Tours
Mom and dad want a new life, convert an old bus into a luxury home for their family of four
It's surprising to see how spacious and beautiful it is inside!
Ashley Fike
05.03.19

A young family wanted to do something different in life. They wanted to live in a way that most people would never dream of – in an old school bus.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

The couple, the Dove Londons, run a vlog and Instagram account called Ordinary Extraordinary. They document their lives with their young children and showcase how they make it all work in weekly videos and by posting photos regularly.

It took them around 2 years to complete the project but it was well worth all the hard work and patience. When they first started the project, the school bus was, well, very much a school bus. The entire vehicle needed to be completely gutted.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

When they first purchased the bus, it certainly didn’t look like much from the outside.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

Or from the inside, really. So, for a fresh start, they pulled out all of the seats and flooring of the ‘skoolie.’

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

With the help of some friends, tons of creativity, and lots of elbow grease, they were able to transform the school bus into a functional and beautiful home for their family of four.

“It was a steep learning curve and a few, so, and a few mistakes along the way,” they say in their video tour.

When you first enter the home on wheels, you’re greeted by a handmade shoe rack so gets can get comfy right away.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

They keep their shoes hidden by using a drape to cover the front of the shoe rack. Then, of course, directly in front of the entrance is where the driver sits. All of the writing up front and for the controls is in Japanese, though.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

The first area you walk into when you board the Dove Londons’ bus is their living room area. It’s surprisingly spacious and the windows along the entire wall really make the room feel open.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

The young couple wanted to make sure they created seating space that didn’t take up too much of their floor space. They’ve also designed the seating areas to double as beds by using high-quality foam.

Blending in or adding storage wherever possible is crucial when it comes to living in tiny spaces.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

At the foot of one of the sofas, they’ve created an end table that also doubles as a bookcase. Underneath the sofa cushions, there is also hidden storage for blanket and pillows.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

When it comes to a place for dining, they considered a folding table but opted for an adjustable table instead. Most of the time, the family moves the table outside to eat al fresco most of the time.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

Past the living room, you’ll find the family’s minimalistic and practical kitchen.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

Another one of their friends helped the Dove Londons create lots of counter space with storage underneath. They’ve opted for a corner sink and hanging storage as well. On the opposite side of the bus, is their adorably-sized range and oven. Their food storage is hidden in cabinets that run alongside the stove.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

With so many windows, the family installed DIY pull-down blinds made with blankets.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

These super savvy curtains are great for keeping out sunlight on hot summer days and closing up for the night before bed.

Just past the chalkboard pocket door, you enter the back half of the Dove Londons’ home.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

First, you reach the two bunk beds for their two young boys. Each of them has their own space and the parents made sure to install safety bars so they don’t roll out of bed.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

The bathroom sits across from the bunk beds and features just the basics.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

The Dove Londons have a composting toilet which is a popular choice this day in age with mobile homes. They also have a custom-fitted shower in bright turquoise.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

The couple’s bedroom nook is located at the very rear of the bus.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

Using reclaimed wood, the couple created a bed frame and shelving for their cozy little sleeping space. They added a shelf that serves as a desk for a computer sort of like their mini office.

Ordinary Extraordinary
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Ordinary Extraordinary

For a full walk-through tour with the family, be sure to check out their video below.

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