Grace

1956 International

Text and photos: Sharkey

Once upon a time, high in the mountains above Santa Cruz, California, nested among the redwood trees, E.G. lived aboard his exquisite land-yacht, Grace. This converted and much-modified 1956 International school bus had been his portable home for more than twenty years, and allowed E.G. to live in some of the most beautiful remote settings the area has to offer, as well as being a comfortable home on the road when traveling.

Grace during a 1988 remodel

Inside Grace, warm woods and soft fabrics create an intimate environment. The closeness of the interior never seems threatening, and access to the upstairs extends a feeling of privacy. An antique hand pump serves water to the sink while a Wedgewood caboose stove warms the living space. Oriental carpets compliment the oak flooring. Unique solutions to storage include overhead compartments, a hanging locker (known as a "closet" to land-lubbers), custom drawer units under the couch and lift-up countertops concealing food bins below.

A view to the aft reveals the round-topped, hand-crafted Dutch door, leading to the rear deck. An oak ice box topped with a spice rack provides additional storage. Three gas burners allow preparation of meals without the need to build a fire in warmer weather. Upstairs is the sleeping loft, with a generous window opening to the deck. Grace reminds one of a turn of the century cabin, but there is nothing primitive about the electrical system. A solar powered battery system supports a 1200 watt DC to AC inverter to run modern kitchen appliances and a state of the art sound system.

Carpets spread to dry after a storm flooded the guest tent