Skoolie Stays

1 review

Off-grid glamping in a converted American school bus near the South Downs with a wood-fired hot tub, firepit and hammocks.

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2
  • 1
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Highlights

  • Genuine American school bus with hand-built interior incorporating original features, modern technology and natural materials.
  • Fantastic outside spaces including wood-fired hot-tub, outside shaded decking lounge, triple hammock area and firepit
  • Completely off-grid with solar power, sheep’s wool insulation and water-saving technology for an eco-friendly stay.
  • Clean-burning log stove and efficient insulation mean that this is a cosy hideaway at any time of year.
  • Located in a private meadow on a farm nestled below the hills of the South Downs National Park.
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You should know

  • Not suitable for pets.
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The details

Tucked away on a privately-owned estate close to the South Downs in Sussex, you’ll stumble across this delightful yellow school bus, originally from Florida. Chosen for its spaciousness and impressive headroom, the Skoolie Stays bus is now living a second life as luxurious, off-grid accommodation with plenty of room for a family of four to enjoy a unique glamping experience. At Skoolie Stays you will experience a remarkable glamping experience not just inside, but also out. The outside spaces are large, private and allow you to while away many happy hours. Soak in the wood-fired hot-tub; lounge on beanbags and cushions on the shaded outside deck under the oak; swing in the hammock area (there are three!) or BBQ in the firepit.

Solar panels, water-saving technology and sheep’s wool insulation ensure that your stay is as environmentally friendly as possible, while the sensitive restoration has retained much of the character of this iconic bus.

From the outside, the striking colour and profile of an American school bus are immediately recognisable. However, step inside and you’ll find that the interior has been carefully designed to create spacious and unique accommodation. It has been hand-built using environmentally-friendly materials where possible, such as recycled American Oak and recovered teak. Original parts of the bus have been recycled and repurposed and you’ll find all the buttons and levers still in the cab.

In the cosy master bedroom at the rear of the bus, there’s a king-sized bed with beautiful views out over the surrounding fields on all sides. There’s space for two children to sleep, or two adults up to 5ft 8, in bunk beds that are designed to fold away during the day. The bathroom features a fully tiled shower and a composting toilet which means no wasted water and no smells.

The centre-piece of the eye-catching kitchen is the ‘penny-table’ countertop, the copper beautifully complementing the wood of the herringbone floor. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stovetop, a fridge and a large sink and is set across from an American diner-style eating area. Two of the original bus seats have been used on either side of a vintage teak school table to create this cosy dining space. There’s also a comfy lounge area with a leather sofa in front of a clean-burning log stove keeping you toasty all year round.

Nestled in a private meadow below the hills of the South Downs, with views over lush green fields and ancient woodland, the Skoolie Stays bus is close to the beautiful villages of Thakeham and Amberley. The private setting means quiet and peace, as well as big skies for framing amazing sunrises and sunsets. There's lots to do, with castles, museums and cosy pubs in the local area also.

On the map

Detailed pricing info

High Season (1 APR-30 SEPT)

Midweek - all non-holiday dates

£150 per night
Start your break on Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays. (Must have a Tuesday? Email us)

All weekends & midweek holiday days

£220 per night
Friday and Saturday nights and bank hols, plus all days when within holiday periods (Mon-Sun)

Low Season (1 OCT-31 MAR)

Midweek - all non-holiday dates

£125 per night
Start your break on Sundays, Mondays or Wednesdays. (Must have a Tuesday? Email us)

All weekends & midweek holiday days

£185 per night
Friday and Saturday nights and bank hols, plus all days when within holiday periods (Mon-Sun)

Availability in Skoolie Stays

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February 2026
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March 2026
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Reviews

From previous guests
5.0

Based on 1 review

5
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1

Just returned from 3 nights away in the idyllic Sussex countryside staying in the magical Skoolie stay bus! Guy and Ruth were amazing, attentive hosts. The bus is extremely well thought out with lovely details to take in.. Having such a large open space to ourselves was a real treat and the kids loved cooking marshmallows on the fire every night. A lovely place to stay if you want to go off grid and unwind! Thank you Guy and Ruth

Coolstays User

Stayed August 2024

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£125-220
per night

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