The couple spent 800 hours and £35,000 converting a yellow American school bus into a luxury home

A couple spent more than 800 hours and £35,000 converting an American yellow school bus into a luxury home – just before they brought their little boy on board.

Sam and Rachel Dix of Bristol shipped the 37ft by 8ft vehicle from New York to Southampton and then to a farm in Somerset.

Built in 2005, Hyde Park Central School’s bus previously carried up to 72 children and is now the birthplace of the couple’s son, Bodhi – with his birth certificate listing ‘American School Bus’ as the place of arrival.

Ms. Dix, 32, designed the layout of the bus while self-employed carpenter Mr. Dix, 33, built it.

Bristol’s Sam Dix ​​(pictured) and Rachel Dix had the 37ft x 8ft vehicle shipped from New York to Southampton and then to a farm in Somerset

Ms. Dix, 32, designed the floor plan of the chic bus, while self-employed carpenter Mr. Dix, 33, built it

The couple were inspired to hit the road after listening to a podcast called the Motorhome Matt Podcast

“It might seem a bit crazy to buy an American bus, but we knew it had the potential to be an incredible home on wheels for our growing family,” he said.

The couple were inspired to hit the road after watching a podcast called the Motorhome Matt Podcast, which provides insight into buying your first RV and making money from it.

The bus was remodeled over a period of six months, pulling out the seats and adding hardwood floors, a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Mr Dix, who befriended Matt Sims, podcast leader and CEO of rental company The Motorhome Holiday Company in Hewish, Somerset, said: “Matt has great ideas for creating residual income from your vehicle and helping first-time buyers find the right vehicle for their needs.’

The bus, big enough for 72 children, was modified over a period of six months

Ms Dix gave birth to their son, Bodhi, on the refurbished bus – with his birth certificate listing ‘American School Bus’ as the place of arrival

The ‘extending’ family are now planning to refurbish a third vehicle for the trip and they have put the bus up for sale

Mr. Dix did most of the work himself, but a professional installed the electrics and his parents helped paint the interior.

The exterior of the bus remains the iconic yellow – with solar panels on the top which helped reduce electricity bills to just £20 over six months.

Mr Dix said: “It looks like an ordinary bus from the outside, but inside it is a comfortable, fully functional living space.

“We turned heads driving it around and people were surprised when they walked in.”

The interior of the bus impresses with wooden floors and a chic design with many natural materials and plants

Mr. Dix did most of the work himself, but a professional installed the electrics and his parents helped paint the interior

Meanwhile, Mr Dix also put a light on the bus so the midwives could find them in the dark when Mrs Dix went into labor at the organic farm where they were parked.

The midwives arrived at the bus around 8pm and Ms Dix gave birth three hours later in the living room of the vehicle.

The name pays homage to Sam and Rachel’s quest to live life to the fullest after losing Rachel’s father to cancer at the age of 52.

Sam said: “Midwives visited us on board the bus in advance. They said they have been to a number of home births, including on a barge, but that this is a first for them.

The bus looks cute and cozy with fairy lights during an evening garden party in front of the house

Ms Dix said: “The birth of Bodhi in the house that we put our hearts and souls into was incredible.”

The father added: “After working so hard to create a beautiful and loving home, welcoming our son into our arms on the floor of the bus was a moment that was forever etched in my soul. ”

“They were impressed by how comfortable and spacious it is inside. It was such a rush to get the bus ready and to be at the farm in time for the baby to arrive, but it worked out well and we were very happy.”

Ms Dix added: “The birth of Bodhi in the home that we put our hearts and souls into was incredible.

“Having worked so hard to create a beautiful and loving home, it was a moment that was forever etched in my soul as we welcomed our son into our arms on the floor of the bus. It was magical and I hope it inspires other women to explore home birth.”

Mr Dix parked the vehicle at MHC storage in Congresbury, Somerset while making preparations.

Now the family is planning to refurbish a third vehicle for the trip and has put the bus up for sale. Mr. Dix changed the layout and renovated the interior of the bus.

He said: “This was a love project and we enjoyed our time on the bus. I think it would be suitable for a single person or a couple possibly with young children looking to go on an adventure.

Mr Dix parked the vehicle at MHC storage in Congresbury, Somerset while making preparations

“It might seem a bit crazy to buy an American bus, but we knew it had the potential to be an incredible home,” said Mr Dix

“Or it could work as a business venture if they have land to rent it out. It’s an interesting and cozy place for anyone wanting to experience a luxurious, skoolie stay.’

Mr Sims, who has over 30 years of business experience, said: “There are many ways to make money from a motorhome – from an impressive renovation like Sam and Rachel did to hiring a third party to do the hard work for you completed.

“It depends on your skills, time and inclination, but an RV can be a good investment for pretty much anyone if they’re doing their research.”

Mr Sims has bought and sold 13 companies and runs one of the largest motorhome hire companies in the UK, also looking for off-grid and eco-friendly options such as installing solar panels.

“We can all take small steps to reduce our emissions and save money, which is good for our planet and good for our pockets,” he said.

He has interviewed a number of guests on his show, including writer, host and environmentalist Martin Dorey, who advocates for sustainable habits, and AA President Edmund King.

Current topics range from the future of electric motorhomes to cooking a Michelin-star meal in a motorhome.

More information can be found at www.thedixiebus.co.uk or on their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/thedixietribe/?hl=en.

For more information on the Motorhome Matt Podcast, visit or visit The Motorhome Holiday Company