Betty is a 1960s horsebox that we converted into a rural couples retreat in 2013.

Having failed her MOT, and with a fried starter motor motor we decided to give Betty a new lease of life. She was moved from the farm yard to an empty grain store, and the work began!

Thankfully Betty’s chassie, outwalls and roof were in remarkable condition, so after rebuilding just the underfloor, Jack began by packing the floor, walls and ceiling with eco-therm insulation to keep her toasty through the winter months.

Next the floor boards were laid, and the interior walls were clad with pine. A window was installed above the cab, and reclaimed double glazed doors were mounted in a new frame built at Betty’s rear.

Our attention then turned to building a smart new kitchen, complete with hob, oven and built in fridge. There was just enough excess worktop to make a fold down table and mount it on the wall for all those romantic dinners for two! The final job inside was to install the all important wood burning stove.