Ex-Betsy

About the area: Betsy is located just off the A11 in south Norfolk. It’s a great location to start your trip, you can easily head south for your adventures or travel into Norfolk to explore the stunning countryside and coast. In just 30 minutes from Betsy’s home you can be at Thetford Forest for fun in the trees, including Go Ape or Segways at High Lodge. The city of Norwich is only 25 minutes away with its award winning market, historical castle, museums and plenty of great pubs, bars and coffee shops. Whitlingam Broads Campsite is a lovely place to stay to easily access the city, as well as enjoy watersports on the lake. You can be at Norfolk's best beaches, beautiful broads or RSPB nature reserves within an hour from Betsy’s location with plenty of camping spots to choose from. Description of Beds: Betsy sleeps 4 people - 2 adults on a fixed standard double bed, with a very comfy mattress, and 2 children in the cabin below with a thick foam mattress. The cabin measures 138 cm x 138 cm. Our two children have been very comfortable and cosy snuggled up in here together. With it being the darkest and coolest spot in the van during the summer months they sleep very well. They have been taller than 138 cm since we got the van in 2019 but have been able to curl up and be comfy sleeping widthways. Four years later, they now sleep lengthways which means they can extend their feet out through the cubby hole where we make it cosy with blankets. This space is also where our dog sleeps so he keeps their feet warm too! Description of Seating: Betsy can carry up to five passengers. She has three belted seats in the front (including driver) with headrests and two further belted seats (both with headrests) in the rear, one with Isofix fittings. All five seats have three-point belts. Once you are parked up you can pop a throw over the two rear seats to make it into the living space seating along with the bench which can comfortably sit three. Description of Electrical Setup: Betsy has solar panels and two leisure batteries to give you plenty of power to enjoy being off grid for at least 5 days, along with 8 USB charging points. She has one electric hook-up which then allows you to use the two 12V sockets for extra power. Parking: If you drive to collect Betsy you can park up in our large driveway which is on a quiet country lane. If you come by train, we are happy to pick you up from Wymondham train station which is only 7 minutes away. Cooking Equipment: Betsy has everything you could need to cook up a feast with a Voyager 4500 2 gas oven, with grill and 2 x hobs. On the shelves above there are 4 ceramic mugs, 4 plastic glasses, 4 bamboo bowls, and 4 bamboo plates. Stored in the chest there is cutlery for 4, a chopping board, large and small frying pan, large and small saucepan and colander. There are three wooden cooking spoons, 1 sharp knife, 1 pen knife, a tin opener and corkscrew/bottle opener. Betsy has a cafetiere and an on the hob kettle to make hot drinks. There is also a washing up bowl, small dustpan and brush, tea towels and dishcloths for making things sparkly again! Water and Sanitation: Under the sink there are 2 x 5 litre removable water bottles which provide running water to the sink through the tap. The large ceramic sinks make it easy to wash with water heated from the kettle. There is a 'wee bucket' inside the van with the option to add on the Thetford portable and flushable travel toilet along with a utility tent. Audio: Included is a Bluetooth speaker for you to enjoy music during your stay in Betsy. Type of Heating: Betsy has the great benefit and luxury of diesel heating which warms the van very quickly keeping you super cosy during the cooler days and nights. You can also add on hot water bottles if you are hiring during the autumn or winter months. Conversion Story: Betsy was converted by Studley Campers in Warwickshire and the project began in April 2019. We proudly designed and managed the creation of Betsy remotely via WhatsApp spending many hours considering the best fit and design for our family of 4, plus our labrador. Both Leo and his wife Suzy gave us lots of guidance as to what could work with the main pivotal point being the two safety seats for the children to travel securely. Along with plenty of inspiration from Pinterest we decided to base the design around our love of the sea giving the van a fresh, yet cosy, coastal feel with our use of blues, greys and whites throughout. The white-washed cladding insulating the van gives a beach hut feel and the birch ply cupboards, beech worktops and strips of oak along the shelving have been beautifully crafted by a very skilled carpenter giving a gorgeous feel of quality and luxury.