Lucy, Our Sweet Vintage Caravan

Let me tell you a little of the story of our Lucy:

One morning, just before Easter, I found a message on Trade me & an unexpected listing that took my breath away & captivated my heart; a listing for an adorable shabby chic vintage caravan.
I kept going back to have a look at it again & again & that's when the dance began...twirling round & round in my heart, flipping my emotions as if I was caught in the waves on the edge of the ocean & couldn't walk out.

(Little note: if you click on this picture you'll be able to see all the photos in a larger size).

"Yes, do it..no I couldn't possibly..don't be ridiculous..besides, surely you don't really need this caravan, there's just some kind of emotional response going on here so you'd better figure it out & let it go..."
But the attachment persisted & somehow (this was the biggest thing I had done in all my life)...I made it through the process & bought her!!!!
I bought her on a "buy-now" as free delivery was a part of the deal & she was living in Nelson in the South Island & that's across water & a long way away! 

I hardly slept a wink that week.

There were so many questions going around in my head! 

Could I trust the other trader? How could I possibly find that much money! And, would she arrive here in one piece?
 Oh, & where precisely would she live?
 Then one foggy (yes foggy!) Hastings morning...she arrived.

We backed her in over by the house until we could decide where she should go. But right here has been quite perfect, so here she has stayed

& soon became the light & joy of our lives!

She has nestled in snuggly, catching sunlight through her little windows in both morning & afternoon.

It took us a little while to master some of the art of caravan ownership but by Mothers' Day, in early May, we were able to organise a small first outing to the beach at Te Awanga; a whole 10 minutes away.

Later that month we set off on a grand adventure, all the way to Te Awanga Point Holiday Park & had our first night away from home.

 Such a lovely spot with the friendliest locals, lagoon

 &  stoney beach

Apparently, Lucy is a "honeymoon" caravan.

Well I dare say there's not actually room for more than the two of us anyway. That first evening, trying to find places to put everything when it came time to make up our wee bed was hysterically funny indeed.

Back home,

 Lucy is visited every single day.

 She's such a good friend.

She has a few pink feathered friends to keep her company.

Much had already been done to restore & enhance Lucy when we bought her, by a number of earlier owners, but there was a lot more to do once she arrived "home".

 Little by little we have created a fresh style of vintage sunshine chic.
We've filled Lucy with flowers & joy.

Cosy & friendly she captures the hearts of all who come to visit.

We have always loved to gather & collect vintage things. The quality, style & colours of a by-gone era have continued to captivate us both through the years. Some of our favourite finds have made themselves right at home in Lucy.

We have mixed in a large dollop of Cath Kidston loveliness: wallpaper, fabrics, tea towels & tins, creating an energetic mix of vintage old & vintage new.

Quite by accident, I discovered The Wireless Station on my car radio (wasn't up to much else) it is a perfect setting for our 1958 girl & the Bush radio: 15.30 AM

Soon after Lucy arrived I came across the little red retro stool out at The Mart, for just $14.

It has a tear in the seat, but who cares!
Life is full of lumps & bumps.
Our vintage quest happily keeps us real & grounded.

The floor rug came from our local Trade Aid shop & the little fridge is in perfect working order.

All Lucy's fittings, cupboards & drawers appear to be original, beautifully crafted & charmingly practical. 

A little gingham, an old basket filled with vintage duraware & new vintage melamine, old spotty tins containing colourful cutlery & we're all set to dine anytime, anywhere.

Lucy arrived into our care bearing her sky blue walls & we love the fresh, perennial summery feel.
We are quite pleased, however, that Rachel (her previous owner) saw fit to remove the Donald Duck signs that were plastered all over the poor little soul.

I have used a few of my treasured vintage fabrics: barkcloth, Sanderson & candlewick to make a garden of cushions; plump & inviting.

Other vintage checked blankets find themselves at home down this end.

Cheery bunting creates a feeling of daily celebration & joy.

We are constantly fiddling & shuffling & sighing with contentment at the slightest new experimental change. Some lovely Cath Kidston yarn dyed Kew Stripe has just arrived this week & it couldn't be more perfect. More cushions will soon be on their way!

This lovely squishy, albeit narrow bed, is perfect for a quiet nap any old day at all.

Lengths of old & treasured filet crochet, rescued from a number of time worn tablecloths, find pride of place adorning Lucy's little windows, making the world seem a sweet & happy place.

Perhaps she will travel far & wider again one day, but meantime, Lucy is an obliging & gentle hostess, reveling in her shiny role of enabling the daily celebration of everyday life.

 She is a perfect cosy place for a sweet date... 

 and carries off romantic style effortlessly.

 Our collection of depression glass milk jugs are always on hand for lighting tea lights at twilight.

 Lucy, just as easily, becomes the perfect venue for a charming afternoon tea.
For any reason at all..in this case, Fathers' Day.

 New Zealand Earl Grey (of course) butter curls & date scones.

Here in New Zealand op shops, Trade Me & car boot sales, markets & Church Fairs are still good places to hunt down vintage treasures, after all, you never know when you might have a Lucy to love.

Thanks to another lovely Lucy I found the pattern for the crocheted cushion (below) just here. 

We hope you've enjoyed meeting Lucy.

We're delighted that you popped in to see us.

We will be updating this page from time to time as our romance continues.

You can also find more photos of Lucy & our adventures here on Pinterest

 Rob & Lucy
♥♥♥♥♥