Campervans for Sale 2005 BMC Bus: Moon Palace - Mobile Home and Observatory
BMC 1100FE
DESCRIPTION
A unique opportunity to acquire Moon Palace, an extraordinary liveable space fitted out in 2023.
Originally a bright-yellow 55-seat school bus, Moon Palace was transformed in the spirit of the house trucks made by the New Age American Gypsy community on the Pacific coast. It is both a working observatory and a richly designed environment for gathering, working, eating and sleeping.
Moon Palace has been used by the University of Leeds Physics and Astronomy team as an observatory. Its next life could be as an exceptional glamping or hospitality destination, dark-sky attraction, artist residency, creative studio, event space, institutional acquisition or private retreat, or mobile home, subject to any necessary permissions.
THE INTERIOR
The interior is clad in grand fir felled from the artist’s own woodland. Original school-bus upholstery has been transformed into two generous, plushy sofa areas, both of which can be slept on.
Curtains divide the interior into three separate spaces. The specially designed fabrics were inspired by the strange lunar landscapes in Georges Méliès’s 1902 film A Trip to the Moon.
Features include:
• Optical telescope
• Roof observation deck
• Two sofa and sleeping areas
• Dining table and writing desk
• Kitchenette and hand basin
• Water system
• Diesel heating
• Composting toilet
• Internal and external sound system
• Rear wheelchair lift
• Curtains allowing the interior to be divided into three spaces
The spectacular cosmic exterior was individually hand-airbrushed by specialist artist Kiaran Davies.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Manufacturer and type: 2005 BMC HGV, formerly a 55-seat bus
Registration: LK55 ABV
Fuel: Diesel
Length: Approximately 11 metres, Width: Approximately 2.5 metres, Height: Approximately 4 metres
Weight: Approximately 13 tonnes
The structural and technical conversion was undertaken by BDC Vehicle Conversions, with the interior designed and fitted out by Studio Morison.
ROADWORTHINESS AND TESTING
DVSA has confirmed in writing that, in its present configuration and use, Moon Palace is exempt from HGV plating and annual testing under Schedule 2 of the Goods Vehicles (Plating and Testing) Regulations 1988.
This exemption does not remove the requirement to keep the vehicle roadworthy, appropriately maintained and regularly inspected. The buyer must satisfy themselves regarding its current mechanical condition and the licensing, insurance and inspection requirements associated with their intended use.
CONDITION, VIEWING AND COLLECTION
Moon Palace is a used vehicle. Viewing is welcomed before purchase. A technical and documentation pack, including the DVSA correspondence, can be provided to serious prospective buyers.
Moon Palace is currently located in Leeds and is available to view by arrangement. Please contact me to confirm its location at the time of purchase. Next available viewing day Tuesday 8th September 4-6pm.
The buyer will be responsible for collection or onward transport and for arranging an appropriately licensed and insured driver or transport contractor.
REASON FOR SALE
The public programme for this vehicle is now completed so we are looking to find a new home for her where she can be cared for and loved. This is a genuinely one-of-a-kind vehicle, ready for an imaginative new owner and its next chapter.
Please message me with any questions, to request the full sales brochure and technical information, or to arrange a viewing.
VAT
The asking price is £42,000 including VAT (£35,000 plus VAT). A full VAT invoice will be supplied. Offers invited.
DESCRIPTION
A unique opportunity to acquire Moon Palace, an extraordinary liveable space fitted out in 2023.
Originally a bright-yellow 55-seat school bus, Moon Palace was transformed in the spirit of the house trucks made by the New Age American Gypsy community on the Pacific coast. It is both a working observatory and a richly designed environment for gathering, working, eating and sleeping.
Moon Palace has been used by the University of Leeds Physics and Astronomy team as an observatory. Its next life could be as an exceptional glamping or hospitality destination, dark-sky attraction, artist residency, creative studio, event space, institutional acquisition or private retreat, or mobile home, subject to any necessary permissions.
THE INTERIOR
The interior is clad in grand fir felled from the artist’s own woodland. Original school-bus upholstery has been transformed into two generous, plushy sofa areas, both of which can be slept on.
Curtains divide the interior into three separate spaces. The specially designed fabrics were inspired by the strange lunar landscapes in Georges Méliès’s 1902 film A Trip to the Moon.
Features include:
• Optical telescope
• Roof observation deck
• Two sofa and sleeping areas
• Dining table and writing desk
• Kitchenette and hand basin
• Water system
• Diesel heating
• Composting toilet
• Internal and external sound system
• Rear wheelchair lift
• Curtains allowing the interior to be divided into three spaces
The spectacular cosmic exterior was individually hand-airbrushed by specialist artist Kiaran Davies.
2 x L shaped sleepable sofas. There is space for each of these to be converted to doubles if required.
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Insurance options are available through our partner, Ripe Insurance.
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