How a couple created a beautiful off-grid retreat from an old school bus

Nic and Aubrey transformed a school bus into a cozy tiny home, blending the charm of a “skoolie turned tiny home” for just $60,000, covering the initial bus purchase.

Their extensive travels have given them valuable insights into the essentials of this lifestyle.

The journey begins: From road to home

Nearly a decade ago, Nic and Aubrey set out on a life of travel, first exploring the Pan-American Highway in a van and visiting multiple countries.

“We’ve been on the road off and on for eight or nine years, I guess it’s nine years this year,” Nic said.

Their first custom-built van in 2017 took them from the United States to Argentina, covering at least 14 countries despite some friendly debate over the exact number.

But after briefly settling into traditional home life, they felt the pull of the open road once again. Inspired by friends living in a converted bus, they built their own “skoolie turned tiny home.”

They purchased a well-maintained school bus from the Houston school system with 100,000 miles. However, the reality of turning it into a home quickly set in.

“I remember day one, I sat in the middle of it and just about had a panic attack, how, what have I gotten myself into? I don’t know how to build these things,” Nic recalled.

The conversion required meeting regulations, such as removing school bus markings and safety features.

Stripping the bus down to its frame, they began a complete transformation. The entire project, including the bus, cost $60,000, with about $50,000 spent on the build itself.

Skoolie turned tiny home: Design and functionality

The 40-foot bus, named Pippa, underwent an extensive makeover. The couple chose a striking terracotta exterior, which involved sanding the entire bus before painting.

To add a personal touch, they hand-painted floral designs with help from family. The roof now holds four 300-watt solar panels, supplying power for their off-grid living.

They also built a 12-foot by 7-foot rooftop deck, welded and installed with family assistance, creating an additional outdoor space.

A garage area houses the electrical system at the back of the bus, including an inverter, charge controller, and propane tank.

It also stores water, with a 75-gallon fresh water tank and a 45-gallon gray water tank, allowing them to stay off-grid for up to two weeks.

Inside, the front of the bus keeps some of its original features but transitions into a versatile living area.

This space serves as a living room, studio, and guest bedroom, seating up to 14 people. Hidden compartments store music equipment, sewing supplies, and the bus’s original blueprints.

Large windows bring natural light and fresh air, complemented by RV screens.

Entertainment options include Starlink internet, an Xbox, and a Nintendo Switch. Given their Texas roots, an air conditioning unit was a must for staying comfortable.

Kitchen and bath inside the skoolie turned tiny home

The kitchen is designed for style and functionality, featuring ample counter space, a full oven and stove, and a large refrigerator and freezer.

A standout element is the custom tile backsplash sourced from Mexico City.

“We were in Mexico City and saw this tile. We knew when we saw this tile we had to have it for the build,” Aubrey explained.

The oversized sink, initially bought by mistake, was a useful addition. Overhead cabinets maximize storage.

The bathroom, located near the rear, is built for efficiency. It includes a washing machine and a separate toilet room with an Airhead composting toilet.

The toilet and washer sit over the bus’s wheel wells to make the most of the space. A water heater, safely ventilated to the exterior, ensures hot showers.

The private retreat: Bedroom and closet

The bedroom provides a cozy escape at the back of the bus. An open closet layout maintains an airy feel, while the shower area includes a Max Air fan for ventilation.

Large windows surround the space, offering panoramic views.

“This is absolutely my nest. This is my little cozy area,” Aubrey said.

The storage is cleverly integrated, with space under the bed for additional belongings and a convertible stool doubling as steps.

Overhead compartments hold clothing neatly organized in packing cubes. A curtain can be drawn to create privacy.

Reflections on the journey: Homeownership on wheels

Building their “skoolie turned tiny home” was a challenging but rewarding experience for Nic and Aubrey.

“We did all the stress on the front end to become homeowners, and now we just get to enjoy the adventures and the space and, you know, just make it ours,” Nic said.

They learned skills like welding, plumbing, and carpentry, deepening their connection to their home.

“It’s a pretty amazing feeling to be in touch with the place you live, the resources that you use. It’s just, it’s hard to describe, but you kind of never go back to thinking about a living space the same way when you’ve been this intentional with it,” Nic reflected.

For them, this “skoolie turned tiny home” is more than just a place to live—it’s a testament to their resourcefulness, creativity, and love for life on the road.

See what’s inside Nic and Aubrey’s charming tiny home by watching the video below:

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