Nelson’s son, Coley, suffered a stroke four years ago. It took three years of constant care for Coley to become medically stable, and in that time Nelson left his full-time job to be Coley’s full-time caretaker. The two started going up and down the coast for shorter trips that soon became longer ones.
Eventually Nelson found his 40 Ft. Blue Bird bus and spent 5 weeks converting it into a home for the two of them. Nelson has loved the community that comes along with bus life, and taking his son to see what the world has to offer!
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40 Ft. Bus Conversion for Single Dad & Son

Images by Tiny Home Tours
I like the “Sea Change” name.

Images by Tiny Home Tours
The sun shade is a great idea!

Images by Tiny Home Tours
It’s so cool that he added a vintage couch to the build.

Images by Tiny Home Tours
VIDEO: DIY 2 Bedroom School Bus Tiny Home for Father & Son
Highlights:
- His son had a stroke 4 years ago
- Once he was medically stable, they started taking trips
- Eventually decided to go full-time!
- Open-concept living area
- Berkey water filter
- Antique furniture
- Two “bedrooms”
- Low-profile roof deck
Learn More:
Related Stories:
- Building an Epic $15,000 School Bus Tiny Home After Losing Her Job
- His Bus Build Tiny Home with a Murphy Bed
- Single Mom Builds School Bus Tiny Home on a Budget
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Natalie C. McKee
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Congratulations on finding the best life for you and your son, the bus is very well done and seems to suit your needs. You are the Father of the year as far as I’m concerned, Bravo.
A beautiful story of a father that loves his son above all else! I’ve seen many unspeakably sad instances where parents dump a special needs child (or invalid parent) in a government-funded facility so that they don’t have to be bothered. This story has made my day. All good things to Nelson and Coley in their “Sea Change” home — I love that name! May the love and light of Almighty God surround them. Kindest regards from Stephan in the wilds of Arkansas
What a wonderful story — what a wonderful place to live. Love the antiques, the fur couch, the reclaimed wood (in a small part of the place), excellent storage, etc. How happy it is to see the two of them enjoying their very special home –(filled with personality). Many great to places to explore together — inspiring!!!
Incredible story. Incredible build. A bus full of love! What could be better?
Wow I really love how the bus has a homey feel to it! You see a lot of bus conversions and they are way over the top with expensive showers, extremely expensive kitchens. Don’t get me wrong, they are beautiful, but I love how he used a lot of repurposed items in his build and made it look like it was meant be for that particular thing!
I also wanted to add, what a AWESOME Dad!! He is definitely the definition of what a real Man is!!