Couple save old ambulance and transform it into an incredible tiny home for £7k
This savvy couple have taken reduce, reuse, and recycle to the next level.
Mark Bonito and Sophie Why decided to rescue an old ambulance destined for the scrapheap managed to transform the vehicle into an amazing tiny home that is perfect for travelling around the country - all while staying eco-friendly.
The duo bought the Fiat Ducato at an auction after it could no longer be used by medics, with all of the ambulance's life-saving kit still inside. They disconnected the equipment and stripped it out, before giving it a good clean and starting the project of turning the emergency vehicle into a home.
Mark was determined to use as many reclaimed items as possible, and the pair scouted car boots, charity shops, and garage clear-outs to find what they needed.
Mark Bonito and Sophie Why say they "wouldn't change it for the world" (Mark Bonito / SWNS)
They named the van after Florence Nightingale (Mark Bonito / SWNS)The interior was totally unrecognisable after the couple's two-month refurbishment, with a kitchen, living room, bed, and desk all fitted out for just £2,000.
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The flashing blue lights have been removed and the outside has been restored so it still resembles a van but wouldn't be mistaken for an ambulance.
Mark and Sophie, who named the van Florence after the hero nurse, now use their mobile home to travel around and take in some of the best sights on offer.
It came with all the old medical equipment still inside (Mark Bonito / SWNS)
It took two months to complete the refurbishment (Mark Bonito / SWNS)Mark, a web developer from Surrey, said in 2020: "We've been to Dorset for the amazing panoramic views of the sea, with a 4 am alarm to sit and watch the sunrise with a cup of tea.
"We've had a few forest adventures, some riverside stays, and last weekend we stayed with the children in the South Down's National Park, which is a dark sky reserve with an amazing view of the stars.
"When we've been travelling to these places and there has been heavy traffic, we always say how handy it would be to still have the blue lights. We often get a second glance from other road users too.
Mark also uses it as an office for his job as a web developer (Mark Bonito / SWNS)"The van has also been great for our relationship. We both have families from previous relationships, so it is great being able to have time alone together in the van but be able to get back quickly to our kids if we need to."
Mark previously owned a Volkswagen T4 which he also converted into a camper, but in April 2019 he decided to upgrade his crash pad and set about refurbishing the ambulance.
The bunk bed was picked up at a garage and the kitchen area was constructed from a rescued block found in a skip, with the original ambulance cabinet being converted into a sink. It took two months to complete and Mark recently passed the enhanced driving test required to drive such a heavy vehicle.
Much of renovation job was carried out using reclaimed and recycled items (Mark Bonito / SWNS)Sophie, 35, who works as a radiographer, said: "Mark is always the first to admit that some research should have been carried out, as owning an ambulance does come with its complications.
"He likes things a little on the quirky side and liked the idea of buying a van that was complete with a good standard of servicing, and fully equipped with gadgets galore. Rescuing a service vehicle that had done a heroic job from being scrapped seemed the right thing to do."
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Mark added: "We love the fact we have a reuse theme with all our reclaimed and upcycled items. Each item bears a memory of where we got it from. I work from the van remotely which is really comfortable. I did all the electrics, heating, and internet making it a really lovely space for me to live in. My kids love it too.
"We have a real passion for cooking, and have our own blog where we share recipes that can be easily cooked in vans whilst on the road. Being part of the van life community is amazing because you're not tied down and you can visit the most beautiful places without leaving your home. It is incredible and I wouldn't change it for the world."
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