Patient London FTB Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 There was discussion on here a while back about living in a van and I wanted to add this in but can't find the thread. Anyway, this looks like a good read and the title alone should endear the bloke to HPCers: ****** the Banks, I'll Build My Own Damn House, or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Build a Custom Camper Van Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul77 Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 (edited) Nice find! Edited August 30, 2016 by Paul77 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 I admire his courage and conviction - a great read. Thanks for posting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
200p Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 How will you support yourself? I have some money saved up. I also work part-time as a freelance programmer, which can be done anywhere. Hopefully I will launch a successful indie game development business with all my extra time -- after all, that's the whole point! How long are you going to do this? Two years. Of course, I reserve the right to quit early if I hate it... or go longer, if I love it :-P. But the initial plan is two years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
200p Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 hmm he could have rented it out innit? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandwiches33 Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 This is my plan, the south of england is funny about boondocking but the further north you go the less ******s seem to be given. Scotland gives little to no ******s as they encourage the RV tourists from europe. As do a lot of european countries. You can live very minimally and if you have to move you just drive to the next place. Even buying a second hand motor home is a shitload less than most people spend on a car. Get a caravan club membership too and you can find some dirt cheap sites to stay for extended periods. I would also say a decent van offers much nicer accommodation than most bedsits or shit flats too. Some of them are effectively really lovely mobile compact homes. Enigmatic nomadics Nomadic fanatic ramblings of bry are the most popular youtube channels but there are plenty others. I will be starting this at some point and will probably do blog on it too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 I will be starting this at some point and will probably do blog on it too. Great- look forward to reading of your adventure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frugal Git Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 It's really, really good to see so many more of the posters on the site going 'F**k it' and exploring the zillions of other ways to live now rather than tearing our hair out over the insanity. Great stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wish I could afford one Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 It's really, really good to see so many more of the posters on the site going 'F**k it' and exploring the zillions of other ways to live now rather than tearing our hair out over the insanity. Great stuff. Hear hear. The other great thing is that all the Plan B's are so very different which I hope means are more aligned with the life the person really wants to lead rather than get mortgage, pay off mortgage, die. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 I met a couple at a boot sale who were doing the same thing, he worked in videogames like I did at the time. Got chatting and found we were on the same page only I'd sold my flat a few years ago and fallen off the ladder due to prices outpacing me. Great guy and his wife seemed really happy too. There camper van was kitted out nice, looked homely and snug. He was doing the odd bit of freelance coding etc and actually enjoying life, not working all gods unpaid hours for some faceless corporation. We agreed that making video games had been fun for both of us many years ago but it all turned corporate so quickly. yuck. I'm renting in Morocco now, working remotely, cg artwork I sell online with the odd freelance gig if I fancy the look of it. Live like a king on peanuts. Happiness and time to watch the sunset and listen to the cockerels (and Imams!) crow. Oh and people here actually have manners and smile a lot which makes a great difference to our quality of life! Two years on and my wife agress it is the best thing we ever did. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wish I could afford one Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 ... I'm renting in Morocco now, working remotely, cg artwork I sell online with the odd freelance gig if I fancy the look of it. Live like a king on peanuts. Happiness and time to watch the sunset and listen to the cockerels (and Imams!) crow. Oh and people here actually have manners and smile a lot which makes a great difference to our quality of life! Two years on and my wife agress it is the best thing we ever did. :-) Congratulations! Spent some all to brief time in Morocco a few years back and while it wasn't for us I can see why some could call it home. Can you speak Arabic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Democorruptcy Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 There was discussion on here a while back about living in a van and I wanted to add this in but can't find the thread. Anyway, this looks like a good read and the title alone should endear the bloke to HPCers: ****** the Banks, I'll Build My Own Damn House, or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Build a Custom Camper Van Other similar threads include.... http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/forum/index.php?/topic/203962-1-quit-job-2-build-camper-van-3-travel/page-1 http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/forum/index.php?/topic/208775-man-living-in-a-van/ http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/forum/index.php?/topic/186492-sold-the-house-off-to-live-in-a-forest/ http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/forum/index.php?/topic/198203-anyone-got-a-campervan-or-motorhome/ http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=94060&st=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 How did this post get on this site I agree, that's why I posted the other day about getting into property in Brittany, in my case getting some kind of Giite, and buy a few holiday homes. Sick of sitting on money, and seeing what you can get so close to the UK for your money in such a beautiful culture and area would make you weep. Mods would not let me post it on here Always fancied retiring to France but will have to see how the Brexit deal works out. Probably just a dream since Mrs Grasshopper says non. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandwiches33 Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 everyone I know who chooses an alternative lifestyle is really really happy, I know a few folk who do the van life, eek out on a small pension or something but they are so happy and so free. They just have a glow about them. I have heard of millionaires who live in vans too. It is a lifestyle choice that really suits a lot of folk. Sailing la vagabond is a good youtube channel about a young couple sailing round the world, living on a boat too. ****** the banks, everyday I do something that hurts them is a glorious victory. Owning lots of stuff and a house makes me feel heavy laden and depressed, giving it all away and being free is my goal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeDavola Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 I met a couple at a boot sale who were doing the same thing, he worked in videogames like I did at the time. Got chatting and found we were on the same page only I'd sold my flat a few years ago and fallen off the ladder due to prices outpacing me. Great guy and his wife seemed really happy too. There camper van was kitted out nice, looked homely and snug. He was doing the odd bit of freelance coding etc and actually enjoying life, not working all gods unpaid hours for some faceless corporation. We agreed that making video games had been fun for both of us many years ago but it all turned corporate so quickly. yuck. I'm renting in Morocco now, working remotely, cg artwork I sell online with the odd freelance gig if I fancy the look of it. Live like a king on peanuts. Happiness and time to watch the sunset and listen to the cockerels (and Imams!) crow. Oh and people here actually have manners and smile a lot which makes a great difference to our quality of life! Two years on and my wife agress it is the best thing we ever did. :-) Wonderful. What a life. Fair play to you. As an earlier poster said, it's really inspiring to see how people on this site have adapted to the problem of high house prices. We've got an interesting bunch here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winkie Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 (edited) Edited August 30, 2016 by winkie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frugal Git Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 How did this post get on this site I agree, that's why I posted the other day about getting into property in Brittany, in my case getting some kind of Giite, and buy a few holiday homes. Sick of sitting on money, and seeing what you can get so close to the UK for your money in such a beautiful culture and area would make you weep. Mods would not let me post it on here Huh - that's a shame as the more alternatives presented the better. Brilliant work with the plan - best of luck with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Congratulations! Spent some all to brief time in Morocco a few years back and while it wasn't for us I can see why some could call it home. Can you speak Arabic? Thanks, it has it's up and downs as everything does but wouldn't change it for the world at the moment. We don't accumulate crap, all our worldly possessions fit in two suitcases and at the age of 50+ its liberating. We're in Marrakech which has many French ex-pats, a few Brits and Americans. Its more Westernised which makes life a little easier (luxuries like French cheeses etc and bacon!!!) Made lots of friends and have many good Moroccan friends too. We've learnt enough Darija to get by, numbers, hello's and how are you and your family etc. They really appreciate just a little effort. Once you've tried to speak the language to someone they can't help you enough. They love the English which is a bit of a bonus. Takes me ages just to go shopping with all the hand shaking and pleasantries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 Wonderful. What a life. Fair play to you. As an earlier poster said, it's really inspiring to see how people on this site have adapted to the problem of high house prices. We've got an interesting bunch here. Funnily enough Joe it was a post a few years back about someone living in a van that prompted me to rethink the whole renting/saving/desperation thing in the UK. Give it a bash I thought! In fact HPC has affected my life over the years more than I care to admit.. Cgnao made me realse the world was going to hell in a handbasket. CDS's, subprime etc. Goldfinger and others prompted me to buy gold sovereigns while they were £50 a pop. Every pay day stump up for a few more. Many other great posters have given me ideas. I'm a reader not a poster, more a 3d pixel pusher than a word man. The gold was what gave us the wherewithall to get out after another eviction, another contract ended...another council tenancy lol. It's a funny old world! Thanks HPC and all the great people who post on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grasshopper Posted August 30, 2016 Share Posted August 30, 2016 GH I have quite few friends in the Normandy area, some even moved there before property prices went mental, one came back after several years, but did not have a bad things to say about the place, two years after moving back he broke up from his lady, probably part of the reason he came back. I have been to may areas in France, probably my favourite areas are the Dordogne and the Pyrenees area, mainly because it is so untouched and un spoilt like SE France, so many other wonderful places though. But here is why I favour Brittany and Normandy as a working person still, and will be for quite a while. 1. Even though the UK it is only 80 miles from some fantastic areas in say Normandy, you might as well be on another planet from the puke, fighting and obnoxious behaviour on a Friday night . I remember being taken to a two day music and art festival in Normandy, it was amazing. This one and only drunk French man was rapidly dealt with by the local town hierarchy. 2. If you love your food, and I do, the markets are just out of this world 3. long empty beaches 4. Normandy people actually like the British, mostly, though there is the odd exception. Many places in France can be quite anti British, for reasons I sometimes agree. 5. Property cheap... get online and weep, more so if you want a little land 6. Links are quite good for getting home, get back in no time. And if you really want a fix of England fast for whatever reason, I have seen car head lights in Jersey from the Normandy coast 7. Many people would hate me for this, but you can still get English radio and TV quite easily, I just like the feeling of a little home, at the end of the day , I do love Britain even with it's faults. Work on her mate, maybe we will meet up for a drink of Calvados or Normandy cider one day Yep would probably be the Normandy area for me too for many of the reasons you outline above. Have had great family holidays near Gavray and also Gorron. Fantastic country side for cycling, walking and running and a two week rental in a house their cost the same as a week in a UK shoe box. Only downside was long drive from North of England. When we were near Gorron we stayed in a Gite set in a very large plot run by a retired builder from Barnsley and who's house was also on site. Interesting fella, he had made and lost thousands converting and building house's during the housing booms and bust that have characterised our UK housing market. He bought the plot twenty five years ago for a song after holidaying in the area and moved out there permanently with his wife to retire fifteen years ago. He was busy developing the site while we were there digging out the ground for a large lake and planting native trees. He had plans to introduce fish into the lake so anglers who stayed at the Gite could do a bit of fishing. Still going strong at seventy - what a guy. Told me Normandy was fantastic because you still got the four distinct seasons but unlikely the UK you got a proper summer with a fair dose of sunshine. Thanks for the encouragement re working on Mrs G for move to France but she is a hard nut to crack when she has made up her mind about something. There was I living the dream life in Auckland, New Zealand twenty odd years or so ago when she announced that after two years she had enough and was returning to the UK. Mainly due to the not uncommon homesickness most often experienced by wives and girlfriends but not exclusively so. Crikey, I had to swallow hard to deal with that one and it took me fifteen years after returning to the UK to finally say that maybe it was the right decision after all. So the Calvados or Normandy Cider en France look doubtful at present! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canbuywontbuy Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Great thread. In the end, it's no bad thing to be forced into a different kind of life. I really struggle to imagine someone who is FREE in the UK in their 30s. They'll be paying a mortgage, renting, or even at home with mum and dad. Maybe you'll find the odd person in their 40s mortgage free if they played every single card the right way. Thing is - it doesn't have to be so hard, and it's only getting tougher in the UK. There are other ways to live. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuckmojo Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Good plan and all. I do think he could have just bought a second hand motorhome for less and have a toilet too. I admire the attitude and if single I could do something like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justthisbloke Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 There was discussion on here a while back about living in a van and I wanted to add this in but can't find the thread. Anyway, this looks like a good read and the title alone should endear the bloke to HPCers: ****** the Banks, I'll Build My Own Damn House, or How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Build a Custom Camper Van What I've read so far is a good read. Now, I'm no motor expert or car mechanic but are self-tapping screws through the bodywork really considered acceptable workmanship? And where he makes holes for wires and ventilation, shouldn't he be doing some rust prevention after he's hacked through? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meerkat Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Good plan and all. I do think he could have just bought a second hand motorhome for less and have a toilet too. I admire the attitude and if single I could do something like that. The only defence he has is that of trying to be inconspicuous. Solar batteries though.... well, had fallen for a govy boondoggle there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tresbon Posted August 31, 2016 Share Posted August 31, 2016 Good plan and all. I do think he could have just bought a second hand motorhome for less and have a toilet too. I admire the attitude and if single I could do something like that. I guess it is the van equivalent of 'build your own home' rather than purchase an existing one which doesn't tick all your boxes? If I was doing what he was, I'd rather pay more and have my van spec'd just how I wanted it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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