Cornwall's picturesque landscapes and tourist attractions belie a stark reality: thousands of young locals are forced to live in vans due to the county's housing crisis. While the influx of holidaymakers boosts the economy, it also drives up demand for short-term rentals, leaving long-term accommodation scarce.
The proliferation of 24,000 Airbnbs and 13,000 second homes has created a market where landlords prioritise lucrative tourist lets over traditional rental properties. This trend is particularly detrimental to young people reliant on seasonal work, who struggle to secure stable housing due to inconsistent income.
For Skye, a 25-year-old teaching assistant, van life was not a choice – it's her reality. Despite the romanticised image of 'van life', she faces harsh conditions: sub-zero temperatures, frozen door handles and constant relocation to avoid upsetting local residents. She often parks late and never stays in one spot for more than a night.
For many, van life is not a spontaneous adventure but a last resort. Skye's journey began after her parents' marriage breakdown at 16; she struggled to find stable housing despite having a job. Repeatedly losing out on rental properties, often to outsiders moving from London, led her to secure a loan for a van five years ago – a decision that has brought unexpected repair bills, including a recent £2,000 expense.
Caroline Dann, who runs a support session in St Day, confirms Skye's experiences are common among young Cornish van dwellers. Her charity, Traveller Space, observes that many have moved out of family homes with no alternative; they live in basic vans, enduring cold conditions and lacking cooking facilities, subsisting on simple meals like cheese sandwiches. The idyllic image of van life quickly fades when confronted with harsh weather and a lack of basic amenities.