She Taught Herself Van Conversion – and Built This Gorgeous Tiny Home With Reclaimed Materials

Samantha Bond is a former corporate employee who swapped her heels for work boots and taught herself the art of campervan conversion. Through Project Van Rambo Ltd, she now transforms tired vans and ambulances into tiny homes using reclaimed materials and low-impact building methods.

Her latest project is August, a three-berth 2007 Ford Transit MWB Hightop with 160,000 miles on the clock. It has undergone extensive maintenance and repairs, transforming it into the beautiful and fun home on wheels it is today.

Samantha describes August as “not your typical rusty old Ford Transit.” It is currently listed for £16,999 and comes with a fresh service and a full year’s MOT.

Much of the hard work to August has been done, including extensive welding, surface rust removal, underside painting with rust converter paint, and a Gas Safe Certificate. Samantha also installed a Fiamma awning to extend the living space.

Alongside welding and surface rust removal, August has also received a fresh coat of paint in Rustoleum Combi Colour – Chinese Green Tea. This understated colour sets the scene for the charming, peaceful, and sustainability-focused interior that can’t help but win you over.

The gorgeous rustic interior makes the whole van feel warm and welcoming as soon as you open the door. Yet the space stays light, bright, and spacious, with skylights, five windows, soft-touch dimmable spotlights, and ambient strip lighting.

The flooring throughout is upcycled Amtico vinyl planks, while the walls feature reclaimed birch wood ply. All pallet wood has been professionally thinned to reduce weight.

The star of the show in August is undoubtedly the new Gladstonbury wood burner, which transforms the interior into a warm and cosy retreat at night and on those cold winter days. It sits on a quaint wooden box, which is the perfect size for wood storage.

The kitchen is a charming and practical space to cook up a storm. The reclaimed birch plywood is easy to care for, and the kitchen cabinets add much-needed storage space.

Samantha has thought of the finer details for an all-around comfortable and convenient travel experience. The copper sink with a handmade tap gets its water from the two 25L water containers stored directly underneath the sink. Three generous storage drawers and overhead cabinetry hold all those daily essentials.

While it looks as though the kitchen in August is lacking a fridge, that isn’t so! The small compressor fridge is tucked away under the gas hob on a pull-out runner. Blink, and you miss it! Yet, you won’t miss the beautiful splashback behind the gas hob. It’s made of reclaimed tile with gorgeous sunburst detailing to complete the look.

The rustic beauty of August easily distracts, but what you can’t see in August is also noteworthy. This van features a 200-watt solar system, a 20-amp EPEver MPPT controller, two 110Ah leisure batteries, a split-charge relay, and five USB charging ports as the icing on the cake.

Not enough? If you’ve decided August is for you but need more charging convenience, Samantha from Project Van Rambo Ltd can install an inverter and plugs for an extra cost if you need mains power to charge three-pin devices. She can also organise a qualified electrician to install hook-up electric for those who love parking up at campsites.

The spacious benchtop features a reclaimed copper sink and a twin-gas hob powered by a Campingaz 907 bottle. This sits in a gas locker under the seating, with official sign-off.

Whether you want to relax, entertain, or spend time with loved ones, August delivers in spades with a beautifully laid out dining area. Two bench spaces sit on either side of a stunning reclaimed oak dining table. The best part? The upholstery is interchangeable. Shift the interior mood whenever you like! Truly dine in comfort and style in August.

Dining in August is a magical experience. The dining booth comfortably seats at least four people. You can also enjoy a delightful breeze with the rear door open wide.

There’s more to the dining booth than meets the eye. The two bench seats quickly convert into a small bed. However, if you’re a taller traveller, you can extend the setup with the dining table to create a super-king sleeping space for up to three people. The Boxio separating toilet is underneath the bench seat on a runner for easy access.

If you need to check on something in the main living area while you’re in the Transit cab, there’s a charming little port window to peer through. This window provides a great visual from the kitchen through to the back door.

Ready for its next chapter, August is now available for £16,999, with further details in the sale listing.