Yurt living. How awful is this going to be?

[Lairymary]

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

It sounds dreadful. Buy a caravan.

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.

@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.

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.

A caravan would be doable.

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.

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..

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!!

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.

Cheap touring caravan would be better

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?

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

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

Get a caravan… you can always sell it on after

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.

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

Ooh I’d love it but not in the winter

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

Where will you do the washing? The washing up?

Oh god, my worst nightmare