by David Weston
Alpine Caravan Services has only been running for a couple of months but this family business is already turning heads.
It all started when the Powell family received an old, dilapidated caravan and then renovated it to their ‘shabby-chic’ tastes.
“We have always been keen on caravans. We took holidays in them, static and touring,” Claire Powell told CaravanTimes.
“We were given a caravan by a friend. It was looking a bit sorry for itself so we decided to do it up and update it for ourselves.
“Everyone we showed it to said: ‘Wow you should do that more.’ So, we found another caravan and did it up in a vintage, shabby-chic style.”
Alpine Caravans’ first commercial project (pictured) was an Abbey Piper, from the late 70s.
“It took us around four weeks to refurbish, which is really good considering it was our first project and we had a lot of teething problems.
“We learned a lot of lessons from it, like what paint we should use and how to do the flooring,” Claire added.
As you can see from the slideshow below, the results are impressive and Alpine managed to create a comfortable space, which was in popular demand.
Now the business is in full swing. The company, as well as renovating vintage caravans, can also provide servicing and repairs to almost any caravan or motorhome.
Claire explained: “We’ve now taken on a small unit where we’ve been for four weeks. My husband is in training to service caravans. He has taken the ACoPs course. He is also a fully qualified MCEA service engineer.
“We didn’t want to put all our eggs in one basket so we also offer servicing to caravans which aren’t vintage.
“There’s no limitation on servicing. We can service caravans and motorhomes and we’re happy to do horse boxes and trailers.”
“It’s a real family business. My 16-year-old daughter is our ‘Chief Upholsterer’. Sewing is her thing so she does all of the curtains and everything.”
“We’re enjoying every minute of it. We hope it’s not just a phase but everyone we’ve spoke to about it have been really supportive and there is a market for it with the current vintage revival that’s happening. It’s still early days but it’s very exciting and a bit nerve-wracking.”
Alpine Caravan Services are online at alpinecaravanservices.co.uk or you can call them on 07790 807777 if you want to get your caravan serviced or treat it to a bit of a face-lift.
