Curiosity

About the area: Curiosity is located in Hurstpierpoint, perfectly placed for exploring the best of Sussex and beyond, all without clocking up too many miles. The stunning South Downs National Park is right on your doorstep, ideal for hiking, cycling, or just soaking up panoramic views. A short walk from the van will take you to Wolstonbury Hill or Devil’s Dyke, both offering sweeping countryside vistas and epic picnic spots. Nearby towns like Lewes and Arundel are packed with charm, history, and independent shops—great for a slow afternoon stroll. For beachy vibes and fish & chips, Brighton is only 20 minutes away and full of life, with its famous pier, quirky lanes, and creative buzz. Nature lovers will enjoy Sheffield Park and Garden (National Trust), a beautifully landscaped estate, especially stunning in autumn, or Nymans—another nearby National Trust gem. Fancy something coastal? Seven Sisters Cliffs and Cuckmere Haven are just a drive away and offer some of the most iconic seaside views in the UK. If you’re heading a bit further, Ashdown Forest (the real-life Hundred Acre Wood) and Ditchling Beacon are perfect for walks with a storybook twist. Description of Beds: Curiosity’s cosy rear bed is perfect for two adults, measuring 190cm long by 170cm wide. It’s a great space to stretch out after a day of exploring—but please note there’s a slight height restriction where the overhead cupboards overhang the sides of the bed. The seating area in the van cleverly transforms into an additional sleeping space measuring 140cm long by 100cm wide. It’s just right for two small children, one older child, or—if needed—with a custom bed extender, it can sleep an adult too. Description of Seating: Curiosity has the standard Mercedes cab setup with three belted seats, all with headrests and three-point seat belts. If you’re travelling as a group of four, there’s the option to add a removable rear travel seat, which also features a three-point belt and secures safely to floor rails. It’s worth noting that the removable seat needs to be taken out and stored in the rear of the van when you arrive at your destination, as it blocks access to the main living space while in place. There are no Isofix fittings, but the belted seats can accommodate child car seats using the seat belts. The internal living area comfortably fits 2 adults to sit and relax whilst the large awning creates an expanse of outdoor possibilities. Description of Electrical Setup: Curiosity is designed to keep you charged, connected, and comfortable—whether you’re hooked up at a campsite or off-grid in the wild. In the rear bed area, you’ll find a double UK 230V plug socket, USB A & C ports, and two wireless chargers built into the bedside cupboards—perfect for topping up phones or other devices overnight. By the sofa, there’s another UK plug and more USB A & C ports, with a 12V adaptor by the side entrance and an additional 230V socket at the rear. The van runs on three 110Ah leisure batteries, which can be charged by the roof-mounted solar panel, while driving, or when connected to mains hook-up. A Victron Multiplus inverter converts power from 12V to 230V, offering off-grid capability with a maximum output of 500 watts—ideal for charging laptops, phones, or cameras. (Just a heads-up: high-draw appliances like air fryers or kettles aren’t supported when off-grid.) Parking: Easy Pick-Up & Parking. Curiosity is stored safely on a peaceful local farm, and there’s space for you to leave your own vehicle there while you’re off adventuring. It’s secure, convenient, and means one less thing to worry about. If you’re arriving by train, the nearest station is Hassocks, just 3 miles away and on the main London to Brighton line. It’s a quick and easy connection, and a local taxi from the station to the van storage spot will cost around £10. Cooking Equipment: Everything You Need to Cook Up a Feast. Curiosity’s kitchen is compact but fully equipped for mealtimes on the move. Inside, you’ll find a three-burner gas hob and a small gas oven, perfect for everything from morning fry-ups to simple one-pot dinners. Included in your cooking kit are melamine dining plates, cereal bowls, two serving bowls, four mugs, and four plastic tumblers, along with cutlery for four. For prep and cooking, there’s a wok, a saucepan, a chopping board, two sharp kitchen knives, a corkscrew/bottle opener, and a stovetop coffee pot for your morning brew. There’s also a small dustpan and brush to keep things tidy. While there’s no microwave or electric toaster due to the off-grid-friendly setup, everything you need for relaxed van-life cooking is ready and waiting. Just bring your favourite ingredients and a sense of adventure! Water and Sanitation: Showering, Toilets & Water Set-Up. Curiosity has an indoor shower, perfect for refreshing after a day outdoors. The water is heated either by the diesel heater or when the van is connected to mains hook-up, giving you flexible options whether you’re off-grid or at a campsite. There’s also a removable, standalone toilet which is usually stored inside the shower space. If you prefer a little more privacy or are staying put for a while, it can easily be set up in a separate toilet tent outside. Water is pumped directly to the kitchen sink and shower from underslung tanks—with a generous 90-litre fresh water tank and a 60-litre grey waste tank. Tanks are filled via an external hose attachment, and yes, the water is safe for drinking once filled from a potable source. Audio Equipment: Tunes for the Road (and the Campsite) In the cab, Curiosity features the standard Mercedes head unit with a built-in reversing camera for easy manoeuvring. In the living area, there’s a Pioneer head unit that connects via Bluetooth using the Pioneer companion app, so you can stream your favourite playlists, podcasts or audiobooks straight from your phone. Sound is delivered through two pairs of speakers in the rear, backed by an extra amp for a little more punch when you want to turn up the volume. Whether you’re cooking dinner, chilling out, or watching the sunset, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack. Type of Heating: Stay Toasty, Wherever You Roam. Curiosity is exceptionally well insulated, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. A Truma heating system has been fitted to keep you warm and cosy, whether you’re parked up off-grid or hooked up at a campsite. The heater runs on diesel from the van’s fuel tank for off-grid use, or switches to mains electric when you’re connected to hook-up. And the best bit? You can control it from the comfort of your bed using the Truma companion app—perfect for those chilly mornings when you’d rather stay under the covers just a little longer. Pet Information: Sorry! No pets allowed. Conversion Story: Curiosity began life as a hardworking parcel van for DPD, zipping around town with no idea of the adventures ahead. After retiring from deliveries, he underwent a loving and carefully crafted transformation, designed to bring a boutique hotel feel to life on four wheels. The goal? To create a space that’s stylish, comfortable, and festival-ready—so when you step out of Curiosity, whether it’s into nature or onto the dance floor, you feel fresh, relaxed, and ready to go. Every detail was chosen with comfort and personality in mind, blending practicality with a touch of luxury van life.