After spending my summer holidays on the NSW coast, soaking up the sun and atmosphere in Byron Bay and the central coast, I was reminded of my journal entry from a few years back; ‘Airstreams’ - and all their cool, sophisticated glory!
In 1931, Airstream began with Wally Byam’s dream: to build a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car and create first-class accommodations anywhere.
When it comes to Airstream trailers, I am totally smitten. I dream of the day that I own one myself. It could be a second home, an office or vehicle for luxury travel. It would be custom designed, new or old with a classic, refurbished interior and a gleaming, metallic shell. The shinier, the better.
Dreaming of your own polished aluminum quarters? Here are some classic midcentury examples that have been inventively restored and put to use as hotel rooms, guest houses, home offices, and in a few cases travel vehicles.
Above: A 1952 model renovated by a yacht interior designer functions as a hotel room at The Hotel Daniel in Vienna.
Above: One of many restored Airstreams seen on Vintage Seekers via Design Sponge.
Above: Landscape architect Andreas Stavropoulos transformed a 1959 Airstream trailer into a fully functioning office.
Above: The accommodations at Atlantic Byron Bay resort include this fully equipped Airstream imported from America.
Above: In Albany, California, just north of Berkeley, is Flowerland nursery with a trailer coffee shop featured on Gardenista.
Above: Vancouver's Le Marché St. George café and grocery crew often picnic and camp out of their 1969 Airstream Land Yacht.
Above: A 1965 Airstream Safari recast by Area 63 Productions and interior designer Caroline Brandesfor rent on her property in Big Sur, California.