We moved into a caravan in my mother-in-law's garden for a year, sure it was cramped but we saved £20k
YES YOU VAN We moved into a caravan in my mother-in-law's garden for a year, sure it was cramped but we saved £20k
A WOMAN was able to save a £20k house deposit - after moving into a caravan in her mother-in-law's garden for a year.
Freya Gill, 29, and her partner, Charlie Thackwray, 29, were living with their parents when they decided they needed their own space.
3
Freya Gill moved into a caravan in her mother-in-law's garden for a year and saved £20k
Credit: SWNS
3
She and her boyfriend Charlie plan on living there for another year to boost their deposit
Credit: SWNS
Unable to get on the property ladder straight away, they moved into Charlie's mum's caravan - which she got for free as it already came with her home and moved it to the plot of land they are currently living on in North Allerton, North Yorkshire.
The pair remained in the two-berth caravan for a year, saving £2k for the deposit to buy their next caravan.
They upgraded their caravan three times, forking out £16k for a newer model with controllable heating, towel radiators in the shower, and an onboard water pump.
Freya and Charlie plan to continue living in it for another year while they save to buy land to build their own home and to keep chickens, goats, and alpacas.
Freya, a business owner, from North Allerton, North Yorkshire, said: "We are saving up to buy a plot of land as we want to do a field to farm, and anyone who knows that when buying land, you need a much larger deposit.
"We are looking at a 25% deposit - money is a massive problem for everyone now, and this is a good alternative to save money.
"The rental market is mental, but money aside, people have said they would like to live this way because of your freedom.
"If we'd rented a property around here, it would cost £750 a month, and that would just not have been achievable for us. It's so hard to find a rental when you've got a dog."
Before moving into their caravan, Freya lived in a three-bedroom house with her parents in North Allerton, North Yorkshire, for £250 a month.
The couple always dreamed of owning some land but realised that to do that, they would need savings, so they thought a cost-effective option was living in a caravan which they say is £500 cheaper than renting in the local area.
Watch as Josie Gibson tells This Morning she's living in a caravan
Freya said: "The living conditions were questionable in the first caravan.
"When Charlie's mum bought the house, the caravan came with the house from the 90s, and it had been there for quite a while.
"Charlie renovated it, spending £200 by ripping out the floor and painting the interior, but because it was so old and a lot of the caravan didn't work, we decided to move."
After a year, the pair moved out of their first caravan and lived in an Eldest Crusader bought from a local dealership for £4K for a year.
Then in June 2025, the couple upgraded to an Adria Adora caravan for £16k - and they plan to live in it until they're in a position to buy their own farmland.
Freya said: "It's a small space, so the bills are going to be lower anyway. We have set up our solar power system, and that has been a huge help to our savings.
"The gas bills are low, and when we run low, it is £80 to get a new gas bottle.
"We don't have to pay council tax or water bills, which is helpful.
"We collect water and have a filtration system; we just have to pay for a new filter every month.
"My friends always say to me that it is not the typical life in their twenties, but we are quite introverted people, so we like the fact that it is just us and we are in our own space."
Currently, Freya and Charlie, a caravan dealer, pay £150 rent for the land they use, £55 on gas, £130 on finance, and £350 on food a month.
Previously, they spent £250 a month on bills, but they now say they've saved a whopping £20k.
Freya said: "We have saved so much money from living in a caravan - it is an excellent alternative to renting.
5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder
Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers.
1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving
Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway.
Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month.
2. Have a realistic property search
Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it?
3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes
The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London.
4. Consider buying with another person
Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner.
You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already.
5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order
A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs.
"It has taken us three years to get to this stage, and we are both pleased with how much we have saved.
"We are genuinely enjoying our time. I love that it is peaceful, and the sound of the rain is relaxing and helps me sleep.
"Sometimes, people living in a caravan receive a common misconception, which is simply false. We want this lifestyle, and we like living this lifestyle.
Freya added: "Charlie loves animals, but I have always been animal mad. I was raised on a small holding and want to return to that life.
"I've always wanted to improve our place and make it our own. We have plans to build our farmhouse, and Charlie wants to build his lake. We can't wait for the future."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dublin student struggled to get a job for a year - what she did next was genius
An unemployed student landed a top tech job by applying to waitress at conferences big companies posted about on LinkedIn - then giving out her resume during the breaks. After receiving her bachelor's degree at International University of Bad Honnef in 2019 - Basant Shenouda, 28, spent over a year applying for jobs online, but never landing the job. Stuck doing low-pay hospitality jobs, but dreaming of a job in tech she decided to change tact. Instead of cold-messaging recruiters and industry leaders on LinkedIn, she used the platform to see which conferences they were attending. READ MORE: 'I'm useless in the kitchen but Ireland's newest meal prep kit Gousto made me look like Jamie Oliver' READ MORE: Woman issues apology after her 'severe diarrhoea' forces cancellation of entire flight She couldn't afford the often $500 (€427) admission fee, so she volunteered as as a waitress at the events, handing out her resume during her lunch breaks. And after working at two conferences in 2018 and 2019, she landed her first job in 2020, after meeting a recruiter from LinkedIn at Online Marketing Rockstars. Basant Shenouda (Image: Basant Shenouda / SWNS) Now an account manager, Shenouda, who lives in Dublin, helps others land their dream job by thinking outside the box. "Being one of the younger folks at these events, I could really highlight myself and my skills and really network," she said. 'Some folks weren't interested in speaking to a college student because that wasn't their goal, and that was okay. I just kept my head up and kept trying because with networking there's always some rejection.' Shenouda, a Harvard graduate originally from Egypt, faced visa restrictions and repeated rejections, when she graduated International University of Bad Honnef in Germany. 'I was getting rejected a lot without any feedback from interviews on what I could do better," said the former marketing student. Because conferences were expensive, Shenouda volunteered as a waitress to attend for free. 'I met so many people who were interested in my story, who listened and gave me advice,' she said. 'Because I followed up and stayed in touch with senior people, they supported me during COVID.' Shenouda attended conferences featuring booths and specific events, spending much of her time learning about industry trends and networking. Offering advice to others she says to break the cycle of applying and waiting, job seekers to stay flexible. 'I really recommend consistently changing your strategy," she said. "Instead of bulk applying to 100 jobs, every five to 10 applications, readjust your resume, attend different events, change your approach. Job hunting is a learning process.' Shenouda warns against repeating the same actions and expecting different results and stresses quality over quantity in applications. 'I analyze each role closely and tailor my resume to the job,' she said. Shenouda sometimes sent project samples, like marketing plans, to prove her skills. Looking back from her current role five years later, Shenouda said relationships remain crucial. 'In such a volatile job market, whether you have a job or not, it's important to have a network of relationships to fall back on," she said. "It's about keeping your head up, trying more, and consistently building relationships that support me in the long run.' For the latest breaking news and top stories from the Irish Mirror, visit our homepage
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Billi Mucklow strips off to a bikini after ex Andy Carroll's split with Lou Teasdale as she celebrates ‘beautiful day'
BILLI Mucklow looked incredible as she stripped to a bikini and celebrated a "beautiful day" after ex Andy Carroll split from Lou Teasdale. The ex-Towie star enjoyed a drink by the pool in Majorca after The Sun revealed the former England striker dumped from his influencer girlfriend amid a string of rows. 6 Billi Mucklow stunned in a bikini as she posed in Majorca Credit: Instagram 6 She shared snaps hours after The Sun revealed Andy Carrol had split from his girlfriend Credit: instagram 6 Andy and influencer Lou Teasdale, once the stylist for One Direction, split after a year Credit: instagram Billi, 37, showed off her toned figure in the chocolate brown two-piece and revealed a sunkissed glow. She captioned the snap: "Another beautiful day in the ☀️with my family." This Morning star Lisa Snowdon replied: "Stunning honey" as Towie's Georgia Kousoulou penned: "Body goals". Other fans chipped in about her ex's relationship news. One sniped: "Well that didn't last long did, how embarrassing on both of them. Anyways you are glowing & winning at life being a wonderful present mother & looking so happy & healthy you go girl." Another said: "Darling, you are on fire…The way you've handled yourself and risen above everything has been amazing to see. A warrior mother…Keep slaying, it all works out in the end." Ex Newcastle United star Andy, 36, started dating mum-of-one Lou last year following his split from Billi with whom he has three children. Lou, 41, and footballer Andy, who also has two kids from a previous relationship, split eight weeks after he was quizzed by cops following two boozy holiday arguments with tee-total Lou. The father of five has now wiped all trace of former One Direction hair stylist Lou from his social media accounts. A friend added: 'Andy and Lou have been having massive rows for a while. Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday 'It's been a tough time and now he's back in the UK, he just wants to focus on football and his kids. 'He hates the influencer lifestyle. He has no interest in posing for loved-up pics.' The source continued: 'Andy got sick of Lou's demands and her influencer lifestyle. 'She's always posting on social media and he hates that. He told her it was over this week. He's single now.' Until this week, friends thought wedding bells were not far off after Lou gushed about their future. After rows on holiday earlier this year, they celebrated their one-year anniversary at Glastonbury's luxury £38,000 pop-up hotel. It was thought Andy was ready to make a fresh start after selling the stunning Essex pad he shared with Billi for a whopping fee in November. The former West Ham ace had put his Essex pile on the market with an £8.5million price tag Andy, now with French side Bordeaux, bought the six-bed house in Essex from singer Sir Rod Stewart five years ago for £4.1million. 6 Andy and Billi in 2016 Credit: Instagram 6 Andy has three children with ex Billi and two kids from a previous relationship Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
We moved into a caravan in my mother-in-law's garden for a year, sure it was cramped but we saved £20k
Freya Gill says that the living conditions were 'questionable' at first YES YOU VAN We moved into a caravan in my mother-in-law's garden for a year, sure it was cramped but we saved £20k A WOMAN was able to save a £20k house deposit - after moving into a caravan in her mother-in-law's garden for a year. Freya Gill, 29, and her partner, Charlie Thackwray, 29, were living with their parents when they decided they needed their own space. 3 Freya Gill moved into a caravan in her mother-in-law's garden for a year and saved £20k Credit: SWNS 3 She and her boyfriend Charlie plan on living there for another year to boost their deposit Credit: SWNS Unable to get on the property ladder straight away, they moved into Charlie's mum's caravan - which she got for free as it already came with her home and moved it to the plot of land they are currently living on in North Allerton, North Yorkshire. The pair remained in the two-berth caravan for a year, saving £2k for the deposit to buy their next caravan. They upgraded their caravan three times, forking out £16k for a newer model with controllable heating, towel radiators in the shower, and an onboard water pump. Freya and Charlie plan to continue living in it for another year while they save to buy land to build their own home and to keep chickens, goats, and alpacas. Freya, a business owner, from North Allerton, North Yorkshire, said: "We are saving up to buy a plot of land as we want to do a field to farm, and anyone who knows that when buying land, you need a much larger deposit. "We are looking at a 25% deposit - money is a massive problem for everyone now, and this is a good alternative to save money. "The rental market is mental, but money aside, people have said they would like to live this way because of your freedom. "If we'd rented a property around here, it would cost £750 a month, and that would just not have been achievable for us. It's so hard to find a rental when you've got a dog." Before moving into their caravan, Freya lived in a three-bedroom house with her parents in North Allerton, North Yorkshire, for £250 a month. The couple always dreamed of owning some land but realised that to do that, they would need savings, so they thought a cost-effective option was living in a caravan which they say is £500 cheaper than renting in the local area. Watch as Josie Gibson tells This Morning she's living in a caravan Freya said: "The living conditions were questionable in the first caravan. "When Charlie's mum bought the house, the caravan came with the house from the 90s, and it had been there for quite a while. "Charlie renovated it, spending £200 by ripping out the floor and painting the interior, but because it was so old and a lot of the caravan didn't work, we decided to move." After a year, the pair moved out of their first caravan and lived in an Eldest Crusader bought from a local dealership for £4K for a year. Then in June 2025, the couple upgraded to an Adria Adora caravan for £16k - and they plan to live in it until they're in a position to buy their own farmland. Freya said: "It's a small space, so the bills are going to be lower anyway. We have set up our solar power system, and that has been a huge help to our savings. "The gas bills are low, and when we run low, it is £80 to get a new gas bottle. "We don't have to pay council tax or water bills, which is helpful. "We collect water and have a filtration system; we just have to pay for a new filter every month. "My friends always say to me that it is not the typical life in their twenties, but we are quite introverted people, so we like the fact that it is just us and we are in our own space." Currently, Freya and Charlie, a caravan dealer, pay £150 rent for the land they use, £55 on gas, £130 on finance, and £350 on food a month. Previously, they spent £250 a month on bills, but they now say they've saved a whopping £20k. Freya said: "We have saved so much money from living in a caravan - it is an excellent alternative to renting. 5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers. 1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway. Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month. 2. Have a realistic property search Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it? 3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London. 4. Consider buying with another person Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner. You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already. 5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs. "It has taken us three years to get to this stage, and we are both pleased with how much we have saved. "We are genuinely enjoying our time. I love that it is peaceful, and the sound of the rain is relaxing and helps me sleep. "Sometimes, people living in a caravan receive a common misconception, which is simply false. We want this lifestyle, and we like living this lifestyle. Freya added: "Charlie loves animals, but I have always been animal mad. I was raised on a small holding and want to return to that life. "I've always wanted to improve our place and make it our own. We have plans to build our farmhouse, and Charlie wants to build his lake. We can't wait for the future."
