Hi!

We’re Jett and Dave, and together we live in our converted ex-NHS diabetes support vehicle, Martha, with our three dogs — Buster, Nipper, and Bob — plus our cat, Smudge. Together, we are Martha and the VanDwellers.

We left bricks and mortar behind in April 2019 to embrace full-time vanlife — and we’ve never looked back.

Meet Black Betty – Our Log Burner

Affectionately known as Betty to us VanDwellers — though others may know her as Lenny — we bought Betty from Little Burners at the start of 2019, before the Lenny brand officially launched.

Why did we choose her as our main heat source in Martha?
Well, honestly, why wouldn’t you? She’s perfect in every way: compact, easy to install, beautiful — and powerful. Despite her small size, Betty quickly transforms Martha into a tropical haven!

In vanlife, every item has to earn its keep. Betty doesn’t just heat — she cooks, shoe store, and even brews hot water for free when fired up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We later upgraded with a wraparound flue tank for hot water, complete with a brass tap. This gave us extra space on top for cooking — or just enjoying a lovely blue enamel kettle that now doubles as a wine warmer, poop bag holder, or even a flower vase!

With the right pan, Betty can do it all: hot chocolate, crumpets, camembert, and even jacket potatoes thanks to our handy cast iron gadget.

Picture this: You, cozy in your van on a chilly night, dogs snoring, cat purring, rain tapping softly on the roof, flames dancing in the burner, and a warm drink in hand. Bliss. Better than any diesel heater — and we know, we have one of those too.

Black Betty (aka Lenny) gets a massive thumbs up from Martha and the VanDwellers. We wouldn’t be without her!

 

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