Compact Camper Company
A rustic, cabin style van build with a small stove for a van
Together, Doug and Alex are the Compact Camper Company—on a mission to help others turn the smallest spaces into unforgettable adventures. Compact Camper Company create fully bespoke, made-to-measure campervan conversions, thoughtfully tailored to each client’s unique needs and style. Their minimalist, functional designs combine beauty with practicality—resulting in spaces that not only work seamlessly, but also reflect each customer’s personality and way of life. Doug is the man with the plan—and the vision—to transform compact vehicles into stylish, functional, and fun campers built for adventure.
With a background in the military, Doug later retrained as a Prosthetist and Orthotist, bringing a practical, problem-solving mindset to everything he does. Like many, the pandemic prompted a reassessment of direction. A challenge from Alex—to turn a tiny car into a camper—sparked a new passion. The result? Sheila the Agila: the world’s first Vauxhall Agila camper, complete with a double bed, hob, and cooler, built in 2021.
Post-lockdown, Sheila took them on the trip of a lifetime. Over 109 days, they covered 30,000 miles, crossed 3 continents and visited 41 countries—raising funds for two charities close to their hearts. As well as accidentally adopting a Moroccan street puppy along the way! The ultimate souvenir. After living in Sheila for a total of nine months, word got out, and requests started rolling in from others wanting their own tiny camper adventures. And so, the Compact Camper Company was born.
While Doug handles the builds, Alex—an NHS Occupational Therapist—brings her own creativity and energy to the mix. From managing operations behind the scenes to stitching fabric and styling interiors, she’s a big part of what makes the company tick.
Pictured is their latest full camper conversion—an ex-St John’s Ambulance turned into the ultimate off-grid rustic cabin on wheels. This van is packed with personality, warmth, and clever craftsmanship, using reclaimed and vintage materials throughout. The build includes:
🔥 A Hobbit SE wood-burning stove for a van for cozy, off-grid heating
🛁 A jam pan sink paired with a beautiful rechargeable tap from @the.little.vanporium
🛏️ Slide-out sofa/bed + hammock hooks (yep, the customer sleeps in a hammock!)
🌲 Herringbone ceiling made from salvaged timber
🧺 Vintage potato chitting tray drawers for storage with soul
🧳 Hidden and clever storage everywhere
Our small stove for a van fits perfectly and modestly into this small space. With our optional extras of the small stove heatshields and also applying heatshielding to any combustible walls, our small Hobbit Stove can fit into the smallest of spaces. Check out our other van case studies for campervan conversion interior ideas, and also our van flue kits! Follow the Compact Company here.
