The Search for the Right Horse Trailer to Become a Mobile Coffee Bar
Those who know me are well aware that I struggle severely with making decisions and I am very particular. These two things in mind, the hunt for the perfect trailer to become my mobile coffee bar was a challenging process.
Thanks to Pinterest, I had a fairly clear idea of the style of horse trailer (or horsebox for my British friends) that I wanted. After about two months of researching converted horse trailers, combing through online listings and Facebook Marketplace without any luck I was beginning to feel downhearted. There were many times that I found one I wanted, arranged to meet and see it and they were sold out from under me. Also, I discovered that the model I was looking for, though popular in the UK, were rare and vintage here in the US. Typical - I have the knack for picking the most rare, most expensive option in any scenario.
Finally, at the end of July, I found a listing for a different style, but the inside was already converted to an open work space, electrical outlets had been installed, there was minimal exterior repair needs and the price was too good to pass up.
After some hesitation (as it was far away and not the model I was looking for) I sent a message to set up a viewing. I mustered the courage but was disappointed once again to hear that someone was coming to view it the following morning - but the owner would let me know if they did not sell it. Having been through this rollercoaster of emotions many times, I was fully prepared that the trailer would sell and that my hunt would continue. It was to my great surprise when I received a message early the following morning that the trailer was still available if I wanted to still see it.
On July 21st, my parents and I took the drive up to Pennsylvania to get a better idea of the condition and how feasible my renovation ideas would be for this model. The whole two hours north I was so nervous I was making myself sick! Even though we were merely going to look and were under no obligation to make the purchase (after all, this was the first one I went to see in person), it did not help my nerves.
As we arrived, pulled up the long drive and turned the corner when I saw “Betsy” for the first time, I knew that I would buy her.
She had the barn windows on the back that I loved and looking inside at the blank canvas I could see the wisps of design outlines and the faint smell of coffee that would soon fill the air. With that first sight I saw this plan of mine become a reality. It was going to be a long road, but I was not going to regret embarking on this adventure. Ask anyone - when I put my mind to something, I do it! After getting further details on the condition, I made a deal and arranged plans to come pick her up the following week as the owner was still waiting to receive the updated title in their name through the post. One week later on July 27th, the soon to be Traveling Pheasant was officially mine with a notarized bill of sale in hand. Things just got real!
I was officially an entrepreneur and starting a business from the ground up. This trailer restoration was certainly going to be an adventure and I cannot wait to share the progress with you! Subscribe to our mailing list and follow the Pheasant’s journey from horse trailer to mobile coffee bar.
To coffee, adventures & successes,
Heather
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