…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
A couple, Jon and Emilie James, made the bold decision to purchase an abandoned caravan park for £90k, aiming to live mortgage-free.
Despite facing challenges, such as the lack of water for two months, the couple has no regrets about their choice.
Both Jon and Emilie, who work as wedding photographers, sold their home for £132k, leaving them with £79k after paying off their mortgage.
With an additional £11k in savings, they combined their funds to buy the three-acre site in Llanelli in June of the previous year.
Living “Within Their Means”:
Jon and Emilie have a vision of living within their means and transforming the caravan park into a serene countryside retreat.
They plan to construct cabins, with the first one scheduled to be completed by August.
However, their journey has been far from straightforward, especially during the colder months when they faced the challenge of a water failure on the site.
This obstacle led them to join a local gym for showering purposes.
Despite the difficulties, Emilie reflects that the experience has helped them realize how little they need to be happy.
Transforming the Caravan Park:
After their initial investment, the couple has spent only £3k on a shipping container and £4k on a caravan chassis.
They dedicated their efforts to cleaning up the site, which had fallen into disrepair after its closure in 1989, having been previously used by coal miners.
Jon and Emilie are now commencing the construction of three black Scandinavian bungalows.
They plan to live in one cabin and rent out the other two.
Reviving the Land and Local Support:
Upon their arrival at the plot, the area was filled with three caravans brimming with rubbish.
This land had once been home to locals whose family members worked in the mines.
The couple’s efforts to clean up the site have been met with enthusiasm from the community, as they appreciate the restoration of this culturally significant area.
Jon, having family ties to the Gwendraeth valley, is especially pleased to give new life to the land his ancestors have cherished for generations.
Future Plans and Documentation:
With the completion of their first cabin anticipated for August, Jon and Emilie aim to finish constructing the other two cabins in the following year, as soon as they save enough money from their day jobs.
Additionally, they plan to open a glamping site on the premises.
The couple is sharing their project’s progress on their YouTube channel, CampOutWest, documenting their transformative journey.
Conclusion:
Despite enduring challenges, such as the lack of water during the winter months, Jon and Emilie James have no regrets about purchasing the abandoned caravan park.
Their ambition to live mortgage-free and create a countryside retreat keeps them motivated.
Through their dedication and hard work, they have brought new life to the site and garnered support from the local community.
Their story serves as an inspiration for those seeking alternative lifestyles and a reminder of the importance of simplicity and contentment.