How to go from caravan to cash: One couple's story of turning a vintage caravan into a six-figure business
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How often do you hear people say they wish they could turn their passion into a successful business? It's a common dream, but one that's not always easy to achieve.
The truth is, your passion can absolutely lead to a successful business - but it takes more than just passion to make it happen. You also need dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck.
One couple has proven just that by transforming their vintage caravan into a lucrative six-figure business. And not in the way you’d expect!
You read that right, folks! When 57-year-old Katie Gassner, and her chef husband Steve, 59, impulsively spent $6,000 on a 1973 Viscount Royal with an ugly interior, they did not think the vehicle could provide a business opportunity for them.
'We found an ugly van painted all black, even the interior. It had good bones but was very unattractive,' Katie said.
However, the couple had an idea to transform the abandoned van into a 'wonderful little retreat' on their private 12-acre farm in Pumpenbil, Northern NSW.
The couple transformed an old van into a unique accommodation. Credit: 7News via Katie Gassner.
The Gassners also shared that they sold their Alstonville café and family home in Lennox Head to permanently relocate to their remote farm in Pumpenbil.
This was when the couple was struck with the idea to acquire a vintage travel trailer, renovate it, and then rent it out.
The two started looking at various types and styles online because they were attracted by the 'appeal and look of antique vans.' Eventually, they landed across a run-down Viscount Royal.
The van was then given a makeover for the next six months with the aid of a qualified renovator, their daughter, and their son-in-law.
Katie remarked: 'We wanted to keep the vintage charm as much as possible, so we kept most of the cabinetry, added windows and a new door.'
'Our daughter has a natural gift for interior design, and our son-in-law is a builder, so he built the deck.'
'Renovations were finished by early August 2020. After having to still finesse it a little and get it how we wanted it, it wasn’t ready for our first guests until January 2021.'
And 'Stevie' (the name they gave to the renovated van) was born.
Katie explained: 'As we are Fleetwood Mac fans, we wanted to call the van after lead singer - Stevie Nicks.'
It took over 6 months for Stevie to be transformed from an old van into a lodging trailer with a ‘vintage charm’. Credit: 7News via Katie Gassner.
Some photos of Stevie’s interior. Credit: 7News via Katie Gassner.
The newly-transformed Stevie features a water tank, a composting toilet, a shower with hot water, and a reverse-cycle air conditioner.
'Following 18 months, we added a roof to completely cover the van for longevity and for added protection from the elements,' she added.
'Eventually, we added fences around the van for added privacy for the guests. And of course, the hot tub. The hot tub was our biggest expense but it is by far a big drawcard for guests.'
In January 2021, the couple began advertising their meticulously renovated 17-foot (5m) caravan on Airbnb as a unique lodging choice.
The one-bed unit with en-suite, which guests have called a 'hidden gem' is much more than a standard caravan.
The property offers a 'little slice of paradise' with gorgeous mountain views and natural settings along with opulent amenities like a hot tub and an on-site private chef — Steve, a chef with 43 years of expertise, has been providing guests with a culinary experience by serving up gourmet dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The pair rapidly transformed the listing into a successful business after they earned more than $100,000 in the 18 months since deciding to work as full-time Airbnb hosts.
‘We definitely do not miss our old jobs or business,’ Katie said.
'When we sold our business before COVID, we felt like we dodged a bullet. Yes, we’ve had a few months where we were affected by COVID due to border closures, and this year with the floods, but all in all we have been extremely busy.'
If you have a passion for something and you're willing to put in the effort to make it into a business, you can make it work. But it's not going to be easy. You'll have to hustle, and you'll have to sacrifice some things along the way.
But if you're passionate about something, it's worth it. Because when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. And that's the key to a successful business - finding something you love and making it into something others will love, too! So, members, what’s your passion?
The truth is, your passion can absolutely lead to a successful business - but it takes more than just passion to make it happen. You also need dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck.
One couple has proven just that by transforming their vintage caravan into a lucrative six-figure business. And not in the way you’d expect!
You read that right, folks! When 57-year-old Katie Gassner, and her chef husband Steve, 59, impulsively spent $6,000 on a 1973 Viscount Royal with an ugly interior, they did not think the vehicle could provide a business opportunity for them.
'We found an ugly van painted all black, even the interior. It had good bones but was very unattractive,' Katie said.
However, the couple had an idea to transform the abandoned van into a 'wonderful little retreat' on their private 12-acre farm in Pumpenbil, Northern NSW.
The couple transformed an old van into a unique accommodation. Credit: 7News via Katie Gassner.
The Gassners also shared that they sold their Alstonville café and family home in Lennox Head to permanently relocate to their remote farm in Pumpenbil.
This was when the couple was struck with the idea to acquire a vintage travel trailer, renovate it, and then rent it out.
The two started looking at various types and styles online because they were attracted by the 'appeal and look of antique vans.' Eventually, they landed across a run-down Viscount Royal.
The van was then given a makeover for the next six months with the aid of a qualified renovator, their daughter, and their son-in-law.
Katie remarked: 'We wanted to keep the vintage charm as much as possible, so we kept most of the cabinetry, added windows and a new door.'
'Our daughter has a natural gift for interior design, and our son-in-law is a builder, so he built the deck.'
'Renovations were finished by early August 2020. After having to still finesse it a little and get it how we wanted it, it wasn’t ready for our first guests until January 2021.'
And 'Stevie' (the name they gave to the renovated van) was born.
Katie explained: 'As we are Fleetwood Mac fans, we wanted to call the van after lead singer - Stevie Nicks.'
It took over 6 months for Stevie to be transformed from an old van into a lodging trailer with a ‘vintage charm’. Credit: 7News via Katie Gassner.
Some photos of Stevie’s interior. Credit: 7News via Katie Gassner.
The newly-transformed Stevie features a water tank, a composting toilet, a shower with hot water, and a reverse-cycle air conditioner.
'Following 18 months, we added a roof to completely cover the van for longevity and for added protection from the elements,' she added.
'Eventually, we added fences around the van for added privacy for the guests. And of course, the hot tub. The hot tub was our biggest expense but it is by far a big drawcard for guests.'
In January 2021, the couple began advertising their meticulously renovated 17-foot (5m) caravan on Airbnb as a unique lodging choice.
The one-bed unit with en-suite, which guests have called a 'hidden gem' is much more than a standard caravan.
The property offers a 'little slice of paradise' with gorgeous mountain views and natural settings along with opulent amenities like a hot tub and an on-site private chef — Steve, a chef with 43 years of expertise, has been providing guests with a culinary experience by serving up gourmet dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The pair rapidly transformed the listing into a successful business after they earned more than $100,000 in the 18 months since deciding to work as full-time Airbnb hosts.
‘We definitely do not miss our old jobs or business,’ Katie said.
'When we sold our business before COVID, we felt like we dodged a bullet. Yes, we’ve had a few months where we were affected by COVID due to border closures, and this year with the floods, but all in all we have been extremely busy.'
If you have a passion for something and you're willing to put in the effort to make it into a business, you can make it work. But it's not going to be easy. You'll have to hustle, and you'll have to sacrifice some things along the way.
But if you're passionate about something, it's worth it. Because when you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work. And that's the key to a successful business - finding something you love and making it into something others will love, too! So, members, what’s your passion?
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