Find your freedom in a cottage camper

However, for them, the best part of travelling isn’t the destinations — it’s the memories made along the way.

This family’s travel story is truly one-of-a-kind, especially when it comes to their home on wheels.

Far from the typical mobile homes you might see, this 2015 Mercedes Sprinter is much more than its official name suggests.

It’s a cosy ‘cottage on wheels’, the interior thoughtfully crafted by hand with recycled materials sourced locally, making it a true labour of love and creativity.

“Both Ashlee and I are very creative, and we absolutely love the lifestyle that comes with designing and restoring cottage-style campers,” Matt said.

“This is our fifth camper now, and it really allows us to live our best lives. We can raise our son, be present for those special moments, stop when we need to, and keep exploring.

“We sell each one after it’s completed and start the process all over again, but we make sure to do some travel in it first.”

Ashlee, who was raised in a Shepparton, and Matt, originally from England, met in Byron Bay in 2020.

Their relationship quickly blossomed, and within a month, they decided to start a family.

In pursuit of their dream to travel, they began converting vans.

"We started with a $2000 van and have worked our way up," Matt said.

“We are going to sell this one probably mid to late summer and see what happens from there.”

The Sprinter has been transformed into a fully functional, off-grid camper van and has a list of special features.

Handcrafted cabinetry, raised flooring, plenty of storage, a 130-litre fridge, an instant hot water system, a shower and toilet, solar panels, a custom skylight and a 120-litre water tank.

Its design balances practicality and aesthetics, with unique features such as carved wood accents and efficient ventilation, and it’s all been integrated with meticulous attention to detail.

Using recycled materials from op shops and free pallets courtesy of Bunnings, the couple really have taken the design to the next level.

“This is the second van we have done now that has had the sun carving on the roof,” Ashlee said.

“So many people commented about it the first time we did it so we thought we would do it again — there is a lot of work that goes into it, but it looks beautiful and is so unique.”

“I think some people are starting to get to know our work now from this piece, almost like a trademark,” Matt said.

The couple’s craftsmanship shines in every detail; there is even an old glass plate that has been turned into a bathroom window, and according to Matt it was just $1.

“It was a great op shop find,” Matt said.

“It’s pretty amazing what you can do with recycled goods and there are plenty of YouTube videos these days to help with learning things along the way.”

Ashlee agreed quickly and said that anyone thinking about taking on a similar challenge should absolutely give it a go.

“Just definitely do it,” she said.

“People are just afraid to give it a go. But if you give it a go, it’s actually not that hard.”

Matt adding that once you hit the road you didn’t need a lot of money to comfortably survive.

“You can pick up part-time jobs here and there, stop in a town for a month, work a little, and then move on,” he said.

“There are so many ways to do it.

“Make the most of life instead of staying in the same town for ever, there is so much to do and see.”

Balancing van life with a toddler hasn’t been without its challenges, but the pair agreed that living in a small space kept their family close.

“We don’t have a TV or a laptop, and we are barely on our phones,” Matt said.

“Living this way encourages us to explore the world outside and keeps us close.

“Big days adventuring outside mean early nights inside the van.”

At the moment, the couple are travelling up the east coast towards Byron Bay, and intend to enjoy summer on the road, and eventually sell the van.

They hope to use the proceeds to buy a house, though they’re open to their next adventure.

“We’ll figure it out as we go,” Matt said.

“For now, we have everything we need — each other.”

To follow Matt and Ashlee’s adventures and restoration journey, you can find them on Instagram at CottageCampersAustralia.