visited 32 States and were eager to expose their new child to their crazy lifestyle. Although it’s going to be tough to raise a newborn on the road, they were ready for the challenge.
The only concern is where they would find the space for all the extra baggage that comes with a baby. You need to stock up on diapers, clothing, bedding, and let’s not forget about space for the crib!
The Added Height
With an expanding family, the Davis’s were grateful about their decision to extend the roof. Although it doesn’t add floor space, it definitely makes the area appear bigger. Luke and Rachel are at ease, knowing they will never need to hunch over to avoid hitting their heads on the roof. The vaulted ceilings also create height and add warmth to the home.
Many people who renovate old school busses prefer to keep the original look, but Luke and Rachel loved their decision. It changes the whole aesthetic of the home.
The Big day Finally Arrived
The Davis family welcomed the arrival of their son on October 28, and he is just the cutest little thing! They announced it on Instagram and expressed how excited they were to introduce Abraham William Davis to the “skoolie” lifestyle. Although Abraham didn’t have his own spot on the bus yet, they couldn’t wait to take him home.
Rachel looks like she’s been through the war in this picture, but we understand; she just had a baby. At first, after Abraham’s birth, the family tried not to move around too much but rather enjoyed this precious time with their son.
Welcome Home, Abraham!
The vibe on the bus definitely changed once Abraham arrived. After that, everything went at a much slower pace. It was great that both Luke and Rachel had an unlimited amount of time to spend with their children. How many people can say that? The simplicity of the Skoolie lifestyle is perfect for raising a close-knit family. And Charlotte loved helping her mommy look after her little brother.
At this point, Luke and Rachel had still not found the perfect spot for Abraham, so they took advantage of his size and just popped him on the floor. Let’s hope nobody ever tripped over him.
This is the Life!
Firstly, how do they keep their home so clean and organized with two young children around? Secondly, these kids look so well behaved. Maybe raising children on the road, around nature is the reason why they are so calm. Rachel loves to bake; she admits it’s mainly for the smell that fills their tiny home. While she’s busy in the kitchen, the kids keep themselves entertained at the dining room table.
Doesn’t it give you a sense of homey goodness? These kids will have so many fun stories to tell their friends one day.
Their Special Spot
One day out of the blue, both the kids wanted to sit and play on the bus's dashboard. At first, Luke and Rachel tried to discourage this, as they didn’t want it to become a habit. But, as time passed by, they finally caved in. Obviously, they didn’t allow it when the bus was moving, but when it was parked, the kids wanted to eat their snacks there every day.
Luke and Rachel found this so bizarre, but it made their hearts melt to see their children so happy and enjoying the home they built for them.
Being Practical
Like we mentioned before, babies come with baggage, but the Davis’s were having none of it. They found ways to make their lives simpler. For example, instead of using a baby bath that takes up a crazy amount of space, they used the kitchen sink instead! It was big enough, so why not? Abraham loved splashing away in his make shift bath.
But Rachel doesn’t seem fazed; cleaning up is quick and easy since the space is so small. She’d rather have her kids happy and playing than be stressed about keeping the home clean all the time.
It’s Hard to Contain the Mess
Up until now, we have only ever seen their mobile home in immaculate condition, but the truth is it can get messy. The downside to tiny home living is that a small mess looks much bigger. Even if one toy is lying on the ground, it looks like a bomb went off. Looking at the below photo, you can clearly see that the kids were having a ball.
But Rachel doesn’t seem fazed; cleaning up is quick and easy since the space is so small. She’d rather have her kids happy and playing than be stressed about keeping the home clean all the time.
Leaving things to the Last Minute
The Davis family enjoyed traveling in their bus for a year and a half before they eventually painted the outside of their home. They never planned the two-toned color, but the couple decided that painting the exterior wasn’t a priority for them. Finally, however, the time had come to give their bus some TLC and freshen up its look. Talk about leaving things to the last minute, right?
The above picture was taken before they painted the bus all white. The new paint job gave their home a new lease on life, and the family was excited to show it off once again.
The Result
Just look what a good coat of paint can do! Although they delayed painting the outside of the bus, they eventually got around to it, and the results speak for themselves. The bus looks all shiny and new, which is exactly what they hoped to achieve. The two-toned look it had before was getting a little stale, and they love the new paint job.
While they had already made so many fond memories up to that point, and they were looking forward to making tons more!
Their Third Anniversary
The photo below was taken on the third anniversary of living in their mobile home, and the family couldn’t look happier. The memories they accumulated during this monumental time frame are priceless, and they will cherish them forever. Of course, it’s not always been sunshine and roses, but they made it work and came out better people on the other side.
However, the adventure wasn’t over, and they looked forward to making many more new memories in their happy little bubble.
Helping Others
Luke and Rachel put their renovation experience to good use. They decided to help other people convert school busses and vans into their own little pieces of paradise. They learned a lot about woodwork, extensions, and welding through their transformation, which they were happy to share with prospective clients. Their custom designs were very popular, and they soon found themselves busier than ever.
Looking at the above image, it’s easy to see why they were so in demand. Their designs are clean, sleek, modern, and above all, practical.
The Winter Blues
Depending on where you are in the States, winters can be pretty brutal. Luckily, Luke and Rachel planned ahead by installing a wood stove in the living area. During a visit to Zirconia, North Carolina, the family had to stay inside most of the time due to the freezing temperatures outside. So they decided to turn their living room into a play area for the duration of their stay.
To make space for the little ones, they had to dissemble Abraham’s pack-and-play and store it next to the couch. It just shows you how well thought out the floor plan was and how they managed to adapt when their new baby joined the family.
Big Changes
The Davis family felt like they needed a place to lay down some roots and bought a barren plot of land. However, they weren’t giving up their traveling lifestyle. They still planned on keeping the bus and traveling, but they wanted something permanent to go back to. And to stick to their quirky style, they decided to build a yurt instead of a house.
In the above photo, we see Charlotte sitting on the dashboard, looking out on their new property and taking it all in. We bet their puppy is excited to run around in that huge yard!
Exploring their Land
Here we find the family exploring their new piece of land. The kids seem to be enjoying their newfound space, and we’re sure they will make so many unforgettable memories here. It took Luke and Rachel a year and a half to find this property. So, once they saw it, they knew it was the one. They have big plans for this plot and can’t wait to start the adventure.
They really found a gem; the property is 1.43 acres and hidden by trees from all sides; the perfect place to build a home. Another plus is that it’s close to town, has a barn, and there’s a stream that runs through the property.
Giving up the Bus
Luke and Rachel shared the news about their new property and their ideas for building a yurt on Instagram. You could tell how excited they were, but their followers were sad to learn that the couple intended to sell their school bus. Although we can understand that they want a bigger space for their family, we can help shed a tear. They put so much work and love into their mobile home.
But looking at the situation with a fresh set of eyes, I concluded that while it’s an end of an era, the bus will make a new family really happy.
Here we go again
Once their yurt arrived, the family couldn’t wait to get started. Just look how much they have done in two days. If this yurt looks even half as good as the bus, they did a good job. There’s no doubt that Luke will build this structure quickly due to all the experience he obtained in the past few years. In addition, he has two little employees to lend him a helping hand.
Although their new home is much smaller than an average-sized house, the kids have ample space to play outside, which is what they love to do.
A new Pride Member
In February 2020, the Davis family announced that they are expecting their 3rd child in July! With an ever-expanding family, Luke was under some serious pressure to get their yurt built. Although they adore their little bus, there definitely isn’t enough space for 5 people, no matter how small. So it was time for an upgrade, and the couple thanked their lucky stars they decided to invest in property.
As the months passed, Rachel’s belly started to swell, and it became harder for her to hide it. Soon, their baby would be born, and they were so excited to take on this new challenge.
Preparing to Leave
While the prospect of a new, bigger home excites the Davis family, they are still really sad to be leaving their bus. They had spent so many years there, and it’s where their children grew up. What Rachel will miss the most is their early morning routine. She reminisces about sitting on the couch every morning with her coffee and bible, watching her children play on the ground at her feet.
But she knows she is making the right choice. Her family needs more space to play and grow. Charlotte was also getting older and needed some stability.