After traveling the world with just a backpack, Erika was already familiar with tiny living long before she and her husband, Matt, settled into this beautifully converted family skoolie. What began as a spontaneous opportunity turned into a warm, functional home on wheels for their family of three.
This conversion stands out for one unforgettable detail: a shower built directly into the front stairwell of the bus — one of the most creative space-saving ideas we’ve ever seen. From the warm live-edge countertops to the cozy layout built for a growing family, this skoolie continues to inspire tiny-living enthusiasts years after its original build.
Today, we’re revisiting this amazing DIY bus home as an evergreen feature. Whether you’re dreaming of building your own skoolie, gathering layout ideas, or simply love a good tiny-home tour, this one delivers a ton of inspiration.
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Ingenious Shower Built Into the Front Stairwell
One of the most unique features of this bus conversion is the custom shower tucked right into the stairwell. Instead of letting that space go to waste, they turned it into a fully functional wet bath — a brilliant solution that keeps the rest of the layout open and airy.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
Warm Live-Edge Countertops + Earthy Interior Design
The heart of the bus features a gorgeous kitchen with natural wood countertops and complementary tile. The textures and tones give the space a grounded, homey feeling.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
The Classic Yellow Exterior Keeps the School Bus Charm
Instead of painting the exterior a completely new color, they kept a softened version of the original yellow — giving the skoolie a nostalgic but refreshed look.
Images via Tiny Home Tours
VIDEO: Full Tour of This Beautiful DIY Skoolie
Home Highlights
- Creative shower built directly into the bus stairwell — a rare and brilliant use of space.
- Warm, earthy interior featuring live-edge countertops and thoughtful family-friendly design.
- Soft yellow exterior maintains the classic school bus charm with a modernized feel.
- DIY build completed by a family of three after years of world travel and minimal living.
FAQ
How much does a family skoolie conversion typically cost?
DIY skoolie builds can range from $20,000 to $90,000+ depending on materials, systems, and whether labor is hired out. This family did much of the work themselves, keeping costs manageable.
Can you legally live full-time in a skoolie?
Yes — but it depends on your state, local zoning, and where you intend to park. Many families live in skoolies full-time using RV parks, private land, and long-term stays.
Is building a shower into the stairwell common?
Not at all! This is one of the most unique solutions we’ve seen because it uses space that’s normally wasted. It’s brilliant for maximizing interior layout.
Is this bus still for sale?
No, the bus featured in this post was originally for sale years ago but has since been sold. Today, we’re featuring the tour for inspiration.
Learn More:
- Follow the family on Instagram
- Subscribe to their YouTube channel
- Explore Erika’s blog
- View Matt’s photography
Related Stories:
- Family of 5’s Full-Time Life in their Overlander
- Family’s Under-$11k Bus-Based Tiny Home
- Family w/ 4 Kids Choose 5th Wheel To Go Debt-Free
Our Thanks to Erika & Matt!
We love revisiting creative skoolie conversions — especially ones that continue to inspire the tiny living community years later. If you enjoyed this, be sure to share it with friends or save it to your tiny-home idea board.
This post was originally published in 2021 and refreshed in November 2025 with updated information.
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Alex
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