I’m a ex-teacher & wanted a new life so bought a school bus – it’s now a pink palace & it’s got a recording studio

MANY people dream of leaving behind their nine-to-five job and heading out on the road for some adventures.

And this is exactly what one teacher has decided to do, by splashing out on a 35-foot school bus.

Destiny shared how she turned a 35-foot school bus into her home on wheelsCredit: instagram/Destiny Guerra

The former teacher had a large task on her hands to turn it into her dream padCredit: instagram/Destiny Guerra

Destiny aims to travel the world and play music on 'Dolly' the busCredit: instagram/Destiny Guerra

US-based Destiny shared how she splashed out on the unusual vehicle and is transforming it into a pink palace, nicknamed Dolly.

She paid £3,132 for the bus in the spring of 2022, and she’s since forked out another £3,000 to make it roadworthy.

Speaking on her YouTube channel Seek Life Elsewhere, Destiny explained: “My big news is metaphorically and literally big because I bought myself a big, beautiful school bus.

“Two and a half years ago, I started researching and saving to buy this 35-foot school bus. “For the rest of the year, I'll be gutting it and transforming it into a tiny home, and most importantly, a music and streaming studio on wheels.”

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Destiny shared how her new goal was to “hit the open road” and “travel across the country”, while pursuing a music career.

She shared how she would be “collaborating with other Twitch artists and musicians, playing live gigs and house concerts, recording original music in my very own studio, and chasing creative projects and opportunities”.

The bus’s name Dolly was inspired by singing legend Dolly Parton, after Destiny saw videos of the musician showing people around her tour bus.

It “clicked” in her head that musicians had been travelling around in small living vans for years so it was not only plausible but something she could aspire to.

Adventurous Destiny added: “Do I have any experience in construction? Nope.

“Do I have any experience in diesel mechanics? Absolutely not.

I transformed an old school bus into a tiny home - it has everything I need and I don't pay a penny in rent

“Do I know what I'm doing every step of the way? Not really.

“But what I do have is an obsession with tackling challenges and overcoming my fears, and my new adventure will have plenty of both.”

Destiny has given a tour for fans around her school bus, which includes a stylish kitchen with a 10-in-1 air fryer convection toaster oven, microwave and prep space.

She shared how she saved money on the build by adding an Ikea sink cabinet built on top of a 1930s desk that she found on Facebook Marketplace.

Destiny had to rip out the seats before turning it into a pink palaceCredit: instagram/Destiny Guerra

The back section has her bed and a recording studioCredit: Supplied

She paid £3,132 for the bus in the spring of 2022, and she’s since forked out another £3,000 to make it roadworthyCredit: instagram/Destiny Guerra

The kitchen includes an air fryer, microwave and hob plateCredit: Supplied

The next area of her van is her cosy living room, with a TV and couch, followed by a “vintage vibe bathroom.”

This includes a compost loo and full-functioning shower.

Destiny also has a hidden walk-in wardrobe area for her gig outfits.

The back section of the bus has her bed and most excitingly - a recording studio.

She recorded her first single in the bus and plans to record a full album there by the end of the year.

Is it legal to live in a van?

IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.

However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.

There could also be restrictions on where you can park up and sleep in your van.

For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.

It could also be unsafe to spend the night in some locations (particularly at night time).

Check the The Highway Code guide for guidance.

In total, she estimates she’s spent £6,264 decking out the bus’s interior, which doesn’t include what she paid for her solar and electrical items.

Speaking to Tiny Home Tours, she added: “I had been a teacher for a long time, and like many teachers, I was feeling the grind, feeling like maybe this isn't something I want to continue with.

“Once COVID came along, there was that fear of not being able to do international travel again and also wondering if I would ever be able to afford a home on a teacher's salary.