In a world where the freedom of the open road beckons ever more people, Anthony Bianchi has carved out a unique niche. For over a decade, the New Jersey craftsman has been creating bespoke campervans, transforming raw vehicles into spaces that feel both magical and deeply functional. With a background in woodworking spanning more than 20 years, Bianchi has a meticulous eye for detail and a love for the whimsical that comes through in every van he builds. His latest project, a hobbit-inspired campervan crafted from a ProMaster 3500, is a testament to his vision. Outfitted with a cozy Murphy bed, an expansive central kitchen, and a well-designed rear bath, it combines comfort with fantasy.
The exterior of the 2023 ProMaster boasts a striking dark blue finish, further enhanced by a custom roof rack that supports two 185-watt solar panels—providing plenty of energy for essential off-grid living.
Every detail on the outside is designed for practicality and ease of use. The driver’s side features dual fans, one dedicated to refrigerator ventilation and the other to cooking ventilation as well as a Noco 15a waterproof shore plug. There’s also a convenient ladder for easy access to the roof—perfect for reaching the Maxxair fan or enjoying a sunset on a small rooftop patio. On the passenger side, Bianchi has installed a lockable water fill, making it easy to top up supplies on the go.
The van includes a thoughtfully placed window on the sliding door, which Anthony chose to install as a fixed pane rather than a sliding option to minimize moving parts.
The ProMaster also features a charming outdoor patio setup. Equipped with a folding table and a beautifully converted 12V Tiffany lamp, it creates an inviting space perfect for al fresco dining or relaxing under the stars with good company.
The couches are crafted from solid walnut and sapele, with Anthony selecting pieces that feature natural character, like knots and ravines, to bring out the wood’s rich, organic tones. The armrest is multifunctional, providing built-in storage and also serving as support for the guest bed, making it a versatile, three-in-one feature.
Beneath the couches, you’ll find well-organized storage spaces that house essential equipment, including a heater, chargers, breaker, inverter, battery, distribution panel, and ventilation. Automatic lighting adds convenience, illuminating these compartments as needed.
A sliding door separates the van’s cockpit from the living area, providing both privacy and an easy escape route if needed. The skylight is a sturdy compartment boat hatch, chosen over a traditional plastic skylight for its streamlined, open feel. Not only does it add a unique touch to the van’s design, but it’s also large enough to allow access to the roof—perfect for stargazing or enjoying the view from above.
There are two custom epoxy bars in the van, one in the main living area and another in the kitchen. Each bar has its own unique design—one with earthy tones and the other featuring a floral theme—bringing nature-inspired beauty into the space. Both were handcrafted by a skilled artisan.
Anthony enhanced a Lagun table crafted from plexiglass by reinforcing the tabletop with a sturdy backing. He added sapele wood corners for a touch of elegance and applied a carpeted underside to create a softer, more inviting feel. The table serves as a single-person dining space or desk and easily swivels in three directions to adapt to different needs. When not in use, it can be moved out of the way, making it a practical and stylish addition to the van.
The wall behind the couch doubles as the back of the Murphy bed. A charming, faux circular window adds a cozy, whimsical touch, enhancing the atmosphere and making the space feel even more inviting.
The van’s Murphy bed is designed to comfortably accommodate two people.
You can create a versatile guest bed that also serves as an extension for the Murphy bed, providing extra sleeping space when needed. This setup uses the butcher block kitchen counter, which can be detached and attached to a fold-down table, then stabilized with a foot mount for added support.
The kitchen was designed to maximize functionality and style within the space. It features open-concept overhead cabinets with built-in lighting for a warm, inviting feel. Anthony carefully curated dishware from Etsy and medieval sites to match the camper’s unique aesthetic, resulting in a collection that’s as distinctive as it is charming. The kitchen is stocked with enamel bowls, custom wood plates, and handcrafted wood coasters—each piece thoughtfully selected to complete the look.
A copper backsplash secured with copper nails complements the kitchen, featuring a movable silicone faucet with hot and cold settings and a custom inlaid sink.
The cooking area features a three-burner propane stove with an integrated oven, complemented by a stainless steel backsplash for added durability and style. Illuminated apothecary shelves above provide both practical storage and ambient lighting. Beneath the stove, a spacious drawer offers convenient additional storage. Adjacent to the stove is an Isotherm 47L fridge-freezer combo, ensuring easy access to chilled ingredients.
Between the kitchen and bathroom, there’s a vintage-style closet with adjustable shelves for clothing, complete with automatic lighting for added convenience.
At the rear of the van is a medieval-style bathroom featuring custom penny round tiles with gold accents and durable epoxy grout. This area serves as a wet room, complete with a gray water drainage system.
Next to the bathroom is the garage area, which conveniently stores the Trelino toilet when not in use. When needed, simply slide it out into the bathroom. It’s built to support up to 500 lbs for reliable use.
The bathroom is adorned with waterproof acrylic wallpaper and equipped with bronze faucets for both hot and cold water. It features two showers—one indoors and one outdoors—for added convenience.
A vanity with built-in storage and a custom mirror with overhead lighting complete the space.
This enchanting campervan is currently available for $160,000 USD. Find more details about this unique vehicle here.
Join Anthony Bianchi for a guided video tour of his incredible camper van creation.
