When Georgina and Nicholas Bailey ‘inherited’ an old caravan as they moved onto a West Dorset farm in 2009, their instinct was to send the derelict old thing to the scrap yard.

Sitting in a field, ravaged by years of neglect, it seemed at first glance to have few redeeming features.

Damp had penetrated the wooden panels which were slowly rotting. Something had made a nest in the upholstery. Dankness and gloom shrouded everything like a quiet blanket.

But something made Georgina stop and re-think.

Running a finger over the mildewed formica worktop revealed the most exquisite rosebud pattern, (created before Cath Kidston was even born).

The light fittings were solid black Bakelite. The kitchen – despite having long since brewed tea – still had its original sunshine yellow units, with barely a scratch on them.

She was looking at a rare and original 1958 Sun Regent Bluebird.

“We didn’t really know if it was worth restoring,” says Georgina.

“But we were always doing up old houses so thought that this might be worth a shot.

“It was made in Poole for the luxury end of the market. Back then things were built to last, so we are lucky to have kept so many original features.”

Bluebird – later BK Bluebird – was one of Poole’s largest companies. Production ended at its manufacturing site in 2009 after 60 years.

While many things could be saved, such as the almost-mint original ‘50s lino and the understated drawer units, others needed a full programme of restoration.

“We found a brilliant local carpenter who restored some of the panelling,” says Georgina.

“Unfortunately the original furnishing fabric with pink roses was too far gone, but we chose some new fabric in a retro style and we know a very talented lady who re-upholstered the seats completely.”

The Baileys were also lucky enough to find an old brochure which revealed their caravan would have originally been painted pink and yellow on the outside.

“We kept the integrity of the colourway, but toned it down slightly,” Georgina explains.

Slowly but surely, the couple – who have three sons – breathed new life into the Bluebird, which in its heyday was described as ‘De luxe mobile living with an air of distinction.’

The project took several months of hard graft and much sourcing of materials. Things like the rubber seals around the windows had to be specially ordered, and while replacing the panels they added layers of ‘space blanket’ insulation (used by NASA for its rockets) in the roof and walls.

Finally Bluebird was completed earlier this year. The ’50s stunner is now as neat as a pin complete with its three-drawer dressing table, sideboard and china cabinet.

“What I love about the design of her is that everything folds away and has its place,” says Georgina, pulling down a double mattress from the wall. “While we have kept everything as original as possible, we thought it was best not to replace the solid fuel stove in the lounge as it was a bit close to the bed!”

Fresh flowers and original 1950s crockery add the finishing touches to the pretty caravan which sits on the Baileys’ 35-acre farm in the Marshwood Vale.

People can now experience it for themselves as it’s one of two caravans available for hire sitting amid the most exquisite rolling Dorset countryside – aptly named A Place at Pilsdon.

Adding to its charm is its setting with a near 360 degree view. Binoculars and bird books are on hand for keen wildlife watchers.

“There’s no light pollution here. You can see the stars. You can hear the birdsong...” says Georgina. “It’s a perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, artists, bookworms, or anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.”

Heating and hot water are provided by a biomass burner which is fuelled by hay from the farm, while free-range hens and geese provide eggs for breakfast.

Originally, the Bluebird would have had an internal toilet cubicle, but it now has an especially-built adjacent wet room for the comfort of anyone who stays in her.

As Georgina pours more tea into vintage crockery and offers a slice of cake surrounded by nostalgia, she is justly delighted that she decided to give this beautiful vehicle a second chance.

“I’m completely in love with her,” she beams.

“It’s amazing when I look back to think what a poor, abandoned thing she was!”

  • More information on a Place at Pilsdon is available from the Owners Direct website (Ref E5181)