Three years ago Andy and Fiona Triplow bought a run down 1940s Showman's Wagon with the intention of turning it into a countryside sanctuary. The focus of the restoration revolved heavily around reclamation and salvage, and was so unique that it featured on Channel 4's George Clarke's Amazing Spaces.
 
Although the couple used their salvage expertise and lovingly restoring it over many years to create their perfect idyll, they have not found the time to appreciate the Wagon and have decided to sell it. Fiona explains "We were hoping to install it in a field nearby as a place to retreat to, but we have so many other commitments. It is such a lovely thing it deserves to be enjoyed."
 
"The Wagon was in a very sorry state when we got it. We stripped it right back so we could carry out a total refurbishment." explains Fiona, "We run three architectural salvage businesses, so our passion for reclamation and reuse played a huge part in the design. If you look at repeats of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces you can see the details of the restoration."
 
Where necessary, repairs were made to the original roof, but generally it was in very good condition. The roof was subsequently newly painted and waterproofed.
 
Andy and Fiona sympathetically restored the original hinged transom windows and laid solid burnt oak flooring throughout. "We fitted an original red 1950s English Rose kitchen in the kitchen-dining area", Fiona explains, "And put in an matching leatherette bunkette seat with integrated storage. The English Rose kitchen came from Source Antiques in Bristol who are specialists in 1950s kitchens and salvaged lighting."
 
The bathroom is a luxurious wet room featuring an old teak boat deck grilled flooring and with a waterproof black marble-effect wall covering. The vintage basin and shower fittings are from Andy and Fiona's business, MASCO Salvage in Gloucestershire. The bedroom is fitted with a handmade cosy double bed. "We needed to make the most of the available space so there is hidden storage in the kitchen and bedroom."
 
As owner of The Old Radiator Company in Kent, antique radiators are Andy's forté, so understandably the wagon has a two column 1930s cast iron radiator fitted in the bedroom and an ornate 1910 cast iron radiator in the lounge/kitchen area. One radiator is painted and the other stripped to reveal its grey iron colour and decorative detailing.
 
The inside of the eight metre long Wagon is finished to a high standard, and the structure is completely sound. The outside of the Wagon needs some attention before the new owner paints it in their chosen colour. The buyer's preferred location of the wagon will dictate what kind of utilities are fitted into the wagon by the new owner. If near a building then it could be plumbed and wired to mains utilities. Andy and Fiona had thought that a wind turbine would work well. Fiona concludes "Because the wagon is on wheels and not a permanent structure it can be installed in a garden without the need for planning permission. It would make a fantastic office or the perfect guest suite."
 
The 1940s Showman's Wagon will be sold at auction on Saturday 18th October. Listed as Lot 599 it is currently available for viewing and purchase on the day of the auction either in person or online through Wellers Auctioneers with an estimate of £15,000-£20,000. For more details call Luke Duddy from Wellers Auctioneers on 07966 437099.