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Ben and Tate bought a 40-foot 1992 Thomas school bus while still in high school and spent about $20,000 converting it into “Ola” — a cottage-boho style home on wheels that they moved into after getting married. They now park on a ranch in Southern California, close to the beach and family, but hit the road whenever they want to.
Images via @olathebus
Cottage-Boho Kitchen with Open Shelving
Images via @olathebus
Dedicated Coffee Station
Images via @olathebus
Original Bus Windows Flood Interior with Light
Images via @olathebus
Growing Their Family in 320 Square Feet
Images via @olathebus
Entry Area with Built-In Drawer Storage
Images via @olathebus
Breakfast Bar with Scenic Views
Images via @olathebus
Cozy Rear Bedroom
Images via @olathebus
Ben and Tate with Ola
Images via @olathebus
Fresh White Exterior Paint
Images via @olathebus
Before: The Original Yellow School Bus
Images via @olathebus
Building Their Home Together
Images via @olathebus
Video Tour: Ola the Skoolie
Design Details
- Vehicle: 1992 Thomas school bus (40 feet)
- Name: Ola
- Size: Approximately 320 sq ft
- Bus Cost: $5,000
- Renovation Cost: $15,000-$20,000
- Total Investment: ~$20,000-$25,000
- Build Type: DIY with family and friends
- Build Time: Approximately 6 months
- Style: Cottage/boho aesthetic
- Kitchen: Open shelving, dedicated coffee station
- Dining: Breakfast bar facing windows
- Bedroom: Rear of bus
- Windows: Original bus windows retained for natural light
- Storage: Built-in drawer storage at entry
- Exterior: White paint
- Location: Ranch in Southern California (can travel freely)
Lessons from This Build
- Tiny Living Enables Young Homeownership: Ben and Tate avoided rent and bought a home they own outright by choosing bus life—a practical path for young couples starting out
- Keep the Windows: Retaining the original school bus windows floods the interior with natural light, making even a narrow space feel open and airy
- Family Help Stretches Budgets: Their DIY conversion was possible because of Tate’s handy father and help from family and friends—don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Ranch Parking Offers Best of Both: A home base on a ranch provides stability and community while maintaining the freedom to travel when desired
- Cottage-Boho Style Works in Buses: Light colors, open shelving, and cozy touches create a warm, inviting aesthetic that doesn’t feel like a vehicle
Learn More
Related Stories
- Guy Meets Girl Gets a Skoolie!
- Empty Nester’s Little Homie Skoolie Conversion
- Bussy McBusFace: Couple’s Skoolie w/ DIY Mosaic Shower & Dutch Door
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Alex
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