A man in St Ives, Cornwall, spent £10,000 transforming a static caravan into a log cabin over a period of four months. Benn Berkeley, 38, found himself without work as a freelance filmmaker in 2020 due to the pandemic. Living in a house share and spending £500 a month on rent, he decided he wanted a change of lifestyle. When his brother acquired a farm with a static caravan in August 2020, Benn seized the opportunity to embark on the renovation project.
Despite describing the caravan as a “fixer-upper,” Benn took on the challenge of gutting it out in September 2020. With the exception of the electrical and plumbing work, he personally handled all aspects of transforming it into an off-grid log cabin. Learning essential skills from YouTube tutorials, Benn tackled the project with determination. Reflecting on his journey, Benn shared, “It wasn’t pre-planned, it was forced out of Covid.”
The renovation process involved addressing structural issues such as supporting a wall and dealing with damp problems. Benn completely reimagined the interior space, creating a double bedroom, bathroom, corridor, and an open-plan living and kitchen area. Prior to this project, Benn had no experience in DIY or construction, relying on YouTube tutorials to guide him through every step of the transformation.
Benn’s investment of £10,000 went towards turning the static caravan into his ideal log cabin. Embracing a simpler way of life, he now lives off-grid by heating his home with a log burner, using gas bottles for cooking, and generating electricity through solar panels on the farm. Benn expressed his appreciation for the self-sufficient lifestyle, noting the sense of autonomy it provides compared to traditional living arrangements.
In a time of uncertainty and career challenges, Benn’s journey from a freelance filmmaker to a self-taught builder showcases resilience and adaptability. Through determination and resourcefulness, he not only created a unique living space but also discovered a newfound passion for DIY and sustainable living practices. Benn’s story serves as an inspiring example of turning adversity into opportunity and embracing a lifestyle grounded in simplicity and self-sufficiency.