Description

  • Maker’s name and date on axle W. Gilpin 1901
  • Electric hook up
  • Great business opportunity

Traditionally used as accommodation for the travelling showman, these fabulous works of art are now a popular choice with modern day glampers across the UK. Named after the town where most of them were built, the Burton Van was traditionally seen as high-end accommodation with its Mollycroft roof and opulent ornate fixtures and fittings.

Our vendor has owned this Burton Showman’s Living Van for six years, during which time it has been dry stored in a barn. Now, due to a lack of storage, the van is looking for a new home.

Exterior

  • Maker’s name and date on the axle W. Gilpin 1901
  • Electric hook up
  • Presented in Crimson Lake over Straw
  • Red and gold filling in to the exterior carving
  • Traditional lining and colours to the pan box
  • Gold coloured lion head carving to the upper porch
  • Grape carvings adorn the ‘penny farthing’ match-boarding
  • Carved horse heads to the bedded rear axle
  • Further relief carved horses to the pan box which has traditional chamfering to the framing
  • Leaf springs mounted from swan neck and globe scroll irons with cast decorative swells to the globes
  • Wheels had new felloes six years ago and have iron tyres
  • Wheels are tight and sound, having Collinge axles with brass caps to the stocks
  • Spokes are traditionally shaped to this style of van.
  • ‘S’ patterned steps attach to the heavily carved but fine fore-carriage with double wheel plate
  • Removable chimney for the ‘Romesse’ stove is present
  • Roof is of Mollycroft style with glass lights and painted canvas covering
  • Sliding sash type windows with glass panes and carved frames
  • Movement of the van is fairly easy, and the wheels turn as they should

Interior

  • Traditional layout with glass fronted cupboards to the left and right
  • Functioning ‘Romesse’ stove
  • Single seats with buttoned green cushions
  • Table topped chest of drawers
  • Double bed with lower compartment which has ornately carved sliding shutters
  • The upper bed frame can be pulled out to widen it
  • Bench seat, again with matching deep buttoned cushions with all three seats affording a comfortable position
  • Under seat storage space
  • The interior furnishings are to the period
  • Interior woodwork is carved and painted
  • Match boarded roof in white below the ‘lantern’ roof
  • Carpeted floor

Also included in the sale are extra carvings for the porch brackets, plus grape carvings to adorn the sides, along with a pair of ‘Angel Lamp’ style brass sconces and a brass and copper kettle plus other brassware. These items can be seen in the photo gallery.

No horse included!

Our View

What a beauty! At 123 years old, she still turned our heads.

This ornately built Burton Showman’s Living Van holds countless opportunities for the new owner. Plonk it at the bottom of the garden as the ultimate summer house, quirky office space or fun accommodation for friends and family. For those of you that already own a glamping site, here’s your next money-making machine!