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AIBU?

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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:
GiantHaystacks2021 · 17/02/2022 23:44

I think it goes without saying that the work will run on and be delayed.
Houses always are.
You'll probably be in that thing for a year plus.

Vulgarlady · 17/02/2022 23:49

We thought about doing this as we can’t get a static caravan up our narrow lane. We’re getting a giant shed instead and are going to fully insulate it. Will have access to existing house when builders go home. We’re doing a mega extension.

ConsuelaHammock · 17/02/2022 23:57

Buy a used mobile home and then sell it on when you’re finished with it. I wouldn’t live in a tent.

saleorbouy · 18/02/2022 00:19

If you go on self build and renovation sites you will be able to pick up a static to rent or buy. Make sure it has double glazing thought.
A yurt would be OK short term though.

SomePosters · 18/02/2022 00:28

I know quite a lot of people who would consider that best life about about 30 who actually live like that full time long term… in Scotland!

If it sounds dreadful to then don’t do it but I would be happier in the yurt than the finished house

SD1978 · 18/02/2022 00:33

Caravan and then sell the caravan- it won't lose much, if any value in 6 months so it's basically 'free' accomodation.

beautifullymad · 18/02/2022 00:44

We did a total house renovation years ago.

We put everything into storage and purchased a 1990 static caravan.

Had it delivered, plumbed and wired in, paid council tax for 12 months on it too!

At the end of the renovation we sold it for exactly what we paid for it.

It was the cheapest, most comfortable and easiest way to be close to the project.

It had a decent heating system from large bottled gas cylinders. We were warm in winter.

It also only takes an hour to clean the whole van.

Daenerys77 · 18/02/2022 00:47

Six months in a tent to save 12 grand? Is it worth it?

NYnewstart · 18/02/2022 00:49

We had a long weekend in one. It was fab and cosy with the log burner. As long as you have indoor cooking facilities, running water and a functioning bathroom, you’ll be fine. If not, you won’t be!

MollyBloomYes · 18/02/2022 00:51

@Lairymary I'm possibly over paranoid but the first thing that came to mind was the fact you can't lock a yurt. And three year olds do love to wander. Can you absolutely guarantee you would wake up every single time your kid got up and decided to explore the building site?

Plus also fuck that, damp, cold, dirty, high winds threatening the removal of the entire bloody thing. Get a caravan or a mobile home or a trailer tent or something for sure!

Ariela · 18/02/2022 00:58

I'd opt for a caravan or static, and failing that a garden room .

TeaAndStrumpets · 18/02/2022 01:02

DD and family are living on site while doing a massive renovation. They have a static caravan bought off ebay, delivery cost more than the van. It has 3 small bedrooms, lounge and bathroom. They have connected the plumbing outlet to their septic tank. It is not great on nights like this - I am awake worrying about their many trees! I can't imagine being in a yurt during a storm.

Gonnagetgoing · 18/02/2022 01:11

I wouldn’t do any of them. Static or caravan at very least. Plus hotel stay every other few weeks.

Listen to PPs re Grand Designs and for gods sake don’t PM it yourself. I’ve worked for architects and if their jobs can overrun then yours can too.

dipdye · 18/02/2022 01:40

In Britain?

WiddlinDiddlin · 18/02/2022 03:47

Liveable if not luxurious 28ft second hand static - 3-6K.

Yurt inc insulation, not including platform - 15K+

It is also far easier to layout a rectangular van and fit it with what you need because things come caravan shaped. Stuff that is yurt shaped costs.. or simply doesn't exist.

Original poster
Lairymary · 18/02/2022 06:50

Thanks for everyone's input! Yes, I think DH has romantic notions. I'm going to push for a caravan for everyone's sanity. For those doubting we will get it done in six months, yes I know there are always hidden issues and set backs, but the house itself is very small until we come to extend in a year or two. Also we made some good financial investments back in the day which means neither of us have to work so this project has our attention 24/7 (minus toddler time) despite the investments we are still super careful with money.

OP posts:
Thisisworsethananticpated · 18/02/2022 06:55

Caravan ! England is far to cold and damp
And caravan cheaper than renting
And slowly you can start to move in

MrsTimRiggins · 18/02/2022 07:00

Glad you’re pushing for a caravan, a yurt is a really, really shit idea. Best of luck with your project!

Cathpot · 18/02/2022 07:05

We did it for 3 months whilst renovating our house- living in the garden July to early October. We had a huge old fashioned canvas tent I found on eBay as a living space with the sofa, table and cooking area and then a separate tent to sleep in. We got lucky with the weather and the builders rigged up a system that let us shower on the house for most of that time. It was actually really fun- but by the time we started to move back into the house mould had started in the sleeping tent. Then a storm completely wrecked the living tent before we could move the furniture back inside. I would echo everyone else that you need something more robust than a tent for any length of time.

blackdumpling · 18/02/2022 07:16

Yurts are fucking freezing if you don't have the proper heating set up.

You could hire a deluxe caravan that looks like a studio apartment instead

I'd contact Camplify - Aussie vanlife company now also in the UK

All the best with either Yurtlife or vanlife, whatever you decide

Wiennetta · 18/02/2022 07:31

How much would your rent have to be if you’d save 12k on rent in 6 months? If a yurt is 6k or so is your cheapest rental option really 18k for 6 months or 3k a month? Doesn’t seem right.

I’d be looking at the cheapest rent I could get - rather stay in a tiny flat than a yurt.

Original poster
Lairymary · 18/02/2022 08:15

@Wiennetta

How much would your rent have to be if you’d save 12k on rent in 6 months? If a yurt is 6k or so is your cheapest rental option really 18k for 6 months or 3k a month? Doesn’t seem right.

I’d be looking at the cheapest rent I could get - rather stay in a tiny flat than a yurt.

The 12 grand was an estimate of rent plus petrol to and from the only suitable rental in the area. It's a rural but tourist area so there aren't many long term rentals, just holiday lets which over the summer are going for a high rate.
OP posts:
Gonnagetgoing · 18/02/2022 09:47

@Daenerys77

Six months in a tent to save 12 grand? Is it worth it?
@Daenerys77 - I did camping holidays in UK and later with campervan which was better - funnily enough I've not liked camping that much but have been on the odd occasion. Worst time was in Normandy when we had torrential rain and stepdad had to dig a trench around the tent...

Plus side of this thread some of the comments made my laugh out loud properly and sort of resolved insomnia last night!

Gonnagetgoing · 18/02/2022 09:53

@Lairymary

Thanks for everyone's input! Yes, I think DH has romantic notions. I'm going to push for a caravan for everyone's sanity. For those doubting we will get it done in six months, yes I know there are always hidden issues and set backs, but the house itself is very small until we come to extend in a year or two. Also we made some good financial investments back in the day which means neither of us have to work so this project has our attention 24/7 (minus toddler time) despite the investments we are still super careful with money.
@Lairymary - glad you are pushing for caravan.

Just as a warning - I know you say this project has your attention full time but unless you're architects/builders etc or have experience please consider using someone professional in to help or advise. Speaking from experience not mine but close friends.

BoredZelda · 18/02/2022 17:09

By myself, sure. With a partner, probably. With a three year old? Not a chance.

Get a decent sized static caravan. It is better to be on site if you are planning on doing the work yourself. There is nothing like shit living conditions to encourage you to keep working on the renovation. We built a house when I was a teenager and although we had a house close by the living situation was really bad. My dad and my siblings spent every spare moment at the house doing stuff just to get out of where we were.

But, that said, if you have a 3 year old, how much work will you actually be doing yourself. If you are only close by as it will be convenient for your husband, then he can live in a tent in the site whilst you rent the home close by.