Beautiful Showstopper Ruby Citroen Relay

Bespoke campervan conversion by the amazing Rustic Simplicity camper converters.

Ruby was converted in 2019 for their own use as a camper. The build is logged on their site Rustic Simplicity website. Read here for the full backstory and to see pictures of the build. https://rusticsimplicity.co.uk/home-2/rustic-simplicity-scrapbook-pages/ruby/etc. Details of her unique artwork can also be found on their page.

With her bespoke exterior artwork and her artisan interior Ruby really is a showstopper wherever she goes.

As with all vans James and Anita build this one is a one of a kind, but it has that little bit extra love added as it was a van build for themselves for their Ruby Wedding Anniversary, hence the name.

The inside is made from reclaimed wood, mostly whisky barrels, but also includes some beech, canadian maple and elm. The floor is reclaimed hardwood flooring rescued from a girls school renovation.

Power.

Ruby is totally off-grid with power from 2 solar panels on the roof. She has a gas stove as well as a Refleks diesel stove that you can cook from. The refleks diesel heater takes diesel directly from the tank so no need to carry extra diesel. There is a cut off switch which will not allow the heater to run if there is less than 20% diesel in the tank. This ensures you never deplete your driving diesel and run out! The heater has a beautiful window so you can see the flame which makes Ruby a lovely cosy space in the evenings in the winter. Not forgetting you can cook your baked potatoes for the next day on it whilst it’s doing so!

The gas set up is a calor gas bottle in a metal container under the cooker. There is a carbon monoxide monitor fitted as well as 2 safely vents within the van for gas escape. The gas safety cert was signed off at completion.

There are 4 usb points to charge your gadgets. 2 near the side door and 2 at the bench seating area.

Comfort seating and sleeping.

The two captains chairs can swivel to make sure the inside feels very roomy. Both seats have been lovingly upholstered and extra padding added with unique touches by Anita.

The bed set up is a bench style conversion which makes into a double bed within 3 minutes. We know this because Anita timed it! The super thick bench seats allow for a magically comfortable sleep whether as a single bed or a double. The bed measures 180 cm length and 150 cm width fully made up. The bed footer has been upholstered in a whimsical theme that I’ve tried to replicate in other upholstered areas of the van ie the bench seat back, the back curtains and the vent cover panels.

Storage.

There is a large over cab storage area that holds a lot of lightweight bits and pieces. I store my bedding, my extra blankets, the window insets and dry robe etc.

There is a beautiful whimsical cupboard with stained glass detail behind the diesel stove. This Upright cupboard is capable of holding camping chairs, small folding table, folding step and hanging jackets.

Under both bench seats there is a deep drawer on each side as well as lengthways storage accessed either at the end or by lifting the cushions.

Six generous overhead cupboards run the length of one side of the van. Each cupboard is painted a different colour inside which helps you remember which cupboard things are in! One cupboard has a beautiful stained glass insert to add another unique touch.

There is also a book nook in the middle for those essential reads on a wet day.

On the worktop kitchen area James has made a quirky little storage cupboard for those essential, get your hands on quickly items such as spices, tea, coffee etc. The details include more coloured glass and keyhole carvings.

On the opposite side there are three open storage cabins made with beautiful wood and afford easy access to those everyday essentials you need to get your hands on quickly.

There is more storage cupboards under the sink with gorgeous hand crafted latches. In between the main 2 cupboards there is a handy little pull out pantry to store glasses and water bottles. Also in this area is stored the porta-potti (behind the curtain) as well as a boot basket to get your wet boots off the floor.

Add ons.

James delighted me by agreeing to add a roof deck after I had been on another at Camp Quirky. The deck is on solid roof bars and accessed by a ladder at the back or can also be accessed at the side door via a ladder. This added feature is so much fun at festivals when you can get up high and see what’s going on but can also be enjoyed just lying on the roof star gazing. I’d advise no alcohol though!

Ruby comes with a C channel added to the side above the side door to enable the use of a sail shade or even an awning. As can be seen by the last photograph it adds a little bit more to your space and provides shelter to an extent. This is included in the sale.