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Caravan renovation with a walk-in closet - Glamper Edition #14
Nadja lives in Flensburg and shares her life with her two teenagers, aged 19 and 14. She has been in a long-distance relationship with Simon, her "Danish", for almost a decade and their shared passion for camping is obvious. Both have been enthusiastic campers since childhood - it's probably in their genes, as their parents were permanent campers and passed on their love of freedom in nature.
Since 2023, Nadja and Simon have had a loyal companion at their side: their rolling time capsule Polly. Polly, a Fendt Joker from 1990 , exudes vintage car charm and is also a caravan that is a sight to behold. When it was bought in Denmark, many things had already been renovated - most notably the switch from gas to electric . A change that has taken camper life to a new level for the two of them. More comfort, more flexibility, less worries about gas bottles.
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The route always heads north. Polly rolls reliably along the roads, past the gentle dunes of the Danish coast and the rugged cliffs of northern Germany . This is where the duo feels at home - always with a touch of adventure in their luggage.
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❁ What was the vision for the caravan renovation?
Nadja always had a clear vision: an old camper, refurbished, but with its history lovingly preserved. The charm of a caravan like Polly, with all its rough edges, brings character that modern models often lack. Before Polly came into their lives, Nadja and Simon traveled for years in a CAMPLET - a tent trailer from 1974 that exuded true nostalgia with its "persil flower curtains" . That's exactly what she loved!
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❁ The colour concept
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At first, however, she toyed with the idea of painting the cupboard doors white as well. She had seen this look in many caravan renovations and was fascinated by the light, airy effect. But the longer she thought about it, the harder it was for her to pick up the paintbrush. The real wood doors were simply too beautiful to cover them up and after careful consideration, Nadja decided to leave the wooden doors unchanged. A decision that she does not regret for a second today. The contrast between the warm wood and the white elements brings a perfect balance to the room and gives Polly that unique, homely charm that is so important to Nadja.
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❁ Best implementations and clever ideas
The conversion of Polly was not just a question of style, but also a question of functionality. Nadja and Simon set themselves the goal of making the best possible use of the space, and the idea of turning the bathroom into a walk-in closet quickly arose. All of the original bathroom elements had to be removed to make room for practical shelves with basket compartments - a decision that significantly increased the storage space. Daily routines, such as brushing teeth, were easily moved to the kitchen. And since neither Nadja nor Simon are fans of chemical toilets, the built-in toilet was quickly removed.
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Polly also needed to be upgraded in terms of sleeping comfort. One of the two seating areas was converted into a stable, permanently installed bed. This is where comfort meets cleverness: the integrated slatted frame not only ensures restful sleep, but also saves valuable time in the morning and evening, as the annoying re-arranging of the seat is no longer necessary. A small but crucial detail that makes everyday life on board much easier.
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And then there was the kitchen - an area that had already been expanded by the previous owner. Self-made drawers that make storage easier and are secured with a simple leather strap during the journey. A simple but effective solution that Nadja particularly liked. Here it is clear that every centimeter in Polly is used sensibly without losing any of its charm.
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❁ 3 upgrades that are taken into account in every subsequent caravan renovation
Gas out, electric in. A clear must for Nadja and Simon. The switch to electric not only made everyday life in the caravan more comfortable, but also more practical. Everything now runs on sockets, and that saves them the regular gas check that would have to be done every few years.
Adhesive wallpaper for color contrasts. To give Polly even more character, Nadja used adhesive wallpaper. She created subtle but effective color accents in various corners of the caravan. These highlights give the interior that certain something extra - and the best part: if you feel like changing things up, they can be easily replaced.
Blackout blinds. The main camping season is in the summer, and it can get light early and dark late. Blackout blinds have proven to be a real game changer. Not only do they provide the perfect level of darkness at night, they also insulate the heat from the caravan during the day - a double win-win situation for the long summer days.
❁ A fail-buying experience
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❁ Other projects
Nadja is always bursting with ideas - she never lacks projects for Polly. But it is often Simon, her "Dane", who has to lovingly remind her to slow down and just enjoy the holiday. Nadja's thoughts are already on the next change: not a drastic color overhaul, but a charming refresh of the existing elements - a bit like a beauty upgrade for the caravan.
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Practical improvements are also on the list. Mobile fly nets on the windows would be a real relief, especially when the summer evenings are so beautiful that you want to throw open all the windows without the mosquitoes joining in. And then there are the old snap-in hinges, for which Nadja now has to resort to using a wooden spoon as a makeshift window holder - charming, but not exactly the perfect solution. So new hinges are also on the wish list.
❁ Favorite campsites
“Fördeferien Bockholmwik” near Glücksburg is a very special place for Nadja. Not only because of the childhood memories she associates with this place, but also because of its unbeatable location - just 20 minutes from home. Located directly on the Baltic Sea, the campsite has its own beach access and is laid out on different floors, meaning that almost every pitch offers a breathtaking sea view.
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❁ Advice to anyone who is about to renovate their caravan
"First of all, definitely think about WHAT you would like to change. Then, be sure to get information, get inspiration from websites and look at other projects related to the one you have planned. Talk to experienced people and always look at what is possible in your own caravan!"