Welcome to Art Vandelay, our hand-crafter 1-of-a-kind converted campervan, perfect for wild-camp/off-grid adventuring in comfort. We’re based in the Heart of the Highlands, Inverness, just 20 minutes from the airport, launch pad for the world famous NC500, The Isle of Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney or Ben Nevis and Glencoe.
Art is a MWB (Medium Wheel Base), high roof Mercedes Sprinter campervan – short enough to park in a normal spot and manoeuvre easily, high enough to stand inside.
I’m a hiking, climbing and mountaineering guide (MCI) so Art has been all over Scotland, UK and Europe and I can definitely help you plan your adventures (if requested!). Raji is an Artist and so we tend to have a rotating gallery inside but all art in photos is available to go up if you love it.
We built Art to fit our lives – luxury where you need it and simplicity where you can do without. He’s a comfy, cosy, luxy friend to return to from big adventures for a good meal and a cold beer or wine, for lazy mornings with coffee by the ocean and for touring the incredible wilds of Scotland and beyond.
Efficient, reliable and a pleasure to road-trip in, he regularly returns 30-35mpg with cruise control, phone-link to stereo and upgraded JBL Speakers make the difference. Can sleep 4 at a push but 2 is luxy.
NB. Please be advised this vehicle cannot be fitted with a child seat. Children must be aged 12 years or more, or over 135cm tall to travel legally in this vehicle.
Details:
-Slat-sprung short double bed with memory foam mattress and pillows, ethical luxury 'Re-down' duvet and hotel-quality linen.
- A short extra sofa ‘bed’ can be made too but to be clear, it's like sleeping on the couch and you will need a sleeping bag - pillow, pillow case and sheet provided. No Duvet.
- Bench seat at front swivels to living area for social scenes, dining for 3 or extra roomy feel.
- Above-bed skylight (w/blind) and fan over kitchen creating a nice flow-through.
- Thermal window covers and cellular blinds ensure total privacy at night and a dark sleep – ‘stealth mode’ as they say for covert van-sleeping.
- 2-burner Gas Hob (best in class)
- 'Dodo' system insulation (from cold and heat) - best in class and heated by…
- Propex 2000 LPG heater with thermostat control (from bed).
*Landlord’s gas safety certificate in hand. Every renter should have one – ask them.
- Dometic Fridge.
- Dimmer lighting, 8 x USB charging points.
- 1000W pure sine wave inverter ensures 240V power (3-pin plug) for laptops/cameras/phones/small electricals. Not suitable for high wattage electricals (kettle, toaster, iron, microwave, hairdryer).
- Power provided via 2 x leisure batteries and charged by 320W solar panel and charge while you drive tech. No electrical hook-up as built for off-grid.
*Electrics assessed as safe by a campervan-specialised auto-electrician.
- 2 x 20ltr fresh water tanks (40 ltrs total)
- 12ltr waste water (needs emptying regularly dependant on water usage – very easy)
- Full size kitchen sink with retractable shower head tap - much easier to wash up and handy for a quick hair wash! (Cold water feed)
- Detach and slide away table. Seats 2 comfortably, 3 is v. tight so best to use the front swivel seat.
- Crockery, cutlery, mugs and glasses for 3 people (photos not updated)
- Pots, pans, coffee plunger, gas hob kettle and cooking implements.
- Basics - S+P, spices, olive oil.
- Toilet (portable with chemicals and toilet tent supplied for privacy).
- Shower (external/garage - toilet/shower tent supplied for privacy).
- Large garage with lots of storage for bikes, climbing equipment, paddleboards/blow up kayaks etc.
- Abundant inside storage for clothes, kit, food and drinks etc.
- Fire extinguisher, fire blanket, basic first aid kit, road safety equipment, spare bulb kit etc.
- 2/3 x camp chairs and folding camp table included - number dependant on how many travellers.
- Climbers might notice the Beastmaker 1000 hangboard - keep em strong! (USE AT OWN RISK - 75kg weight limit - DO NOT EXCEED)
Also:
- Comprehensive vehicle familiarisation when you meet the vehicle.
- Cleaning fee only charged if van not returned as collected (or near enough).
- Fuel - full to full. See optional extras if you want to ‘Drop and Go’.
- Free parking at residential parking area close by if driving to Inverness.
Optional extras:
- We understand you'd like to make the most of your trip away. Where possible, early pick up and late drop off can be arranged for an additional fee - please enquire.
- Bouldering mat charged at £5 per day, up to a maximum of £50 for any given rental period.
- Artwork available for purchase – originals and prints - prices vary.
- Dogs – We love dogs - let’s talk about it.
- 'Drop & Go option' - £100 + cost of fuel. (Full van and toilet clean)
We ask that you bring Art back clean and tidy with the toilet emptied and cleaned, bins emptied, waste-water emptied and as close to the way it was when you picked it up as possible or accept the Drop and Go option.
This van is not for off-road use.