I have always been in love with travel trailers. Maybe because I never traveled as a kid and I remember seeing them on the highway and just daydreaming about the freedom and the adventure. For the past 5 years I have been more and more interested in the idea of an Airstream. Well, I guess the idea of renovating one, anyway. I am still a little apprehensive about the actual camping part. I have this idea in my head that most people who go to RV parks are not MY people. I have done some scouting and I think I’m okay with trying it out. I know several young couples and families who own them in New Orleans and I would camp next to them. So, I’m trying to control my snobby attitude until I can experience it for myself. We also are thinking of renting it out for local production shoots (honey wagon) and to those adventuresome folks who want to experience camping without all the issues of owning an RV.

 

So, what finally sealed the idea that I must have an Airstream? In November I went to Marfa with some girl friends which I posted about here. We stayed at El Cosmico an RV motel, which consisted of 8 luxury RV’s and an amazing backdrop. It was awesome. So after that I came home and started looking in earnest. Craiglist, Ebay, Airstream sites, etc. But a friend told me about his friend who had one he wanted to sell in Baton Rouge and so the rest is history. Here she is.

She is a 1960 Airstream Tradewind 21 footer. Single axle. Single axle was important to me because we needed to be able to pull it behind Josh’s car. Double axle’s are too heavy and anything over 24′ would be too heavy too. We still have some years with the kids, so we wanted enough room to have them with us. She sleeps 4. The middle twins and the bathroom here.

The front double that changes into a banquette for games and meals.

Here’s the kitchen. In pretty original condition.

We got a pretty good deal on her, considering they are a hot item these days, especially the single axles and the smaller length. She was in okay shape. Some water damage, most appliances really old, very dated, old copper lines, some rotten wood, dirty. We have since taken out the flooring, the plumbing, the kitchen, the banquette and the bathroom. We have added a new water tank, hot water tank, ordered AC heater combo, new appliances and painted everything white. (imagine that:-)

In progress. Where we are now. The front.

The kitchen area.

The back.

I have a whole plan put together for it. Very excited about it. So I am busy ordering and I have a nice guy who is helping me with the work. Hope to have the inside finished by Jazzfest so I can get it out of my driveway. Here is my palette so far. Not sure about the yellow yet.

The wallpaper and the fabric are by the Brooklyn company Eskayel. I have been following them for some time and have not had the chance or the funds to use them. But I am working with a small space here, so I bit the bullet with the Bali stripe. Very excited about it. The laminates are all by Arpa. I love all the choices they have and the textures are the best. The flooring is from Amtico. (the black with silver lines) Same interesting choices.

 

A few other pieces for the trailer.

The Helmer drawer unit for kitchenette.

The Bucket stool by Pedersen Lennard from South Africa. I ordered this on Fab for extra seating around the table. It opens for storage. Perf!

The Penny Tile in Metal from Floor and Decor for the bath room.

And for the front, a pair of Radar sconces from School House Electric.

I named the Airstream Ann the first time I saw her. My grandmother was named Ann. She was a fun lady. She loved to travel, by car. But not too far. My grandfather was funny. When he was ready to leave somewhere, he always said, “Let’s hit the road Ann” So there you have it.

 

 

 

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