**Wisconsin Woman Transforms Ambulance into a Mobile Home, Captures Journey on Instagram**
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Samantha Houle, a 32-year-old customer success manager based in Wisconsin, has gained a significant following on Instagram, where she shares insights into her unconventional lifestyle living in a fully converted ambulance. The account, @somewhere_in_between_, boasts over 145,000 followers who enjoy following her travels between campsites and visits to friends.
The inspiration for Houle’s unique living situation began approximately four years ago when she and her father decided to embark on a project that would eventually lead to the transformation of a vehicle into a livable space. Initially, Houle was looking at more typical options like minivans and standard vans. However, it was a serendipitous find on Facebook Marketplace that shifted her focus to an ambulance located just a mile from her home. “When I saw it, I thought this would be a really cool project,” Houle recounted, leading her to purchase the vehicle the very next day.
Once the ambulance was in her possession, Houle partnered with her father, who has a knack for building and remodeling. Together, they began the daunting task of completely gutting the vehicle, which was equipped with all the standard fittings of a functioning ambulance, including a gurney. Their schedule was tight, as Houle was working two jobs while they dedicated their weekends and evenings to the project.
Houle recalls the conversion process as an intensive effort, especially when it came to electrical work. “We ended up filling multiple boxes with wires; it was overwhelming,” she explained. Additionally, the overall cost of the project reached nearly £25,000, which included the purchase of the ambulance for £6,000, approximately £2,500 for the electrical setup, and over £9,000 for renovations and necessary supplies like insulation and flooring.
“While we completed all the labour ourselves, which saved significantly on costs, I had to be cautious about my spending,” she revealed. Despite this attention to budget, Houle was adamant about not compromising on certain essentials, including a propane stove and a refrigerator. She wanted to ensure that her new mobile home had capabilities she could rely on.
However, the journey has not been purely smooth sailing. Houle has discovered that unexpected expenses frequently arise due to the custom nature of the ambulance. “Nothing in the ambulance is standard size, which means sourcing parts can be a challenge. For instance, if a door handle breaks, I have to order a replacement specifically designed for ambulances, which can be quite pricey,” she noted.
Although Houle admits that managing finances while living in the ambulance could be improved, she finds immense value in the flexibility it offers her lifestyle. “I think staying in one location for a bit longer does help with saving,” she said, adding that she balances her travels with a stable remote job, providing a base from which she can operate her work.
During her travels, which often see her parked in friends’ backyards or at campsites, she enjoys the freedom to explore different locations. Last summer, she embarked on an adventure along the West Coast with her dad, visiting some of the region’s most stunning national parks, including Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton.
Though some aspects of van life can be challenging—especially during harsh winter months—Houle has equipped the ambulance to be sufficiently comfortable for extended living. “We’ve set it up in a way that allows for full-time living, but you can’t beat nice weather,” she remarked, indicating her preference for summer travel.
Accompanying her on these adventures is her beloved golden retriever, Luna. “She brings wonderful companionship,” Houle commented, revealing that despite a shared love of exploration, Luna does tend to appear bored when they’re not travelling.
Houle relishes the freedom that her lifestyle affords her, enabling impromptu trips and the ability to connect with nature. “My childhood family didn’t camp much, but now, I appreciate the convenience of having my setup ready to go when I meet friends,” she said, elaborating on how her mobile home allows her comfortable living while enjoying the great outdoors.
Moreover, Houle’s experience with her ambulance has been so rewarding that it has sparked playful thoughts of taking on another conversion project in the future. “Whenever I see another ambulance, I jokingly think about doing it all over again. It has been an incredible journey,” she concluded, describing her life as an adventure full of flexibility, companionship, and the joy of cooking delicious meals with her mobile kitchen.
With her engaging posts and remarkable story, Samantha Houle continues to inspire her followers, perhaps encouraging others to consider life on the road as not just a possibility, but also a fulfilling lifestyle choice.