Have you ever dreamed of living on the road, discovering new places and making unforgettable memories? That’s exactly what Sam and Rachel Deeks from Bristol did when they turned a yellow American school bus into a luxury mobile home. But their adventure did not end there. They even welcomed their little son, Bodhi, into a unique home on wheels!
The couple’s journey began when their 12x8ft school bus was transported from New York to Southampton and their farm in Somerset. This bus, which was used to transport 72 children, has now become a symbol of love and adventure for a growing family. Sam’s wife Rachel, 32, oversaw the interior design of the bus and Sam, 33, a self-employed carpenter, brought their vision to life.
It was a labor of love that took more than six months to remove the chairs to make way for beautiful wooden floors, a functional kitchen, a cozy bedroom and a stylish bathroom. The couple found inspiration for the new lifestyle by listening to a podcast called Matt’s Motorhome Podcast. This podcast not only provided information on buying the perfect RV, but also shared tips on how to make money while traveling. The bus was their refuge on wheels, a refuge where they could find comfort and freedom.
The still striking yellow exterior is equipped with solar panels to reduce electricity bills. Sam even installed lights on top of the van so the midwives could find them in the dark while Rachel worked on the organic farm where they were staying. The midwife arrived around 8pm and three hours later, Rachel gave birth to her son Bodhi in the comfort of her living room. The birth certificate proudly states “School Bus, USA” as Bodhi’s arrival location, a testament to the Dix family’s special journey. Their decision to embark on this venture was in memory of Rachel’s late father, who died of cancer at the age of 52. It was their way of honoring his name and embracing life to the fullest.
Sam did most of the bus conversion work himself, with the help of his parents and a professional painting electrician. Their hard work paid off and the interior of the bus became a comfortable and attractive space.
From wooden floors to natural materials and plants, every detail has been carefully considered to create a comfortable atmosphere. After a successful conversion, the Dix family decided to rebuild their third car to enjoy more adventures on the road. As a result, they put their favorite bus up for sale. Sam updated the look and redecorated the interior to make it someone else’s dream home on wheels. This could be for an individual or a couple ready to embark on their own adventure, perhaps with small children. Sam’s friend Matt Sims, director of the Motorhome Matt podcast and CEO of The Motorhome Holiday Company, proved to be an invaluable guide on their journey.
With 30 years of experience in the business, Matt believes there are many ways to make money with RVs, from remodeling to outsourcing. He encourages everyone to do their own research and find the best investments that fit their lifestyle and interests.
In addition to the exciting story, the adventures of the Dix family highlight the importance of sustainability and making informed choices along the way. They have integrated solar panels to reduce emissions and save money. According to Matt, we can all use our freedom to travel to take small steps to have a positive impact on our planet. So if you’ve ever dreamed of taking a trip and making unforgettable memories, take inspiration from Sam and Rachel Dix. Their story proves that with dedication, creativity and a sense of adventure, you can turn an ordinary school bus into a luxury home on wheels. Now is the time to embrace the unknown and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
