Owner Awards 2025
New Owner of the Year
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Meet the UK's 2025 New Owner of the Year: Kelly Vipond from Devon
The 2025 Camplify Owner Awards celebrate the people who make our community brilliant – and this year's New Owner of the Year for the UK proves that passion, preparation, and a genuine love of campervan life can turn a side hustle into something truly special.
Kelly from Devon only started hiring out her Citroën Relay in July, but she's already become one of our standout owners – the kind who sends digital guides in advance, asks for feedback after every trip, and keeps the van cleaner than her own. Her hirers have explored Dartmoor, Exmoor, both Devon coasts, and slipped over into Cornwall – all within an hour of her doorstep.
"I didn't anticipate the emotional connection," Kelly admits. "The joy you're giving people when they bring it back and say what a wonderful time they've had – that's been a surprise."
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A side hustle that fits around family life
On how it all started...
"I'd been thinking about it for a few years," Kelly explains. "Then a Facebook ad for Camplify kept popping up and I thought, 'Yeah, maybe this is the right time.'"
With two children aged 12 and 15, Kelly wanted something that would fit around family life – a side income she could manage alongside her part-time job. The family had owned campervans for years, and her husband's a mechanic, so the experience was already there.
"It was something I loved, something I'd been thinking about for a while, and then it kind of all came together. I went for it."
The twist? Kelly bought the van specifically to hire out. The family keeps a separate 6-berth for their own adventures – they've been to Switzerland and Cornwall this year alone.
"I think that works really well," she says. "One for hiring, one for us. It means I'm always ready when someone wants to book."
The van: a home from home
Kelly's Citroën Relay is a self-build with character.
"It's got a seating area, which I've always loved – like a little lounge where you can have beautiful views. It feels like a home from home. Spacious inside, double bed lengthways, and it drives like a car. Most people get in and go, 'Oh yeah, I can drive this.'"
Perfect for first-time campervan hirers who might be nervous about something bigger.
And yes, dogs are welcome. Kelly's hosted everything from a chihuahua to a German Shepherd.
"I think that's one of the big selling points. People can bring their dogs. I just ask where the dog's going to sit and whether their bed will fit – most of them do."
Where the van has been
Based in the heart of Devon, Kelly's hirers have the South West at their feet.
"It's only an hour to get to Dartmoor, Exmoor, North Devon Coast, North Cornwall Coast, South Devon Coast. All our hirers have been to different places."
One hirer discovered a campsite near Hope Cove with stunning views – Kelly and her family have since visited it themselves.
"They all take photos of where they've been, so it's given us more options of where to go. I actually use their photos on my listing now – they're my best ones."
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For route inspiration, check out our guides to Devon campervan sites or Cornwall road trips.
Kelly's approach: preparation meets hospitality
What makes Kelly stand out isn't just her van – it's how she looks after the people in it.
On getting ready for each hire...
"I send them a digital guide before they arrive – how the cooker works, how the fridge works, all those things. Then there's a paper version in the campervan as well. Hopefully all the information is there, and they know they can phone me with any questions."
She also asks about pets in advance ("Where's the dog going to sit? Will their bed fit?") and makes sure the van is spotless.
"I give it a vacuum, a steam on the floor, make sure it's much cleaner than our own van. First impressions are really important – this is the start of someone's holiday."
Her husband handles the mechanical and electrical checks. Between the two of them, every base is covered.
On asking for feedback...
"I ask the hirers: is there anything else I could be doing? Is there anything else you need? You just learn with every hire and add in little bits."
Top tips for new owners
Kelly's advice for anyone thinking of listing their van:
Get it right at the start...
"It's a bit front-loaded – getting the listing right, the information, the terms. I phoned Alan so many times with every question. It was a bit of a joke by the end. But once I'd got it all sorted, I went a bit quieter."
Worth it, though. All that preparation meant her hires have gone smoothly from the start.
Use your hirers' photos...
"All the hirers were really happy to take photos of the van where they were – and they're my best photos on the listing now. That would be my tip."
Send information twice...
"I send them a guide digitally before, and there's a paper version in the van. People forget what you told them at handover. Three hours later, when they're trying to get something working, it's good to have it written down."
The best bits
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On what surprised her...
"I didn't anticipate the emotional connection and the joy you're giving people. When they bring it back and say what a wonderful time they've had – I didn't think that would be so emotive. I'm just proud of the service I've been able to provide."
On repeat hirers...
"I've had people who used to have campervans but don't anymore – they're hiring to experience that again. And first-timers who've always thought about it but never done it. One of them loved it so much she's probably going to buy her own."
On why she loves campervan life...
"It's the freedom. You can park in places where the views would be from multi-million pound houses or really fancy hotels – and you've got the view. You wake up to panoramic sea views or countryside views. What other holiday gives you that unless you're really forking out for it?"
Kelly's local recommendations
With Devon on her doorstep, Kelly knows the area well:
Hope Cove: Amazing campsite with stunning views (discovered via a hirer's photos)
Dartmoor & Exmoor: Both within an hour – completely different landscapes
North Devon Coast vs South Devon Coast: "Completely different vibes – you can do both in a week"
North Cornwall: Pop over the border for even more variety
For destination ideas, explore our South-West England road trip guide or best UK campsites.
Hire Kelly's campervan
Whether you're a first-timer wanting to try the campervan life, a dog owner looking for a pet-friendly escape, or just after those panoramic Devon views – Kelly's Citroën Relay is ready.
Browse Kelly's listing and book your trip →
Collect from Devon and you're an hour from Dartmoor, Exmoor, or the coast in either direction.
Got a campervan you're not using? See how Kelly turned hers into a side hustle that fits around family life. List your vehicle on Camplify →
Meet all our 2025 UK Owner Award winners and discover more inspiring stories from our community. See all winners →