In an inspiring tale of creativity and sustainability, a young family has transformed a disused double-decker bus into a fully-functional, eco-friendly home for just £18,453.20. The project, which has since evolved into one of Airbnb's most popular UK rentals, began as a solution to the housing crisis for marketing executive Jasmin Dennis and her seven-year-old son, Bertie.
From Campervan to Double-Decker Dream
After completing her master's in sustainable development in 2023, Jasmin was living in a VW campervan with her young son, travelling the UK and saving on rent. Her search for an affordable home led her to Facebook Marketplace, where she spotted a disused double-decker bus listed for £8,000. The vehicle had a poignant history, having been partially converted by a previous owner before his wife passed away. When Jasmin shared her vision of creating a family home, the seller was so enamoured with the idea he reduced the price to £6,000.
Jasmin initially underestimated the scale of the renovation, believing she could tackle it with basic tools within three months. The reality was a two-year labour of love. The project became a joint venture when she met her partner, landscape gardener Liam Alderdice, 28, six months in. The couple moved the bus to his parents' farm in Callington, Cornwall, to begin the extensive work.
The £18k Sustainable Transformation
The couple meticulously managed their budget, sourcing materials creatively to keep costs down. The total spend of £18,453.20 was broken down into major purchases: the bus itself (£6,000), building materials (£8,730), a hot tub (£2,700), exterior paint (£450), upholstery (£500), and furniture (£73.20).
Guided by Jasmin's expertise in sustainability, the renovation prioritised reclaimed materials. The walls and ceilings were insulated and clad with reclaimed palette wood. The couple designed and built most furniture, including a super-king-sized bed platform from old scaffold boards with integrated storage drawers that double as pull-out single beds. A standout find was a bathtub bought on eBay for just £3.20, which had to be hoisted through a back window as it wouldn't fit up the narrow staircase.
Liam's father, a former John Lewis kitchen fitter, provided invaluable help. The exterior was sanded and resprayed with durable agricultural oxide paint for only £450, a fraction of the £18,000 quoted for a professional job. Personal touches abound, including a banister made from felled tree branches whittled by Jasmin and Bertie.
From Family Home to Thriving Airbnb Business
After Liam proposed on the bus, the living situation changed. The bus, now named the 'Botanical Bus' due to its natural materials and houseplants, was too small for the growing family. Rather than sell their beloved project, the couple listed it on Airbnb in August, incorporating a wood-fired hot tub after learning 70% of guests search for this amenity.
Positioned on private land and classified with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), it avoids road tax. The hot tub sits over a borehole, providing chemical-free water. The unique retreat has been fully booked since its launch, attracting couples and families seeking a nature-immersed escape. Prices start from £176 per night. The family keeps a few weeks free each year to enjoy their 'holiday home from home' themselves.
This innovative project demonstrates how vision, sustainable principles, and hard work can solve housing challenges and create a successful business, offering a truly unique stay in the Cornish countryside.
