Vintage Betsy a home on wheels – for £45k

AVINTAGE double-decker bus which has been converted into a stunning home on wheels is up for sale – for £45,000.

Couple Manjula and Reuben Cote bought the 1978 Bristol VR double-decker in the hope of using it at festivals – but the coronavirus pandemic scuppered their plans.

They carried out a major renovation of the vehicle which ended its career working as a shuttle bus at the Amberley Museum in Sussex.

The pair are are now looking for new owners to make the bus their home.

‘Betsy Boop’, as Manjula and Reuben have affectionately named her, could be the dream family home or a quirky Airbnb or glamping opportunity, with an asking price of £45,000.

“It’s got a rich and beautiful history – it’s not the same bus but exactly same model and year as the Spice Girls’ bus,” said yoga teacher Manjula, who lives in Roadwater on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in Devon.

“We originally bought the bus to use at festivals and we would have used it for us to live in.

“But because we’re selfemployed it’s been a really rough year. But it’s going to make somebody an amazing home.”

An online advert for Betsy, who has a brand-new engine and full MoT, said: “As Betsy is classed as a historic vehicle, she is road tax exempt.

“Betsy has now been lovingly and sympathetically converted into an exquisite and unique offgrid home on wheels.

“Betsy Boop is beautifully handcrafted, newly completed and totally unique! This Bristol VR offers the opportunity of total offgrid living. On entering the bus, you step into a fully-fitted kitchen with extensive solid oak work tops on both sides.

“There is ample storage space in the Shaker-style cupboards, a fullsized kitchen sink, an under counter three-way fridge and a fourburner gas hob.

“The curved staircase with vintage chrome handrail leads you to the upper deck.

“At the front of the top deck are two fitted box seats, with fitted cushions and storage beneath. This is a wonderful place to hang out, admire the views or do some star gazing.

“Betsy Boop represents a fantastic opportunity for wonderful family holidays on wheels or a lucrative glamping business.”

Manjula added: “I put it out on Facebook naively and it has literally gone mental. I’ve spent days responding to people. We’ve got several people coming to look at it.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for somebody.”

Pictures: Manjula Cote > The 1978 Bristol VR double-decker ended its career working as a shuttle bus at the Amberley Museum in Sussex

> The bus has had a major renovation. Far left, the curved staircase with vintage chrome handrail leads to the upper deck