Inside Nige & Diane's Off-Grid Scottish Ambulance Home

Meet Nige and Diane—a couple whose journey from a settled life in North Yorkshire to full-time vanlifers is nothing short of inspiring. For 20 years, they ran a hospitality business, balancing the demands of work while reminiscing about their years of adventure, including time spent traveling during their military service.

But in 2018, everything changed. A simple purchase—their first campervan—sparked a desire for something more. What began as occasional getaways soon turned into a longing for a freer, more spontaneous lifestyle. After years of routine, they made a bold decision that would redefine their future: trading in bricks and mortar for life on the open road.

From North Yorkshire to Life on the Open Road

In 2024, after a long trip through Europe, we found ourselves dreading the return to our old life. That drive back became the turning point. Within months, we sold our house, closed the business, and committed to full-time vanlife. It wasn’t just a move away from routine—it was a move toward the life we always felt we belonged to.

Our Van: A Scottish Ambulance Turned Home

Our home on wheels has a unique story. It started life as a Scottish ambulance, complete with blue lights and medical cabinetry. We bought it in 2019 from someone who had abandoned their own van conversion project. When we first got it, it was still an ambulance—white walls, cabinets, and even a few old syringes tucked away in corners!

The conversion was a labor of love. Coming from an engineering background, I thought stripping it would take a week. In reality, it took a month just to get it to a blank shell. But having converted a minibus previously, we’d already learned from our mistakes. Lockdown gave us time to focus, and in two and a half months, we transformed it into a fully functional home.

Some standout features include a raised floor to maximize storage (we’re not tall, so we didn’t need all that headroom), a fully electric setup with an induction hob, and upgrades to lithium batteries and additional solar panels. We’re 100% off-grid capable, with minimal reliance on gas. The van truly reflects us—practical, comfortable, and ready for adventure.

Living the Vanlife: A Day in the Life

Adjusting to full-time vanlife took some time. Early on, we treated every day like a vacation—rushing to see sights and constantly moving. But soon, we realized the beauty of this lifestyle is having time on your side.

Our mornings are slow and relaxed, starting with coffee and a walk with our dogs. We’ll explore the area, maybe go on a hike, or stay put for a few days if the spot feels right. When we do move, it’s usually for less than an hour. Vanlife has taught us to savour the moment and not rush through life.

Currently, we’re in Scotland, testing our van and ourselves in harsher winter conditions. From subzero temperatures to storms, we’ve faced it all. Scotland’s beauty—and its tolerance for campervans—makes it our favorite UK destination.

Living in a Van as a Couple: Lessons from the Road

Living in a van as a couple has been a natural transition for us because we were used to being together 24/7 in our hospitality business. That said, it’s still important to recognize each other’s needs and moods. Sometimes, you just need a bit of space. Whether it’s taking the dogs for a walk or having some downtime apart, those moments make all the difference.

We’ve learned that living in such a small space requires patience and adaptability. Social media often shows the picturesque side of vanlife, but there are times when you’re stuck inside during bad weather or facing the realities of downsizing.

It works for us because we’ve been married 36 years, and we know how to navigate challenges together. The key is understanding each other and finding balance—small adjustments make life on the road not just manageable but enjoyable.

Electrical Setup: Staying Off-Grid

Our van’s electrical system is designed for independence. We have 460 amp-hours of lithium batteries and enough water to last about 10 days off-grid. In sunnier climates like Europe, we could go indefinitely without shore power.

Cooking is electric, too, thanks to our induction hob. For emergencies, we carry a small gas stove. The combination works well, and we’ve only needed shore power once in the last few weeks—mostly due to Scotland’s limited winter sunlight.

Favorite Destinations: Scotland, Europe, and Beyond

While we love exploring the UK, our hearts are often drawn to Europe. Northern Italy, especially the Dolomites and Carnic Alps, holds a special place for its dramatic landscapes and quiet solitude. Inland Portugal is another hidden gem, offering incredible mountain views and a more relaxed vibe compared to the busy coastal areas.

In the UK, Scotland is unbeatable. While places like the Isle of Skye and Glencoe are popular, we’ve found lesser-known areas like Argyll and Bute equally stunning. Our advice? Go off-season, avoid the tourist hotspots, and always respect the locals and environment.

Tips for Aspiring Vanlifers

• Take Your Time: You don’t need to cover massive distances. Stay longer in one area, explore thoroughly, and save on fuel and wear and tear.
• Test Yourself: Before committing, try vanlife in different conditions. Spend time in a small space during bad weather to see if it suits you.
• Plan Financially: Have a stable financial base, whether through savings, a pension, or a sold property. Budget your travels and review your spending regularly.
• Simplify: You can’t take everything with you, so downsize your possessions and focus on essentials.
• Stay Safe: Invest in tools like cameras for peace of mind when parked in less secure areas.
• Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself, especially in wild camping spots.

Future Adventures and Connecting with Us

Our plans for 2025 include trips across Europe, Morocco, and possibly exploring Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia. We’re also dreaming of venturing further into Central Asia, though logistics and politics may complicate those plans.

Thanks for reading our story. See you on the road!

If you’d like to follow our journey or ask us questions, find us here:

• Instagram: @thisis_vanlife
• YouTube: @thisisvanlife2712
• Facebook: @thisisvanlife
• TikTok: @thisisvanlife