A 17-year-old from Shropshire has been praised for his “amazing work and initiative” after building his first home out of a lorry. Shaun converted a disused refrigerated lorry trailer into a living space on his parents’ farm, spending just £3,532 in total.
From £500 lorry to a full home
Shaun appeared on a spin-off of George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, which follows first-time buyers as they transform their homes. He paid £500 for the lorry and completed all the work himself, apart from the painting, which he did with his mum.
The finished home includes a living space with doors that open out, a dining area, a modern kitchen, a decent-sized bedroom, and a bathroom with a bath. Shaun explained his goal: “The goal of my house is so I don’t have to live with my parents anymore.”
Under budget and under the average house price
Instead of the £232,000 average first-time buyers’ house price in Shropshire, Shaun transformed the lorry for under his £5,000 budget. His mum said: “He’s taken the project very seriously, he wants to do it right. But because he’s acquired a lot of the stuff, he’s got to go with what he’s got. But at the same time he wants perfection.”
George Clarke was blown away by the total cost. He told Shaun: “I’m over the moon for you. It’s fantastic.” He added: “That is astonishing. You’ve built an entire house and you haven’t even spent your £5,000 budget. That is staggering.”
Viewers react
Viewers were stunned by Shaun’s achievement. One wrote: “Amazing work and initiative.” Another said: “Loved this episode - well done, Shaun!” Someone else commented: “Doing this all by himself at 17 is outstanding. What a fantastically clever, dedicated and skilled young man he is!”
Another viewer wrote: “His potential is beyond words....when someone of his age can do something so creative, yet come in under budget is mind blowing. He is technically savvy, as well as financially savvy...what a combo!” Yet another added: “This is the type of person the world needs. What an incredible lad.”
George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces First Home is available to watch on Channel 4.
