Many people like trailers, but Matthew Hofmann, owner of Hofmann Architecture, more than just likes them, he has made them a lifestyle.
“It’s the freedom from stuff,” he said of living permanently in his updated 1973 Airstream in park in Santa Barbara, CA. “When I buy something [now] I don’t think 'can I afford it?,’ I think 'can I store it?’ ”
Matthew certainly isn’t alone. Airstream addiction almost seems air born and many people have caught the bug, especially in the tiny house community, opting to live in a mobile American icon rather than a traditional American home.
“The reason that I’m fascinated with Airstreams is simple,” he said. “They’re an 80-year-old company, they’ve stood the test of time, and there’s a reason for that — they’re well built.”
So well built that countless others are also revamping old Airstreams, and moving entire families into a vessel that was originally intended, when the company launched in 1932, as an affordable vacation home on wheels.
Matthew bought his first 31-foot-long, 125-square-foot Airstream for $3,000 and enjoyed converting it so much that he now owns multiple refurbished Airstream trailers that he rents out. Plus he started his own design firm dedicated to restoring this American classic. And to think, it all started with this one trailer…
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Matthew Hofmann bought this 1973 Airstream for $3,000.
The interior looked exactly the same as it did in when it came off the assembly line in the Ohio factory where all Airstream trailers are made.
He gutted the entire trailer for the renovation, but he did keep some of the original design aspects.
His goal was to mix the old with the new while refurbishing this 31-foot-long, 125-square-foot aluminum wonderland. He created four rooms for the Airstream, including an outdoor terrace with an awning, so he could enjoy California sunsets.
The new interior design is made to feel like a residence. “It’s not something you typically find in a trailer,” said Matthew.
Matthew kept a few old design elements, like the overhead cabinets from the '60s, but added Brazilian koa floors, a built-in couch and dining area, a cozy bedroom, and a completely electric kitchen.
The full bathroom includes this beautiful glass vessel style sink but also has a shower, toilet, and a large claw-foot tub.
Yet, that's not all this smart little trailer has going for it! It still has some amazing tricks up its sleeves, like what Matthew can do with his self-built couch.
To see this Airstream trailer in its full glory, watch the video below. I did and I was surprised!
Please SHARE if you love trailers, mobile homes, and the tiny house lifestyle!
