by Laura Diaz
Caravanners have managed to make the stylish trend of glamorous camping – otherwise known as ‘glamping’ – their own. How have they achieved this feat? CaravanTimes gives you the low-down on how to turn your holiday into a caraglamming extravaganza in its own right
Picture this: a dazzlingly starstruck night underneath the moonlit sky; an untouched landscape retaining its pre-industrial purity; a one-of-a-kind caravan your only abode on this wonderful holiday; you and your family immersed in this almost magical world without a care in the world.
It seems like the stuff fairy tales are made of. Fortunately, however, there are companies out there whose sole purpose is to provide you and your family with the ultimate caraglamming experience. These companies specialise in offering the simple pleasure of a relaxed caravan holiday – with a twist; once you get a look inside these magnificent caravans, ‘simple’ will be the last term you will use to describe them.
Caraglamming Beneath the Stars
CaravanTimes had the opportunity to speak to Caroline MacDonald, director of Beneath the Stars, a company specialising in providing caraglamming accommodations for its clients.
What makes this company unique is that unlike most glamping accommodation websites, they offer their clients the opportunity to be lodged in an authentic Romany gypsy caravan, or ‘vardo’ as it is more traditionally known. “It is a vintage, 1940s caravan straight from Ireland,” begins Caroline. “It was owned by Roma in Ireland. They refurbished it themselves.”
The caravan hasn’t gone completely untouched, though, as Caroline explains, “The caravan recently received a few Welsh Celtic touches, including a couple of stylised Welsh dragons on both sides of the doorway. These are traditionally meant to guard guests while they sleep. [This caravan] typically appeals to many people because of the story behind it and because it is entirely hand-crafted.”
Beneath the Stars guarantees an unparalleled experience to those who book their stay at the Romany Caravan, for its surroundings are just as fantastical as the lodging itself. The caravan is situated in the nook of a field, which enjoys a view of the foothills of the romantic Black Mountains.
Furthermore, the meadows surrounding the caravan are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Riots of wild flowers and an abundance of other such natural beauty adorn the immediate vicinity, including sprawling meadows, as larks sing from above.
The Green Goddess is another wonderful caraglamming experience Beneath the Stars offers. Caroline told CaravanTimes of the company’s latest addition to the stable, “The Green Goddess is a 1950s caravan with plenty of original features inside. It has a proper toilet in a separate little building. Then there is a shower in another small building – gas heated so there’s plenty of hot water. Also, there is a fire pit outside, with chairs, and an endless supply of logs.”
Surely, with the Green Goddess, it couldn’t get much better. But it does. And that’s down to the magnificent view of the Black Mountains. The emerald caravan’s colour matches that of its surroundings. The resulting effect makes it seem as if the Green Goddess is a part of nature, instead of having been transplanted there. It creates a soothing ambience and almost seems as if she belongs where she rests.
A holiday spent lodged in this caravan will surely allow guests to immerse themselves in nature, while not feeling deprived of everyday comforts. “The experience is a sort of fantasy in a way,” says Caroline. “It allows you to get close to childhood. That idea of being isolated; away from it all; away from the telly. It’s much more of an escape than going to a cottage or a village.” She continues, “It makes for a very green and ecologically friendly holiday – an experience both children and adults alike seem to enjoy tremendously.”
Caraglamming Like a Mad Dog in a Vintage Van
Yet another fabulous site specialising in caraglamming is Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans. Also located in the backdrop of the Black Mountains, the Wye Valley site provides an jaw droppingly stunning retreat to visitors.
Owners Sacha Morley and Jo Pilkington personally restored four vintage caravans dating from the 1930s to the 1960s and, in order to give their period caravans definite character, named them: Darcy, Gertie, Elsie and Monty.
“Each one of them has a distinct theme,” explains Sacha. Darcy, for instance, is girly and romantic. Gertie is a Cheltenham Gnu from the 1930s and one of only two in the country. So, we kept her original features including the handmade oak furniture.”
“Elsie is filled with stylish 50s décor and certainly emits the essence of that bygone era,” Sacha continues. “Finally, we have our newest addition, Monty. He is a Brockhouse military wagon, which dates back to the Second World War. Back then, these were built to withstand a bomb, so you can imagine his durability. His is of fashionably rustic style which we’re sure many families will enjoy.”
Besides offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a holiday lodged in one of these lovely caravans, Jo and Sacha are quite gracious hosts. They greet all guests upon arrival and warmly welcome them with a cream tea and homemade scones with jam.
The site also houses a tennis court, beautiful shower shack and a campfire where caraglammers can get together to cook, share stories and, well, feel glamorous.
Delighted guests have referred to Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans as ‘a little snapshot of bliss,’ an accurate description given the site’s paradisiac location. The site’s emphasis on nature and tranquillity makes it perfect for yoga and other relaxing pastimes and sometimes serves as a writing retreat for groups or individuals alike.
The River Wye is a mere 15-minute walk away down a farm track. The Forest Dean is also nearby, providing visitors with various diversion options, including canoeing and pony trekking. As a service, Jo and Sacha are more than happy to arrange these adventures for their guests.
Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans offers guests the chance to indulge in an environmentally friendly holiday while relaxing in pure vintage style.
See the pictures of the caravans available at Beneath the Stars and Mad Dogs & Vintage Vans below. Your first (or next) caraglamming holiday could be just around the corner!
