"Gypsy" caravans make a comeback as micro-homes

[icymist]

This caravan, called a "mutant Gypsy wagon" by photographer Jennifer Morrow, showed up at the annual Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert region of Nevada last year.

While many antique vardos now belong to museums and collections across the pond, new and innovative designs for handmade micro-homes-on-wheels are being created now. Builders like Tolpin are confident the caravanning tradition will continue for future generations.

"[The look of caravans] is increasingly diverse," he said. "The wagons we picture historically were just one point in time -- part of English and Irish culture. There's much more geographic and cultural diversity now."

He continued, "I think the tradition's going to be preserved as more and more young people get attracted to the small house movement. ... [Caravans are] low-cost and self-built; I think that's the main focus. Some people really want to travel and be a part of that, but a lot of people want to build their own shelter."
http://www.cbsnews.com/media/gypsy-caravans-make-a-big-comeback-as-micro-homes/10/