“We love to travel,” Pascal Frehner (33) says in an interview with Blick. He and his wife Diana (28) used to travel in the VW T5 bus they converted themselves. “But when you have a child, your needs change and you need a little more space and comfort,” says Frehner.
The young couple had initially set their sights on a double-decker car that they could zoom into. However, after inspection with a mechanic, they had to abandon the project as the vehicle was not suitable for their needs. In the spring of 2022, the mechanic drew their attention to a double-decker London bus that met their needs and could be purchased for CHF 50,000. “She also looks cooler than a car,” excites the family man.
50,000 francs planned for conversion
Built in 1966, the double-decker has stood in a hall in Aarau since September, where it will be converted into a mobile holiday home with artisanal friends and family members. Until then, the well-maintained bus was used for weddings and company events.
The couple expects another CHF 50,000 for the full conversion. “But that probably won’t be enough. The costs also depend on how much we can work on the project on our own,” says Pascal Frehner.
living on two floors
So far, not much has been done on the bus. Only the seats and some carpets have been removed. In the spring, the four-metre high double-decker will be converted into a two-story holiday home with a kitchen, bathroom and dining area.
Two bedrooms with four beds and a living area are planned for the upper area. “For us and Levi, retreat opportunities are important to us as they expand,” says Koca. With about 30 square meters of living space on two floors, this should be possible.
Two convertible beds will be provided for guests near the dining area. “We attach great importance to quality and stylish interior design. We don’t see ourselves as typical campers, and we’re not just going to go on vacation with our bus,” explains Diana Frehner.
project on social media
Pascal in particular will be involved in the transformation and expansion. “He is versatile and dexterous. I will help whenever possible, but prefer to choose fabrics and colors and install. That suits me better,” says his wife.
The plans and ideas come from the couple who have been making their own money as content creators for two years. The current transformation project has also been documented on social media where they are happy to exchange ideas with interested parties.
Pascal Frehner says the design of the lower floor became clear pretty quickly. “We changed plans several times in the upper region. Especially when we have a double decker on the field and experience real-life space and possibilities.” Not only does he have a talent for craftsmanship, he is also the driving force behind many ideas. “Sometimes I have to slow it down a little bit because everything he plans to do is not always practical and suitable for everyday use,” his wife says, laughing.
Transformation according to your own plans and ideas
The ability to implement their own unusual ideas and styles is what makes their latest and ambitious project so attractive. “We want a tasteful and fully equipped holiday home in the style of a small house on wheels, not a regular camper.” The family plans to travel north for about three months next spring.
Instead of living in a four-bedroom flat in Aargau, the family will live with their son Levi on a refurbished London bus and travel north. The route has not yet been planned. The only certainty is that they will go to Levi in Finland. “Of course we want to show this city to our son of the same name,” says the father.
In addition to the family’s ambitious conversion plans, they have another construction site before they set off on the double-decker trip. Pascal Frehner laughs: “I still have to take a few driving lessons and complete the truck test.”