Life had taken everything from them, but Erika and her partner refused to stay down. With nothing left to lose and everything to gain, they saw potential where others saw scrap metal – in a tired old 1977 California Crown school bus. What began as a last-ditch effort to rebuild their lives became an 18-month labor of love that would transform both the vintage vehicle and their future.
The curved walls of their unusual canvas presented constant challenges, stretching what they thought would be a six-month project into nearly two years of problem-solving. “People don’t realize how hard it is to make a bus feel like home,” Erika admits with a knowing smile. But the couple’s determination never wavered, fueled by their shared vision and the supportive online community of fellow “skoolie” enthusiasts who offered advice and inspiration.
Today, their 11-meter-long home on wheels is a masterpiece of clever design. Erika’s interior design skills shine through in every thoughtful detail – from the perfectly preserved vintage driver’s area that maintains the bus’s nostalgic charm to the surprisingly spacious living quarters. The kitchen might be compact, but it’s a marvel of functionality with its fold-out extensions and reclaimed wood surfaces. Bookshelves frame sunny windows in the lounge area, where multi-purpose furniture hides smart storage solutions. Even the bathroom surprises with its full-tiled shower and hidden electrical outlets, proving that small spaces can still feel luxurious.
