A vardo (also wagon, living wagon, van, and caravan) is a traditional horse-drawn wagon used by British Romany Gypsies as their home. A vardo must have four wheels, with two being used for steering. The caravan is typically highly decorated, intricately carved, brightly painted, and even gilded.
The Romany Gypsy tradition of the vardo is seen as a cultural point of both artistic design and a masterpiece of woodcrafter’s art. Their heyday of the caravan lasted for roughly 70 years, from the mid-1800s through the first two decades of the twentieth century.
Rarely used for year-round living today, they are shown at the cultural gatherings held throughout the year, the best known of which is Appleby Horse Fair. It was not uncommon for families to sleep 12 people in and underneath a vardo such as this.
The vardos we have on site have all been taken to Appleby Horse Fair at one point in their history.
Kushti Vardos is an authentic Romany Gypsy heritage site and our Vardos truly reflect the living accommodations of their time. As such, these are not modern representations of Vardos that are commonly seen at events and sites around the UK.
The site is powered by solar energy sending 12v to each accommodation allowing phones to be charged and internal/ external switched lighting (and fridge in Romas). We have borehole water feeding into the shower block and flushing loos and a washing up area. Fresh drinking water will be delivered in 10 gallon containers as and when required each morning to every pitch.
We have 12v internal/external lighting but a reading torch maybe an idea for low level lighting when turning in.
Vardos
The Vardos have been kept in their original condition as much as possible and can comfortably sleep two medium sized adults (small double bed) whilst smaller children traditionally slept underneath, which of course you’re welcome to try. Some of the beds are extended into doubles simply by pulling on the extendable slats. Others are already fixed into place.
Please note: due to health and safety reasons the internal woodburners are not in use and are for demonstration purposes only.
Spacious enough for a separate small/medium tent which is included in the price (two adults and two children) . Each Vardo is slightly different in design as you will see from the accommodation page (here).
We have separate showers and flushing toilet within walking distance.
Each Vardo is equipped with a 12v phone charger and lighting, fire pit and cooking irons are also provided within the pitch. If you have any queries about our accommodation please feel free to call us on 01392 691661
