I’d like to introduce a very special member of our family – the Airstream 345 Motorhome. We’ve owned this incredible vehicle for 14 years, lovingly restoring it to maintain its original charm (with a few practical tweaks—goodbye deep-pile carpets, thanks to two kids and three dogs!).
When it rolled off the production line in 1986, this was the pinnacle of luxury motorhomes, designed to turn heads and provide every creature comfort imaginable. Built on a Chevrolet chassis with a formidable 7.4-litre “big block” V8 engine, this 34-foot beauty was equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, solid oak cabinetry, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, and an en-suite bedroom. It’s a true example of craftsmanship and innovation from the golden era of motorhomes.
My husband’s experience as a London bus driver certainly came in handy navigating its size!
This Airstream has had a rich and varied life. It starred as the lead character’s tour bus in the film Access All Areas and doubled as Alex Higgins’ tour bus in The Rack Pack. It’s been our cozy home during a snowboard season in Chamonix, France, and for the past decade, it’s found a second life as a quirky Airbnb nestled in our Devon garden.
While it’s showing some signs of wear and tear these days (unsurprising given the rainy Devon climate versus its Californian roots), it remains a beloved piece of history and a testament to timeless design.
