To convert or not to convert?

[poohbar]

Hello there.

My story begins with not being able to find a house that i either like, or can afford! And a river boat trip.
My name is Craig, i am 25 and looking to buy my first house, this is not as easy as i first thought, not to mention expensive! Recently i spent the weekend on a friends river boat, and found myself amazed at how nice it was, well equipped and reasonable priced.
This got me thinking, what else could you live on......a double decker! And to my surprise it seems that there are many people all ready way ahead of me. I have found this web site most helpful and very interesting, i look forward to lots of conversations through me journey.
I am hoping (after a great deal of research) to purchase a double decker (route master) and convert it into a mobile home, 2 bedrooms and bathroom upstairs, living area, kitchen and driving/seating down stairs. The problem is, is that i have no idea what i am doing! My self and my father will be undertaking the project and we could probably solve most problems ourselves, except for things such as generators, solar power, gas and electricity.
I want the outside to look as traditional as possible, while the intention on the inside is to make it a fairly luxury bachelors pad, with all the mod cons. I am not worried about spending the money on it, as i want it to be some where that i could live in comfort for several years.
I have many questions that i would like answering, but sure over time will get them answered, but for the time being.......

1. Which bus and which engine? as this appears to be a critical point! and i do want to drive it on road trips.

2. Are there permanent locations where you can have electric and water supply? I live in buckinghamshire.

3. Have any of you ever seen a bus converted in the manner in which i am thinking? If so where can i find some pictures?

4. Do people live in buses all year round?

5. Do you think i am wasting my money?

In regards to no 5. I am quite a perfectionist, and will only undertake this project, if i feel that i can complete it to a satisfactory spec. but by doing this, will i be poring money away for cheaper accommodation? I'm hoping that it will be an investment as well as the start of an enjoyable hobby.
Finally, thank you to any one that has read all of that and make a reply, any info will be greatly received!

Thanks again

Craig Prothero

[Jonathan Smith]

Hello Craig,

Welcome to the site.

The main problem with living full time in a bus is you will be considered to be "a traveller" and as such can be moved on by the police. It can be difficult to find somewhere you can get permission to live.

Our society is anti traveller so even if you bought your own land and had a permanent pitch you could be moved on.

There is no reason why you can't live in a bus all year round, it is important to realise that buses are not insulated so you need to think about that when you are converting if you plan on spending the winter in the bus.

[poohbar]

Thank you for the advice Jonathan, i thought that might be the case. But its nice to hear it from some one else.