Few of us can even begin to imagine whittling our possessions down to just a few boxes full of items and living in a room that measures barely eight feet wide. But what if that room was a recycled gypsy home on wheels, with an ever-changing view of the Scottish countryside out of reclaimed leaded glass church windows?
Welcome to the utterly enchanting reality of artist Rima Staines and her partner Tui, a musician. The talented pair live a nomadic existence in their wooden horse box turned charming miniature home, complete with a double bed, rows of bookshelves and a wood stove – all documented on their blog, Into the Hermitage.
Read more –
Rima and Tui painstakingly crafted the interior of their wandering home, a wooden Bedford TK horsebox, using mostly reclaimed materials. The result is warm and cozy, with well-worn wood cupboards, a built-in sofa with storage room hidden beneath it, and a sleeping nook over the cab of the truck.
It’s a stark contrast to the gleaming plastic surfaces of modern RVs and all of their amenities – but far more charming, and with a smaller impact on the earth. Rima and Tui eat and draw by the light of candles and lanterns, a copper kettle whistling atop their wood stove. They often stop for weeks at a time in forests and on farms, and travel to art fairs so Rima can sell her beautiful hand-painted clocks.
If you’re like me, you’ll find it easy to lose yourself in ‘The Hermitage’, where Rima’s folksy illustrations keep company with photos of swirling incense and the foggy, ghostly landscapes of the UK. It’s an escape into a simpler life, where living small equates to living free.
Whoa this is awesome!
12/09/09 » 2:24 pm »
This is amazing! I love it! Such a free spirited and lovely life…Thanks for sharing
xoxo
Giovanna
http://www.bohomarket.blogspot.com
12/10/09 » 4:42 am »
I am now totally obsessed with this site….I just love the vibe of these people so much. Thanks Stephanie! What cuties.
12/10/09 » 5:45 am »
Me too, Starre! It’s like stress relief for me, to take a few minutes out of my writing schedule to escape into their adorable little world.
12/10/09 » 3:03 pm »
Sounds promising, check out the weekly shopping deals at http://www.shop.com/top+deals-a.xhtml
Happy holidays,
Melissa K.
@melissak85
12/11/09 » 1:27 pm »
Wow, just found these kind words about our wandering world
Thank you very much!
Rima
12/22/09 » 12:05 pm »
What a picturesque lifestyle!
so romantic, great shots!
04/22/10 » 1:40 am »
I so want to live in one of these! So awesome and the Scottish countryside must be amazing.
01/18/11 » 7:29 am »
I bought painting off of rima you a few years ago in glasgow! I always remembered her and every time i move it is one of the first things i put up in my new room. She perfectly captures the mysticism of scotland
03/08/11 » 12:53 am »