What started as an attempt at a simpler life quickly turned into a social movement and then into a full-blown industry. We're talking about van life, a trend that is by no means a novelty but continues to gain adopters as the idea of packing up their lives, moving into a mobile home, and exploring the world still appeals to people who seek freedom and adventure on the open road.
Van life might not always be as glamorous as social media influencers make it seem, but if you're traveling the world in a home on wheels that is both packed with creature comforts and aesthetically pleasing, the time spent on the road is certainly more enjoyable. Today, we bring you the perfect example of a camper van built for exploring new places in comfort and style. Meet Gloria, a premium off-grid camper that proves living tiny in a mobile home can indeed be a glamorous experience.
Purposefully built to allow you to live and enjoy the ultimate van life, Gloria is based on a 2019 Mercedes Sprinter LWB 170 and was created by Van Life Builds, a Bristol, UK-based van outfitter that specializes in exclusive, bespoke conversions with creative layouts and unique features.
Behind a rather bland, self-effacing exterior, this campervan hides a cozy mobile sanctuary that will bring you closer to nature. It is one of the most unique and original conversions we've seen and impresses with its clever layout and bold interior design that combines modern flair with retro charm.
Photo: Van Life Builds/VannyCampers
Since real estate is limited inside a van, most converters choose to keep the interior open, which often results in a unified space with different functional zones. The team at Van Life Builds has taken a different approach with Gloria. They used tiny home concepts to create key individual areas inside the van and didn't shy away from incorporating dividing walls to delineate these areas. This means the interior of this van has separate areas for traveling, lounging, cooking, and sleeping, and it feels more like a home. Most importantly, space is cleverly utilized down to the very last inch, and though there was a lot to squeeze in, the interior does not feel cramped at all.
Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the floorplan is thought out for up to four people. This means that a small family can travel safely inside this van, with a trio of swiveling seats in the cab and a fourth belted passenger seat in the second row. The same number of people can sleep comfortably thanks to a spacious double bed at the back and a cozy pop-top roof. The layout also includes a central kitchen and a stunning bathroom.
In terms of styling, this camper van looks like a Hawaiian home with beige walls and ceiling, black dividing walls, and coral accents for a pop of color. Beautiful tiger bamboo benchtops and lush greenery bring nature to the interior, while playful asymmetrical shapes and captivating curves add character to the living space and create a sense of fluidity. An interesting lighting setup with LED stripes and neon lights transforms the interior into a magical space at night.
Photo: Van Life Builds/VannyCampers
With no separation between the cab and the meticulously designed living space, the area dedicated to travel time can also be used as living, working, or dining space by mounting a multi-purpose, swiveling table that can be used in various positions, both inside and outside the van. The second-row passenger seat is surrounded by a slatted dark wall that creates a private pod for those moments when you want to have some time alone. Ambient orange mood lighting, a drink holder, and some shelves complete the design of this privacy nook.
Another neat addition can be observed right in the doorway - a curved seat wrapped in teddy material that offers even more seating space and integrates shoe storage beneath.
Behind the passenger seat, there is a luxurious bathroom where every detail is carefully crafted for campers' convenience. It is concealed behind a Nautilus self-cleaning shower door and boasts a curved outer wall that creates a sense of spaciousness. Besides the actual shower, it also includes a matt black sink on a small tiger worktop, a black tile backsplash, a curved shelf and wall recess for toiletries, and a portable toilet. But what instantly catches your eye in this compact bathroom is the "Gloria after a shower" wall art that adds plenty of personality to the space.
Photo: Van Life Builds/VannyCampers
As you go deeper into the van, you'll discover a gorgeous kitchen and a unique staircase whose design reminds you of sand dunes. Boasting sinuous curves and tiger bamboo treads, the staircase doubles as storage space and leads up to a convenient pop-top.
The kitchen is compact yet overwhelmingly stunning with its tiger bamboo worktops and accents and black mosaic backsplash. An undermount sink, a portable twin induction hob, and a Vitro Frigo 50L slimline fridge / freezer make it fully functional. Next to the cooking area, there is a full-height bronze body mirror that adds depth to the space and hides a wardrobe behind it.
As for the sleeping quarters, Gloria might very well be the first camper van with a private bedroom we've seen. Toward the back of the van, a raised bed is hidden behind a black slatted wall with a curved entrance that separates the bedroom from the rest of the living space and gives the illusion of being another room. The large double bed (4ft x 6.6ft, thanks to flare pods that add a few extra inches) is placed right at the rear of the van, the perfect spot for those who love being surrounded by nature, as all you have to do to enjoy the views is open up the back doors.
Photo: Van Life Builds/VannyCampers
As if all the above were not enough, Gloria takes camping to the next level with an awesome pop-top that brings the sleeping capacity to four and doubles as a roof deck where you can relax, take in the view, and simply feel free and in harmony with nature.
What's more, the raised bed platform allows for a generous garage space at the back of the van. It offers ample storage space, helping you keep the interior of the van clutter-free and organized.
Gloria is also well prepared for those moments when the allure of off-grid living beckons. It has 430 Watts of solar power feeding a 340 Ah Lithium-Iron Phosphate Renogy battery bank, a 60-liter (16-gallon) freshwater tank, a 60-liter waste tank, as well as a Truma Combi water and space heater.
Unique, stylish, but also functional and liveable, the Gloria camper van is built to elevate your camping adventures with high-quality materials and an incredible eye for detail. And the best part of all is that the van can be yours, as it is the prize of a giveaway launched by VannyCampers, where you can win a campervan every month.
