Ben and Tate are the proud owners of this amazing school bus conversion which they call “Ola.” The couple actually purchased the bus in high school and worked on converting it so they would have a home of their own when they got married in July of 2021. Now they are expecting a little boy and plan to raise him “tiny” as well!
Their DIY conversion was done on a budget. They bought the bus for $5k and put between $15k and $20k into the beautification process! Right now they have a spot parked on a ranch, but they travel when they want to and have an awesome home base wherever they take it.
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Married College Couple’s DIY Skoolie Home
Images via @olathebus
Their cute cottage/boho bus kitchen.
Images via @olathebus
Ola is a 40 foot 1992 Thomas school bus. We bought the bus February of 2020 and finished converting it around August of 2020 (we took a 2 month break to finish high school).
I love that they made space for fancy coffee.
Images via @olathebus
I (Tate) moved into it that year and after we got married July 2021 Ben moved in as well! It was a DIY build that was possible because of my handy father as well as a gracious amount of help from family and friends. The school bus was $5,000 and the renovation was about $15-20,000.
The original bus windows let in tons of light.
Images via @olathebus
At the moment we are at a Ranch in Southern California that we absolutely adore! We have the freedom to come and go as we please and it is close to both the beach and our family. We chose to convert a school bus to live in as a way to afford getting married young while still in college!
They’re welcoming a baby soon!
Images via @olathebus
Come October, we will be raising our son to know and love living tiny and all the amazing opportunities that come with it. We were both inspired and encouraged by many bus and Van lifers that we met along the way. We value living in a small space of about 320 square feet because we are less likely to spend our money on material items that hold no value.
Great drawer storage when you first walk in.
Images via @olathebus
Instead, we try to save money where we can (including on rent) and travel to make memories that will last a lifetime! One thing we have learned through this process is to take the step, get out there, and just go for it! We want to encourage others contemplating this lifestyle or beginning your build that there will be hard times and there will be good times but if you stay focused on the path the Lord has laid down for you then you are doing the right thing! Also have fun, enjoy the trips to Lowes and the countless hours on YouTube. Thanks so much for reading we appreciate you! Check out our Instagram, TikTok and YouTube:)
Perfect breakfast bar with a view.
Images via @olathebus
Their super cozy bedroom in the back of the bus.
Images via @olathebus
So cute and exciting!
Images via @olathebus
The white exterior paint is really pretty.
Images via @olathebus
How it started!
Images via @olathebus
Read their story below!
Images via @olathebus
VIDEO TOUR: skoolie tour
Highlights
- Ben and Tate converted a school bus into their home, named “Ola,” after purchasing it in high school.
- The DIY conversion was done on a budget, with the bus costing $5,000 and the renovation totaling around $15,000 to $20,000.
- They currently have a spot parked on a ranch in Southern California, close to the beach and their family.
- The bus features a cute cottage/boho kitchen, a space for fancy coffee, and original bus windows that let in ample light.
- The couple is expecting a baby and plans to raise him in their tiny home.
- They value living in a small space as it allows them to save money and focus on making meaningful memories through travel.
- Ben and Tate encourage others interested in this lifestyle to take the leap, stay focused, and enjoy the process.
- You can follow their journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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
Our big thanks to Tate for sharing! 🙏
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Natalie C. McKee
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** I would defiantly love to have a home like that , since I don’t have a home yet **
I love your bus house. I would live an in-depth tour. My father turned a bus into a camper it was amazing.I loved it. I had pjs parties and sleep overs my girlfriends all love it.
From what see — a very comfy and well organised space. Like the pull-out storage and good size appliances —– good idea to store pots and pans in the oven of the 4-burner stove!! A smaller, compact counter stove would probably be all they need — !!
Hi!I louie your tiny home. It blew mine when I read how it all started. This is cool, i need more info of how i can get one of this to buy. I live In ky. Please send me news letter. Hope to hear from soon . Thanks in anticipations
Sincerely,
Bernie..
That’s the way to go. Now if I only was 50 years younger.
What a lovely bus! I love the way the kitchen turns to define space, and it’s good to see the original bus roof metal and windows being utilized instead of replaced. Those windows are designed to withstand quite a bit of trauma without breaking and are tinted to help keep our sun. There is already about 2 1/2″ of insulation in the bus walls and ceiling, so it does a good job of insulating already, and you gotta’ love that they’re magnetic! I got magnetic frames and hung pics all over my bus. This is a great home. Well done!
Lovely home. The kitchen sink is in an odd place and it looks like it would be uncomfortable to use. I can say this since I once had kitchen sink located in a bad place.