by Niki Greig
A Devon-based company with more than 20 years experience in building traditional showman’s wagons has branched out and produced their own bespoke ‘baby’ caravan.
Barrel Top Wagons takes inspiration from shepherds vans and 1930s vintage designs to make unique double curved roofs which give the wagons their names.
The caravans are hand crafted from locally sourced wood and can be custom built to suit a customer’s needs.
Until now the company had specialised in larger 22-25 foot structures which had to be towed by a tractor, at the very least, and would offer a semi-permanent holiday home. But this new Baby caravan comes in at a much more reasonable 14 by 7 feet and is light enough to be towed by a 4×4.
The prototype, as seen in the picture above, comes with bay and round window and the stable door is fully insulated with a galvanised tin roof. As each ‘van is bespoke, fittings and fixtures, such as a tailored kitchen, a wood burner, bench seats and a convertible bed, can be added according to the customer’s wishes.
The vans are designed to be run off a hook up and are suitable for year-round use. As each caravan is unique, solutions for all budgets, towing and space requirements can be met by the firm.
Prices for the Baby van start at a very reasonable £12,000 for the basic shell and would definitely offer an unusual alternative to a standard caravan. Heads would definitely turn if this turned up at a site!
For information on the new Baby van and the other products made by the firm visit the Barrel Top Wagons website .
