A LOVINGLY restored 1969 American trailer has become a highlight at a glamping site near Ashburton.

The classic Airstream Land Yacht was once just a shell but thanks to artist Willow de la Roche, it has received a £40,000 makeover.

It is now based at Wilderhus Glamping, a rewilded eco-retreat fast gaining a cult following.

The off-grid classic trailer accommodation started life in California.

Willow explained: ‘A few years ago I spun a globe to decide where to travel.

‘It landed on California.

‘Weeks later my partner Finn and I were in the desert, saw this old Airstream for sale by the side of the road, and knew she was coming home with us.’

The interior of the Airstream trailer.
The interior of the Airstream trailer. (mda )

The vintage shell was shipped back across the Atlantic and painstakingly restored in a local barn. Willow took on learning electrics, plumbing, cabinetry and polishing, transforming the faded aluminium relic into a minimalist sanctuary with reclaimed wood flooring, bamboo shower, wood-fired hot tub and bed overlooking rolling hills, with valuable advice from local tradespeople.

The trailer cost £3,000 but it then cost a further £6,000 in transportation costs including shipping across the Atlantic.

Restoration costs ran to £31,000 including a £5,000 solid maple bed and bespoke curved mattress; about £6,000 for solar power, a £3,000 kitchen and an eternal shower and compost loo which cost a further £5,000.

Willow de la Roche on the bespoke bed in the Airstream trailer
Willow de la Roche on the bespoke bed in the Airstream trailer (mda )

Materials and labour from local tradespeople cost £11,000 and access to the site proved tricky.

Since its completion, Dartmoor author Sophie Pierce, used the silver trailer as a base while writing her book Rock Idols: Dartmoor’s Wild Tors.

Now the site is drawing interest from creatives, wild swimmers and design-lovers alike.

The trailer now hosts writing residencies, creative retreats and romantic stays.

Guests receive wild-swimming maps of the Dart and the chance to book a behind-the-scenes tour.

Recognised for its strong environmental ethos, Wilderhus recently earned a Gold Award from Green Tourism UK.

The Airstream sleeps four, plus a dog, runs on solar power and has a spring-fed shower.