Paradise Is This Ojai Hotel Made Up Of Retrofitted Airstreams

By  Kristine Hansen
airstream trailer at caravan outpost Dena DePompa

When an apparel designer and a former professional snowboarder team up on a hotel project, you know it's going to be good.

Folding their own love for adventure and travel into Caravan Outpost — a collection of 10 retrofitted Airstream trailers (and one tiny home) in Ojai, California — husband-and-wife team Brad and Shawn Steward began welcoming guests in 2016. The nomadic couple have spent time in France; Portland, Oregon; and Geneva and all those places inspired the decor, which has a rustic vintage-meets-global decor vibe. (Think: Edison bulbs, Mexican blankets, a rusty pickup truck.) "We kind of use the Outpost as a depository for all of those places," says Brad, who founded Bonfire Snowboarding, which manufactures snowboarding outerwear.

While Caravan Outpost welcomes guests from around the world, it attracts a large crew of creatives — filmmakers, writers, actors — from the L.A. area. (One guest reported that Bradley Cooper arrived at the fire pit one night and hung out with guests.)

"It's a real down home, local feel to Ojai," says Brad. "We definitely have customers come in and say this feels very bohemian and eclectic."

caravan outpost exterior Topher Delancy

1. Exterior

A retail store inside a repurposed barn-like structure is distressed in all the right ways. The aqua bikes are available for rent.

2. Exterior

caravan outpost in ojaiDena DePompa

Palm trees and lush foliage all around make the atmosphere feel intimate. Creating a sign out of metal lends an artistic vibe while the painted water tower is also a creative nod.

3. Room

guest room at caravan outpostDena DePompa

Incorporating white hues whenever possible helps brighten up the interior of each Airstream trailer. Furnishings are minimal and tapestries are woven with brightly colored and patterned textiles.

4. Lounge

lounge at caravan outpostMariana Schulze

In the lounge you'll find exposed ceiling beams, Edison bulbs, and lots of rustic touches. The casual leather couches feel lived-in, as if you're in someone's home.

5. Shop

gift shop at caravan outpostDena DePompa

The shop sells eclectic goods — boho pillows, raffia slippers, vintage Stetson hats, even (for quite a pretty penny), handmade teepees.

6. Grounds

truck at caravan outpostDena DePompa

This well-loved truck parked on the grounds represents Caravan Outpost's love for historic objects and also alludes to the fun of road trips.

7. Grounds

caravan outpostDena DePompa

Mexican blankets draped over simple wooden chairs help stave off a chill on cold nights.

8. Grounds

hammocks at caravan outpost with airstream trailerCaravan Outpost

Hammocks and Acapulco chairs encourage guests to relax outside their trailers and mingle with other guests.

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