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11-Year-Old Girl Transforms Caravan Into Her Own Tiny Home

11-Year-Old Girl Transforms Caravan Into Her Own Tiny Home

The whole project cost Lauren Nelson from New York just $800.

EMS 7

EMS 7

Tiny homes are pitted as the modern solution for all of our housing woes, spawning all kinds of TV shows, lifestyle websites and countless YouTube videos.

One girl over in New York is clearly ahead of the curve, as she's managed to buy and renovate her own home on wheels at just 11 years old. And the whole thing cost her next to nothing.

Lauren Nelson's project all started when she spotted a VW surf bus toy in American Girl Doll magazine.

Her mum, Aimee, told ABC: "She showed us a $650 little VW bus that they sell, my husband was like 'that's ridiculous, you could buy your own camper for that price.'"

And, well, she did exactly that - after saving up a small nest egg, Lauren started searching for her new home.

ABC

Pretty soon, her heart was set on a campervan her neighbour had put up for sale. Aimee continued: "And then the one day, up popped a for sale sign and she squealed the whole way home."

Lauren managed to negotiate it down to just over $400 (£300) and straight away she started the do-over.

Although there was a lot of work to do - including a deep clean after finding a family of mice in the van - the renovation job only took another $400.

Lauren explained: "I love this, I love renovating. I was very motivated with this camper, I really wanted a place where I could hang out - like my own house."

Lauren's mum Aimee.
ABC

Speaking about her daughter's frugality, Aimee said: "She has three envelopes that she puts her money in - give, save and spend - and I think she made a really good choice.

"She now says she's part of the tiny home nation."

With the help of family and friends, Lauren was able to create the tiny home of her dreams, complete with a dining area, four bunk beds, a kitchen and a bathroom.

She said: "It's called Camp Hygge, it means very comfortable and safe. It has its own kitchen and bathroom, so it's like a tiny house."

ABC

ABC

ABC

As a result of her incredible job, Lauren now spends five days of her week in the caravan and hopes her story will inspire others to do the same.

The 11-year-old, who hopes to have a career in home renovation or forensic science (or both), concluded with some words of wisdom for the viewers.

She said: "If you're looking to have some big plans in the future, you should go out and do it. Make it happen."

Featured Image Credit: ABC

Topics: US News