Brighton couple convert a horsebox into a home

Sophie Frykfors and Lalli Castiglione both live and work in Brighton and started looking into buying a property during the past year.

But the pair found themselves increasingly disenchanted with the idea of being tied down with a mortgage and a large debt.

Lalli, 31, who runs Do-Lalli hairdressing salon in Bond Street, said: “At the moment we’re paying nearly £2,000 a month in rent.

“We’re both professionals and we’re doing well for ourselves but it’s virtually impossible to save.

“We should be at the point where you can buy a house, but actually it’s such a big debt that you’re tying yourself into, the appeal just isn’t there any more.”

Earlier this year, Sophie and Lalli began to look at converting a vehicle into a home.

Lalli and Sophie inside the horsebox they are converting into a home

Sophie is an architectural designer with her own practice called Studio Hekkel.

The 29-year-old said: “We had this idea about getting a truck or something. A horse box popped up for sale on Facebook one day and we just had this moment of madness.

“We went and bought it the next day, even though we had nowhere to park it.”

Sophie, who completed her masters degree in architecture in January, wrote her dissertation on alternative routes into home ownership.

She said: “There are more and more people looking for other solutions these days.

“Unless you have a lot of inheritance money or someone to help pay your deposit, it’s just not affordable for most people to buy a house in Brighton.

“But there’s going to be so many benefits to living in the horsebox.”

Sophie and Lalli started work to convert the vehicle in February and are doing everything themselves, including the electrics and the plumbing.

Lalli said: “Both of us have gone into this with very basic skills.

“It’s actually very do-able as there’s so much help on YouTube. As much as possible we’re using second-hand, recycled materials. It’s completely insulated and we’ve got double glazed windows.

“If we do get cold we’ve got a wood burner. We’re going to use gas for cooking, but that’s about it.”

The horsebox is currently on a farmer’s land in Ditchling and the women want to stay near Brighton.

The horsebox when they bought it back in January

Once finished, it will be complete with a shower and a sink in a separate bathroom, a raised sleeping area and an open kitchen and living area.

Sophie said: “We actually want to have a high standard of living and there’s no reason that cannot be achieved.

“The horsebox is going to be bigger than my studio flat.”

Although Lalli has had to close her hair salon business due to the coronavirus lockdown, she said it has been a blessing in disguise.

She said: “While the coronavirus is devastating and so disruptive for everybody, it has allowed me to work full time on the truck.

“It’s been a great escape for us and our two little dogs, and we’re hoping to have it finished by the end of the month.”

Track Sophie and Lalli’s progress on the horsebox by following them on Instagram @blackboxbramble.