MEET THE NEIGH-BOURS
Couple transform a horsebox into this comfy bijou home
Transforming a horsebox into a modern home could be described as, well, a foal’s errand.
But once this couple got the bit between their teeth there was no stopping them. and they are now the proud owners of a bijou property on wheels.
sophie frykfors von Hekkel, 30, an architectural designer, and her hairdresser partner Lalli Castiglione, 31, spent £3,500 on buying the 7.5-ton horsebox and £12,000 on refurbishments – for a total bill of £15,500.
measuring 20ft by 6ft 6in, it boasts a stylish downstairs living space, complete with kitchen, bathroom with shower, home office and a sofa lounge area that can convert into a dining room or spare bedroom.
a short climb up the ladder takes you to the master double bedroom.
Power is supplied by solar panels for electricity and bottled gas. as well as high-spec appliances, there’s a built-in wardrobe and larder. meanwhile a large sliding door and new windows offer plenty of natural light.
miss frykfors von Hekkel, who was paying £1,000 per month rent for her Brighton flat, wanted to own her own home but couldn’t afford a mortgage. she said: ‘now our living expenses are down to £50 a month for water and gas – plus the diesel to drive our home somewhere else if we feel like it when travel restrictions are lifted.’
The house – which is currently parked in Uckfield, East sussex – has freshwater and wastewater tanks the same size as those used in a normal house.
and there is even a special shelf to accommodate dog beds for their pets shelby and ghost.
Discussing the horsebox which they started revamping last february, miss frykfors von Hekkel said: ‘it had been used to take four horses to shows around the country for years and was in very bad shape.
‘it’s [now] very high-spec – we wanted to live comfortably with a full-size gas stove, a proper shower, enough room to store clothes and food and accommodate guests when necessary.’ she added that lockdown had enabled them enough time to finish the job.