BY: JESSICA BEUKER
Greg’s Gypsy Bowtop Caravans is a Bristol-based company that specializes in selling and renting unique, car-towable caravans.
Known as Bowtops, Gypsy Wagons, Whoopie Wagons and Romani Caravans, among a long list of other names, these beautiful structures became popular in the 1950s after increased traffic made roads difficult for horse-drawn travel. At this time, motor vehicles were becoming a popular choice of transportation among Romani people.
According to the website, Greg, the company’s founder, started the business after receiving much interest in the towbow wagon he built for himself. So he decided to devote all of his time and energy to creating these wagons in hopes of keeping the tradition and passion for them alive.
Greg offers two options:
1. Hire a Gypsy bowtop wagon.
-OR-
2. Buy a Gypsy bowtop wagon.
In regards to the first option, the wagons can be rented for private and corporate events, as well as accommodate UK festivals. If you go with the second option, then you can custom-design your very own Gypsy wagon and take it with you wherever you want.
The wagons, which are built using natural materials, are easy to tow and fully maneuverable, so you can take it almost anywhere. If you’re renting, the company will deliver the wagon, set it up and collect it from your location.
The interior sleeps up to four people on a double sized bunk, with a fold out bed underneath. Also included is storage seating, coat cupboard, table and stools, kitchen area, shelving, facilities for coffee and tea, lighting, which runs on a 12-volt battery and a 240-volt hook-up.
The wagons are made from quality-seasoned pine, which is surrounded by insulation, a waterproof membrane and treated cotton canvas. The entire caravan takes roughly five months to build.
