Geoff and Belinda Andrew have two activities on their summer to-do list: caravanning and mountain biking. Their yellow caravan, a remodelled retro gem named Butter Cup, takes them from their home in Arrowtown across the motu.
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Meet & greet: Geoff and Belinda Andrew (recently retired), and Mandy the schnauzer/poodle.
The property: A four-metre Cresta Craft yellow caravan built in Christchurch in 1969 and registered in January 1970 for its first holiday trip.
Tell us about the history of the caravan.
Geoff’s sister and brother-in-law owned the caravan for 18 years. For most of those years, it was used as a lunch room on their forestry block on the outskirts of Christchurch. Unfortunately, at some point, a tree branch fell on it and damaged the roof. This then caused water to get into the floor and rot it out.
When they sold the property, she asked if we wanted the yellow caravan as a “do up”. Geoff’s original trade was as a coach and motor body builder and had worked on caravans in the past. We picked up the caravan in December 2017 and, over a period of years, started collecting parts for its rebuild.
What did you do in the remodelling process?
When Covid hit in 2020, the caravan got moved into the garage for its ‘makeover’. Luckily, we had collected enough renovation and decorating materials. This meant we could start work on the caravan without leaving the property.
It was stripped of its previous fittings, including bunk beds, cabinets, linings and flooring. The original cabinets were destined to go back in, but were modified to fit on either side of the new lift double bed and seats on either side of the removable table. The bench across the front of the van with the sink was left in its original place. A new floor, wooden wall and roof frames were fitted along with modern insulation, and then lined with 3mm ply.
Once the ply was in place, the ceiling was covered with pressed aluminium sheet. Belinda then set about painting and wallpapering the interior. Retro light fittings and a new switchboard were fitted along with new wiring. A bed, cabinets and seating were refitted after their modifications and a fridge fitted.
The caravan, now named ‘Butter Cup’, was also nicknamed ‘The B&B’ as it was intended to be used on short trips away to classic car events, mainly weekends or overnighters.
What inspired the colours and decor of the yellow caravan?
Definitely the original blue Formica benchtop surface and the outside colour of yellow, which is the original colour and paintwork (which has only been buffed and waxed), other than the roof and front panel, which were painted in a thick rubberised paint.
What’s the best part about caravan life?
Heading off at short notice. Plus, being able to take Mandy the dog with us, meeting up with friends and finding new ones along the way.
Do you have any favourite memories you associate with the caravan?
Being able to use it as part of our son’s wedding. We held the reception on our property and included the caravan in the wedding photos for the next generation to enjoy.
Do you have any tips for anyone who might be considering buying or remodelling a caravan?
Develop a plan and include a colour palette. Don’t rush it – good things take time.
