A couple from Bedfordshire have revealed how a simple desire for a more comfortable camping trip has transformed into a lucrative side hustle, generating a staggering £135,000 in annual turnover from renting out their motorhomes.
From a £100 Tent to a Six-Figure Business
Melissa Matthews, 42, and her husband Neville, 49, from Wixams in Bedfordshire, say the venture has been so successful it enabled them to purchase a £210,000 holiday let. Their journey began in July 2020 with a £100 tent bought on Facebook for a family trip to Norfolk.
"We had a great time camping but by the end, we were physically exhausted," Melissa explained. "It was very warm, the campsite was loud, and the dogs were constantly disturbed." She recalled warm drinks and uncomfortable air beds, sparking the idea for a better solution.
"I thought how cool it would be to have all the benefits of campsites but then closing the door and hopping into a comfy bed, with your own hot shower and toilet," she said. This led to their first motorhome purchase, with the initial plan to hire it out and sell it if the idea failed.
A Family Affair: The Work Behind the Income
The business is very much a family effort. Melissa handles all cleaning and marketing, dedicating evenings and weekends during the busy summer season. Her daughter assists with ironing, while Neville manages all maintenance and repairs. Specialist work, such as gas safety checks, is outsourced.
"We work our arses off from March to October, and then use the homes ourselves in the off-season," Melissa said, noting a recent trip around Scotland's West Coast. Crucially, they both maintain their full-time paid jobs, which allows them to continually reinvest profits back into the business.
Expansion Plans and Future Goals
This strategy of reinvestment is fuelling significant growth. The couple, who started with a single vehicle, are now planning to expand their fleet to seven motorhomes for the 2026 season.
Melissa emphasised the benefits of treating it as a secondary income. "Although we work hard on it, it’s not our main income so we can be more relaxed. Plus we can use the motorhomes and the holiday home ourselves too," she added.
Their story highlights a potent model for generating substantial extra income alongside a salary, turning a personal asset into a thriving business that funds major lifestyle investments.
