A Family of Four Lives Large in a Renovated Skoolie Named The Butter Bus

Lauren and Van Jones turn a school bus into a vibrant and practical home on wheels for their family in Birmingham, Alabama.

A Family of Four Lives Large in a Renovated Skoolie Named The Butter Bus

Lauren and Van Jones turn a school bus into a vibrant and practical home on wheels for their family in Birmingham, Alabama.

The couple outfitted the bus with two sofas with built-in storage, a large kitchen area, and a wood-burning stove.

Lauren and Van Jones and their daughters Piper, age three, and Heidi, age one, are living their best lives in a 1999 Thomas MVP transit bus they converted into a bright and cozy home on wheels. "We wanted to be able to move our home anywhere a job was available," Lauren says. "We love to learn to adapt to whatever situation we’re living in, chosen or not." 

Piper stands at the front of the tiny home on wheels, which the family painted white and pale blue.

Piper stands at the front of the tiny home on wheels, which the family painted white and pale blue.

Courtesy of Lauren and Van Jones

The couple outfitted the bus with two sofas with built-in storage, a large kitchen area, and a wood-burning stove.

The couple outfitted the bus with two sofas that feature built-in storage, a large kitchen area, and a wood-burning stove.

Courtesy of Lauren and Van Jones

The 280-square-foot skoolie previously transported students to after-school activities, and Lauren and Van purchased it online after discovering it had only 51,000 miles. "We found it on eBay and realized it was just 45 minutes from where we were living," Lauren says.

Piper, one of the Jones's daughters, sits on the built-in sofa in the living area. A sliding door that depicts a mountain range closes off the bedroom, which is situated beyond the kitchen area.

Piper, the Joneses’ eldest daughter, sits on the built-in sofa in the living area. A sliding door that depicts a mountain range closes off the bedroom, which is situated beyond the kitchen area.

Courtesy of Lauren and Van Jones

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Family of Four Lives Large in a Renovated Skoolie Named The Butter Bus
Related stories: