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Original poster

Yurt living. How awful is this going to be?

158 replies

Lairymary · 17/02/2022 20:12

I'm hoping someone can convince me that this won't be as awful as I think it's going to be...
Here goes... My OH and I have just purchased a property that needs a lot of work, we're talking complete renovation and needs plumbing and electricity installing. We have found a property to rent while we do it up, (6 months) but that is a 40 minute drive away (literally no other options closer to the property). DH has seriously suggested that we just buy a yurt and live in that on site to save the money on rent and petrol. In theory, yes it's a good money saving idea (will probably save at least 12 grand in total) but in the pit of my stomach I'm a bit horrified at the thought of potentially 6 long months of camping. Hopefully the house will be habitable before then. I just have this awful feeling that it's going to make me miserable, also to add there is a three year old in this scenario too!!
Does anyone have experience of yurt living for longer than a "glamping" holiday. Is it going to be awful?
Just to add, we plan to get the bathroom and a washing machine sorted as a priority, fingers crossed, so hygiene won't be an issue.

OP posts:
Franklyfrost · 17/02/2022 22:11

I lived in a tipi for years I a more extreme climate than the uk. You’ll need decking, a lining and a stove. It will cost loads (plus setting it up and transporting it there if you can’t do that yourself). Chances are building works will over run, although a lined yurt with a stove and raised floor is easily warm enough for a uk winter. The problem will be the small space (like living in a bed sit) and also it is helpful if one of you is practically minded enough to maintain and repair as necessary.

Lacdepassy · 17/02/2022 22:17

We completely renovated a couple of houses pre children. That bit wasn't bad but staying with the in laws was tricky.. I would have preferred a yurt. However, if I had the option, I would go for the static.

The yurt is a lovely romantic idea. Imagine it's pissing down, electricity is a bit rubbish so it's semi dark and you are trying to cook on a camping stove with a 3 year old wandering around. Do-able for a weekend, but not for 6 months.

Beachbreak2411 · 17/02/2022 22:18

Just buy a caravan. Static or otherwise. If you keep it nice you can sell on once your property is finished. Yurt will need all the facilities adding.. many, many people live in a caravan on site during a build. Probably better / safer etc in the long run!

Notanewusertool · 17/02/2022 22:19

A yurt is just a tent. Get a caravan, with heating.

Calmdown14 · 17/02/2022 22:20

As a camper, the hardest part is insulating from the ground. A static caravan sits off the ground so already a major advantage, especially on a potentially muddy building site.
If you are decent with a sewing machine or can improve the look of it in other ways you could even increase its value when you come to sell.

ImFree2doasiwant · 17/02/2022 22:21

Get a static caravan. My parents did this when I was about 10. We had a buf static with a smaller one for my older siblings, joined together by a....construction/porch type utility room affair. It was fine. No way would I want to do it in a yurt.

Blossomtoes · 17/02/2022 22:27

It sounds dreadful. Buy a caravan.

Curlyshabtree · 17/02/2022 22:27

I stayed in a proper “working” yurt/ger (not a glamping one) in Mongolia, amazing spaces. I would love to live in one. I think it would be fine as a temporary solution as you’ll have a lovely new house to look forward to. They are expensive but would be a great long term investment. Your child will love it (cool den!) plus it will be make amazing guest accommodation! Much funkier than a caravan.

Userblabla · 17/02/2022 22:27

@thesparkthatbled

There is a whole society of people in the UK who live in caravans permanently.

I can't imagine there are too many people living permanently in a yurt in the UK.

That's your answer right there!

I have a friend who makes Yurts and lives in 3 of them but they also have a caravan and use it a lot! It really isn’t practical OP with a 3 year old. Especially if you haven’t camped a lot and know what to expect.
TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 17/02/2022 22:28

Why can’t you camp in one room of the house? So what if there’s no heating/electricity - there won’t be in a yurt either. Move room depending on work ongoing. Camping stoves/portable gas heater etc. Unless the house isn’t weatherproof I don’t see why a yurt would be an improvement.

user1493494961 · 17/02/2022 22:28

A caravan would be doable.

Ragruggers · 17/02/2022 22:29

We lived in a caravan for 1 year whilst renovating a property.You can find cheap vans which have been on sites,much better,more space and can be more comfortable.than a yurt which would be cold at night even in summer.Gumtree often have vans for sale.You can then sell it when you have moved into the house.Good luck.

ChateauMargaux · 17/02/2022 22:35

We have friends that have lived in a beautiful Yurt for years.. composting toilet, wifi.. stove and electricity.. it's totally fabulous and not cold at all..

Dibbydoos · 17/02/2022 22:37

Def not a yurt! If you want more of a camping experience, though, a Dandy trailer tent might work. They're old not do less than a couple of grand, but they have heating systems, a lockable door and are much more roomy than a caravan.
Personally I'd go with a wheeled or sratic caravan or Portacabin. You can pick them up pretty cheaply second hand.

You also need a weatherproof area for DC to play in too.

Great adventure, have fun!!

Summerfun54321 · 17/02/2022 22:44

This is straight out of grand designs. Please don’t tell me you’ll be project managing the whole thing with absolutely no construction experience whatsoever.

gogohm · 17/02/2022 22:44

Cheap touring caravan would be better

travailtotravel · 17/02/2022 22:48

Living in a yurt is one of my fantasies. However, cold and damp are real issues even in summer. Would you be able to get hook up quickly?

Livandme · 17/02/2022 22:49

You're missing a trick here op.
Do you know anyone with a caravan who has to pay to store it?

Pugdogmom · 17/02/2022 23:03

Family were renovating a house. They lived in a caravan for what was supposed to be 6 months, ended up being 14. Currently building a house and already been in their caravan almost 2 years. Definitely wouldn't survive a yurt. Sounds OK for a short time, but no

Booklover3 · 17/02/2022 23:05

Get a caravan… you can always sell it on after

Cecillie · 17/02/2022 23:05

I think there’s a reason that living in a static while you renovate a house is a “ thing”
Whereas living in a yurt while you renovate a house isn’t 🤣
Romantic notion but ….
Have fun though sounds like a lovely project with a dream home at the end.

SunnyCoco · 17/02/2022 23:31

@thesparkthatbled really interested in your tent experience. Was it a choice, or necessity?
Did you feel safe?

BadBiscuits · 17/02/2022 23:32

Ooh I’d love it but not in the winter

BadBiscuits · 17/02/2022 23:34

But maybe a caravan plus awning would be better if you have space

Nanny0gg · 17/02/2022 23:36

Where will you do the washing? The washing up?

Oh god, my worst nightmare