Next time you think about taking on a homebuilding or renovation project and talk yourself out of it because you lack experience, think again—because one enterprising 14-year-old named Ellie Yeater has proved you can do anything if you set your mind to it.
Ellie lives in Williamstown, West Virginia. Her dream was to create a backyard glamping hideaway all her own. A disciplined, creative girl, she set aside money until she had $500 to work with. She then purchased a 1979 Wilderness camper for $200 through Bulletin Board. The remaining $300 was spent on the materials she needed to transform it into an amazing personal space.
Before Ellie worked on the camper, it wasn’t much to look at. The interior was pretty dingy, and you can tell that the décor was pretty outdated.
The first big step was to thoroughly gut the camper and clean it out. Ellie asked her grandfather for help with the repairs and upgrades which she needed to make.
The Helm—2-Story Container Home close to Magnolia Market
Once all the repairs were made, Ellie was able to start painting the interior. She chose a peach-and-aqua color scheme for a bright, cheerful look.
The floor was a mess; Ellie had to put in brand new tiles. Meanwhile, her mother and grandmother worked together to make curtains using the upholstery from the seat cushions.
Ellie repainted the exterior of the camper as well, opting for a color called “Mystic Sea.”
Throughout the “glamper,” Ellie incorporated vintage accents. The fan you see in this image is the only cooling at present, since Ellie ran out of money before she could get an AC for the window.
The finished glamper is marvelous! The dank original interior has been transformed entirely into a space which just glows with light, color, creativity, and joy.
While Ellie’s accomplishment is incredible, she is quick to recognize all of the help she received. In fact, being able to spend time with her family was one of the highlights of the entire project. Ellie explains, “My biggest lesson has been learning that teamwork is how you really get something done.”
Ellie looks very proud of her newly-renovated glamper, and she should be. She’s turned it into a warm, cozy haven of tranquility—and she’s inspired tiny house builders around the world to pursue their dreams, just like she did! Amazing work, Ellie!
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