A Journey with Olive: Restoring a 1968 Bailey Maru

Amidst the search for the perfect model, after exploring several vintage caravans, Becky and her family found themselves unable to discover the right match until they stumbled upon the 1968 Bailey Maru. Their initial encounter with Olive took place in a garden in Portsmouth. With a purchase price slightly over £2,000, the Hague family became proud new owners. Olive’s condition was already quite decent, having been previously employed by a film production company for 1960s movie sets. The preservation of its exterior lent it an impressive appearance. However, as it had not been used as a towing caravan for some time, certain aspects required updating.

Olive’s interior consisted of unconventional wallpaper, a dark blue carpet, and the original 60s wooden kitchen and cupboards. Recognising the necessity for a brighter, more practical space, capable of accommodating her children and dog, Becky embarked on a journey to revive Olive’s interior. The walls and flooring longed for a fresh aesthetic, while the vintage wood provided a solid foundation for Becky’s vision to preserve its authenticity. With careful precision, she bid farewell to the outdated wallpaper, combining the compact space with a light atmosphere. While modern electrical systems were installed, the leaking sunroof and unappealing carpeting were replaced.

As a family of four, Becky faced the challenge of optimising the limited space. As a result, the latest addition to Olive was a built-in bunk bed, ingeniously maximising the available floor space and injecting an element of excitement into her children’s camping experience. Adding a personal touch, Becky handcrafted all the curtains and textiles using her extensive collection of vintage fabrics. The only remaining task in Olive’s restoration is addressing the internal gas cooking hob, as they currently cook outside using a camping kitchen.

Now transformed into a highly functional space, Becky’s family enjoy regular adventures in Olive. Their preferred destination is Dorset, a place rich in treasured memories for Richard, Becky’s husband. Their Somerset home is also nestled amidst the breathtaking countryside, surrounded by an array of campsites which they try to make the most out of. Olive also serves them well as a haven on their driveway, hosting tea parties on special occasions such as Mother’s Day and the Coronation. On rainy days, it provides the perfect sanctuary to chill out and read books.

This year, they intend to embark on weekend trips to nearby locations, considering their daughter’s recent enrolment in school. Wookey Farm, owned by their friends Sarah and Ian, lies just a 20-minute drive away. Ultimately, as long as they find peace, quiet, and countryside, any destination becomes the perfect setting for their getaways in Olive.

Becky’s journey with Olive exceeds a basic renovation of a caravan; it embodies a commitment to preserving the past, an appreciation for the timeless vintage caravanning, and a celebration of the enduring legacy of Bailey caravans, this year marking 75 years and counting of manufacturing. From the initial discovery in a garden in Portsmouth to the interior transformation, Becky’s passion shines through in every detail.

A huge thank you to Becky Hague for providing us with the information to write about her experience restoring and renovating her 1968 Bailey Maru. If you’re interested to find out more, check out Becky’s dedicated Instagram account, olive_thevintagecaravan_.