Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Stephanie Colderick

George Clarke stunned by Welsh couple's conversion of a rotting lorry into cosy holiday home

A Welsh couple set themselves a tough challenge on the Channel 4 show George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. They aimed to turn a huge horse lorry into a mobile home so they could spend their weekends exploring.

Carwyn and Emily Reese live in Haverfordwest and have their own farm and full time jobs, as well as one year old son, so taking on the project was a big task. Host of the show and property expert George Clarke called their project an "ambitious build".

George said the project was an ambitious build (Channel 4)

Explaining why they took on the build Carwyn said: "We took it on as a bit of a project, a place to relax...We've renovated the house, the garages, the workshop but haven't converted a vehicle." The couple gave themselves a tight budget of £10,000 which was knocked down to £6,000 after spending £4,000 on the lorry itself.

READ MORE: Princess of Wales' brother James Middleton opens up about how his dog helped him overcome depression

Naming the mobile home Red Rum's Retreat, after the race horse, Emily and Carwyn were able to turn the rusty and rotting 35-foot horse lorry into the perfect holiday home. Although progress started out slowly Emily and Carwyn remained determined to get the job done.

Upon seeing the transformed lorry George said: "What a transformation that is...is it the same vehicle? It can't be!". George also said: "That is quite staggering...there was nothing homely there was nothing, let's be honest, nice about it."

There was nothing homely about the lorry before (Channel 4)
Now the lorry is a great space (Channel 4)

Carywn added "We took it on as a bit of a project, a place to relax, it has come together really well". Emily and Carwyn installed a small kitchen, a shower, a toilet, a sofa bed, and converted the front section into a bunk bed.

Decorating to a vintage and antique design the lorry is now cosy, homely and perfect to take on holiday as a great "home away from home" as described by George. The lorry can sleep six people and is charming and comfortable with an old-fashioned farmhouse feel.

The lorry now feels homely (Channel 4)

Carwyn admitted that the renovation was "hard work" and they did go £3,500 over budget but said it was totally worth it. Much of the interior decorating and appliances are reclaimed or recycled. "We've renovated the house, the garages, the workshop but haven't converted a vehicle," said Carwyn. "Other than the lights and the cooker, the fridge and the boiler, everything else is reclaimed."

Emily added ""The wooden panels are all doors, even the shelves are made out of the doors."

You can catch up with George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on All4, now.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.