Finding True Love With an Airstream Trailer Named Stella

Project by: Alyssa
Location: San Luis Obispo, California

During my junior year of college, I would often procrastinate from doing homework by searching Craigslist for random hypothetical purchases. I would look up everything from power tools to antique furniture—anything that came to my mind. One day, my searches led me to a 1964 22′ Airstream Safari. I had to have it. I contacted the seller, withdrew $8,500 from my bank account and by the end of the following week, he was delivering it to my driveway.

Over the course of the following eight months, I replaced my Craigslist hobby with an intensive renovation project. I gutted the shell, re-designed the interior, then built it up from scratch. I was inspired by the simplicity of Scandinavian design, though I wanted ensure the space would be functional and have lots storage. On top of that, I wanted to keep all of my books and records. All in all, it was quite a difficult plan to lay out for a space just under 140 square feet.

The entire project ended up costing around $14,000. It was worth every penny though. I saved thousands on rent living in it during my senior year, and most of all because I found true love—with an inanimate object I named Stella.

Thanks, Alyssa!

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