A bus turned hotel means vintage fun for two children of the '60s

Bohemian Bus Beautiful represents a delightful retro-inspired alternative to traditional hotels and hostelries.

CONVERTED BUS PROVIDES ARTISTIC GET-AWAY FOR CHILDREN OF THE WOODSTOCK ERA

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

The grounds reflect More's artistic bent and world travels.

YOU'LL BE happily falling down the Rabbit Hole if you venture into Bohemian Bus Beautiful.
Proprietor and designer Blake More wants you to remember her unique home -- and you will.

The interior of Bohemian Bus Beautiful is welcoming to humans -- and
small-dog friendly.  Here, Nora eyes the camera in the comfy digs.

WORLD TRAVELER, artist, poet, More hadn't planned to stay long in her spread near Point Arena, Calif.  When she moved to Mendocino County 22 years ago, she figured she'd last about three years "before I got the urge to pick up and fling myself elsewhere."
The imaginative bus remodeling project took place between More's yoga teaching, school workshops (she collaborates with musicians to encourage young students' creativity), and her inspired artwork which includes collage, tile work, painting, sculpture, sewing, needle art and floral arranging.
Every corner of the property reflects her artistry -- from the gorgeously appointed Malibu Shower complete with tile, plants and a half-dozen choices of soaps and lotions.
Her nature-inspired off-grid property is a mile-plus inland from the Pacific Ocean on California's famed Highway 1, in the woodlands of beautiful southern Mendocino County,
oet, performer, artist, teacher and yoga practitioner. I love to garden, swim, hike, dance and travel (I

The artist's life of travel and residency in
every continent is reflected in her artwork.

have been on every continent)!
Each inch of the reconfigured school bus-guest house enlightens and enlarges the guest's perspective. Her wall collages, tables, trunks and lamp shades reflect her travels and life in Cuba, Japan, Amsterdam and the Bay Area.
More's immense talent in the visual arts mixes mediums seldom juxtaposed and combined.  She does both those with a unique flair.
Another imaginative enterprise
BOTH OUTSIDE the bus and around the grounds, guests are free to admire and use outdoor bath tubs (his and hers), artful mobiles and lighting, creative furniture, rock art.  Inside, the kitchen counter boasts a spectacular abalone design, mixed beautifully with a smooth finish.  Light-switch plates are collages.  Wood, plastic and metal all mix, merge and complement.

The bathroom offers
creative wall art and
abundant reading choices.

Blake's beautiful abalone
inlay work graces the
bnb's kitchen counter.

The property is secluded and sunny, surrounded by organic gardens and mature trees, native flowers and bushes.  Inside, a small, tidy kitchen has everything one needs to cook a pleasant
meal, with several of the windows screened to accommodate evening breezes. The queen bed is comfortable and pillows abound, for propping up for a late-night read. Cooler nights and crisp mornings are warmed by a cozy wood stove.

 Cookie and Keller relax at Bohemian Bus Beautiful.

Another artist's vision
 WE FOUND ourselves fascinated from the beginning of our three-day stay to the end.  There is such an abundance of creativity, detail and inspiration that one needs to spend at least a couple days to fully appreciate it.
 Even the bathroom, a short stroll from the bus, is inspired. "Comfy, creative, welcoming" describe the spirit of Bohemian Bus Beautiful.
And, important news for us, the bnb is small-dog friendly.  Just let Blake know in the initial negotiations.  Rates are reasonable and longer stays result in a price break.

airbnb.com; californiaoneway.com › bohemian-bus

The architecture of the Mayan classical period is described
by a guide at the historic site of Iximche. 

UP NEXT: Guatemala. Come explore the ruins of the Mayan people in the remote villages of Guatemala. We visit archeological sites including Iximche, for a look at a remarkable historical lrgacy left by indigenous people.
Come with us, remembering to explore, learn and live and catch us Fridays for a fresh look at travel, the arts, nature, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com.