Pemberton has been a major manufacturer of holiday homes for over 60 years, so they must be doing something right. The company’s latest range includes the two bedroom Brompton, a 42ft x 13ft single unit static caravan built on a pre-galvanised, twin axle chassis. Customers have a choice of external cladding in Canexel, vinyl, aluminium and timber, all with a pitched roof clad in pantile-effect Plastisol coated galvanised steel. Other standard features include PVC-U double glazing, gas combi central heating with thermostatic radiator valves, and low energy lighting.

There are three entrances into the home: via the front door which leads into a hallway; via French doors in the end wall of the lounge; or via a sliding patio door in the dining area. On entering the hallway via the front door you turn left through a doorway into the kitchen and dining area.

Beyond them, and separated from them by a pair of sliding doors, is the lounge. This comes complete with a sofa bed and two armchairs, plus a number of attractive display cabinets. The fireplace with a remote controlled flame effect electric fire is situated on the home’s front wall. Above the fireplace is a TV point.

We felt that the fact that the lounge was separated from the kitchen and dining area by the pair of sliding doors helped create a real feeling of cosiness whilst at the same time the room is bright and airy thanks to the vaulted ceiling, French doors and window units in the end, front and rear walls.

The kitchen is L shaped with the sink unit running along the home’s back wall. In the base of the sink unit, customers have the option of a compact dishwasher, washer dryer or a washing machine in preference to cupboard storage.

Turning through 90 degrees brings you to more base units and a built-in oven and four burner hob, above which is a curved glass fume extractor. Somewhat disappointingly in our opinion, the wall between the hob and extractor has not been tiled, there being only a low height splashback. What concerned us was the textured wall paper which we felt could be affected by the cooking fumes and steam.

We were impressed however, by the inclusion of an under counter fridge, an integrated microwave, and a large Velux style rooflight in the ceiling, all as standard features. Adjacent to the kitchen area is the dining area which has a glass topped table with cross timber legs and four padded back chairs.

Walking though the door from the kitchen back into the hallway brings you to the home’s night time accommodation. The first door on the left is the second bedroom which has two divan beds – a sofa bed is an option – each with a padded headboard. Below the window between the beds is a bedside cabinet whilst above each bed is a wall cupboard with a reading light in its base.

Opposite the foot of the bed on the left-hand side of the doorway is a wardrobe unit comprising two single wardrobes separated by three drawers and three shelves, whilst on the other side of the doorway is a dressing table and padded seats. On the wall above the dressing table is a large framed mirror and above that, a cupboard unit with two downlights mounted on its underside. It isn’t often that we consider the second bedroom in a home as a main feature but the Brompton is the exception which proves the rule.

The main bedroom is next to the second bedroom further down the hallway. It has a 5ft divan bed with a huge padded headboard. Either side of the bed is a bedside cabinet and a very attractive reading light. On the left, opposite the foot of the bed, is a double wardrobe unit with four framed mirror doors. Next is the door to the en suite, and then a dressing table and chair. In the dressing table are two drawers, and above it, a large mirror, whilst above the mirror is a unit comprising two cupboards and shelves with two downlights mounted on its underside.

In the en suite is a large rectangular shower cubicle, a circular washbasin on top of an open vanity unit and a low level toilet. Above the washbasin is a cabinet and mirror. Basically, the en suite configuration is repeated in the home’s shower room which is situated next to the main bedroom at the end of the hallway, the exception being that the vanity unit here has doors.

The Brompton comes with Pemberton’s three year warranty as standard – subject of course, to certain terms and conditions. But it is a holiday home which we believe will give its owners many years of comfortable living.

Ex works price: £53,993

Please note: Additional charges will be made by Park Operators and/or Distributors for transportation, commissioning, siting and annual maintenance. These charges will vary dependent on a number of factors including geographical location of your chosen park. Please confirm total costs with your chosen park before completing your order.

For further information:

Pemberton Leisure Homes, Woodhouse Lane, Wigan, Lancs., WN6 7NF.
Tel: 01942 321221. Fax: 01942 234150.
Email: info@pembertonlh.co.uk  
Website: http://www.pembertonlh.co.uk/

ABI has added three new models to its  range for 2012. Called Beachcomber, and slotting into ABI’s mid-price range, the new static caravans comes in three sizes, 32ft x 12ft, 36ft x 12ft and 38ft x 12ft, this latter one being a three bedroom version. The static caravan reviewed here is the two bedroom 36ft x 12ft model.

Externally the static caravan has a painted chassis with a pre-galvanised one as an option, aluminium cladding, steel pantile pitched roof, and domestic type gutters and downpipes. Other options include extra insulation, uPVC double glazing, central heating and a French patio door in the end wall of the lounge.

The main entrance to the static caravan is about halfway along the main elevation and leads directly into the main daytime area. As you enter you are in the kitchen/dining area. Immediately to the right of the doorway is a large built-in fridge/freezer whilst to the left is the dining table and four chairs. Next to the fridge/freezer is a tall cupboard followed by the doorway to the static caravan’s bedrooms.

The kitchen faces the entrance with the sink unit containing a stainless steel sink on the static caravan’s back wall. To the right as you walk into the kitchen is a base unit followed by a twin gas oven with electronic ignition. Above the oven is a stainless steel extractor fan either side of which are wall cupboards whilst opposite is a long base unit with a cantilevered unit of three cupboards and shelves projecting from the back wall and supported at the outer end by a circular column done onto the top of the base unit.

Adjoining the kitchen and dining areas is the lounge area. This has L shaped seating fitted at the rear of the kitchen base unit and down the static caravan’s back wall. An occasional pull-out sofa bed forms part of the seating. Facing the seating, on the opposite wall, is a display unit in which an electric fire has been built. There is a TV point and storage for DVDs etc. The lighting throughout the areas mainly consists of downlights with one pendant above the dining table.

As you walk down the corridor from the kitchen, the first door on the right is the shower room. The shower is rectangular in shape and has sliding doors. To the left, is a pedestal washbasin with a mirror above it, followed by the low level toilet. There is a small cupboard for toiletry storage. However, we were disappointed to note that an extractor fan in the outside wall of the static caravan is an optional extra.

The second bedroom is opposite the shower room and has two divan beds with a single bedside cabinet between them. Behind the beds, the padded headboards run up the wall to two pairs of cupboards separated by a shelf, whilst at the bottom of the bed on the outside wall is a small wardrobe with two drawers in its base. Adjacent to the wardrobe and entry door is a small shelf with a mirror mounted on a panel above it.

The main bedroom spans the full width at the end of the static caravan. It has a double bed with lift-up storage. The padded headboard theme is continued here terminating in a row of eight cupboards spanning the width above the bed. Either side of the bed is a wall panel with a mirror mounted on it and a bedside cabinet below. To the left of the bed, on the party wall with the second bedroom, is a dressing table and circular stool. The dressing table has a shelf to the right of the kneehole and a drawer and a cupboard to the left, whilst on the wall above, is a mirror mounted on a panel similar to the one in the second bedroom.

Opposite the foot of the bed are two large wardrobes with framed mirror doors separated by a two door base unit. There is further clothes storage two drawers in the base of each wardrobe. A TV point has been installed on the wall above the cupboard between the wardrobes.

To the right of the wardrobe unit is the en suite toilet. Although small, we were impressed by the fact that it had a pedestal washbasin and a cupboard for toiletry storage in addition to the low level toilet, making it one of the best features in the Beachcomber.

Ex works price: £28,151.38

Please note: Additional charges will be made by Park Operators and/or Distributors for transportation, commissioning, siting and annual maintenance. These charges will vary dependent on a number of factors including geographical location of your chosen park. Please confirm total costs with your chosen park before completing your order.

For further information:

ABI (UK) Ltd.,
Swinemoor Lane, Beverley,
E. Yorks.,
HU17 0LJ.

Tel: 01482 678000.
Fax: 01482 887009.

Email: info@abiuk.co.uk
Website: www.abiuk.co.uk

The Homeseeker Park and Leisure Homes Olympia Silver Single unit is well named for 2012 and is one of the company’s Signature range of models.

The side entrance door leads into a hallway with the open plan living area to the left and the two bedrooms to the right. We liked the size of the open plan kitchen/living area; it looks bigger than 14 ft wide but the horizontally striped feature wallpaper obviously helped create that illusion and the corner sofa created a big floor space and large feature French doors and glazing to the front aspect allowed the light to flow in. The décor scheme was lovely yellow, buttermilk cream, charcoal and black and it harmonised well. We liked the breakfast bar, perfect for just the two of you, but the black glass table with four faux leather chairs would suit the bill for more formal dining.

The light reflected off the gloss finish kitchen cupboards fitted with black base units and cream eye level cupboards but most of the storage space is below the worktops. If I had a criticism I would say that I think the kitchen is short on mains electric sockets in the right place; I saw only two double sockets. A dishwasher, oven, four burner gas hob, extractor fan and fridge freezer are standard equipment.

Both the bedrooms feature sliding mirror door wardrobes and capacious is how I’d describe the wardrobe in the master bedroom. The feature wall highlights the luxury padded headboard in the master bedroom and complements the plush looking stripy black and cream curtains.

Jack and Jill doors lead to the spacious bathroom with an over bath shower with a fixed shower screen. The huge mirror might be overkill for some people and I would have preferred to see more storage space and a shaver socket.

The second bedroom has room for decent sized twin beds, each with a padded headboard. A hall cupboard houses the hot water and heating boiler.

Included throughout is a luxury furniture pack, designer light fittings, upgraded kitchen units, integrated Electrolux kitchen appliances and luxury designer curtain fabric. Potential owners can stamp their individuality on it with for example a couple of Velux roof lights, or a wall tile upgrade.

With it’s dormer over the side entrance and a feature gable to the roof, even the exterior has a degree of pizzazz.

Specification

• Size 40 x14 single unit
• Vaulted ceiling with plaster coving

Verdict

Certainly deserving of an Olympic silver medal, it’s a model that the company can put its signature to with pride. A bronze pack and a Gold upgrade are available.

For more information:

www.homeseekerhomes.co.uk

This particular Carnaby Essence two bedroom static caravan was awarded the title of Caravan Holiday Home of the Year 2012 at the Lawns Show in September 2011. And justifiably too in our opinion, in view of its specification and the host of appliances included as standard, which in similar sized caravans would have been classed as extras.

Overall the Essence measures 40ft x 13ft and is built to holiday caravan standard EN 1647. It comes with a fully galvanised twin axle chassis, UPVC double glazing, extra thick insulation, and wet central heating. Externally, the windows and doorframe, soffits and rainwater fittings are graphite grey, contrasting with the cream cladding of the walls. Additionally, the end wall of the lounge has a pair of French doors as standard.

The front door leads into a hallway with the second bedroom directly opposite the door, and the main bedroom to the right. To the left is the kitchen and dining areas followed by the lounge which takes up approximately 25 per cent of the overall floor space of the Essence.

The lounge is separated from the dining and kitchen areas by sliding door with the focal point of the room being an electric fire mounted in a very attractive surround on the caravan’s back wall. Adjoining the fireplace is an arrangement of wall and floor display cabinets incorporating TV and audio controls, the latter enabling sound to be piped throughout the caravan via speakers mounted in the vaulted ceiling. Furniture comprises two arm chairs and a two seat sofa occasional bed.

In the wall separating the lounge from the dining area is a window unit providing a good degree of borrowed light to the dining area, in addition to that provided by the window unit in the caravan’s outer wall. A circular table and four slatted back chairs are standard to the dining area.

Opposite is the kitchen which has to be one of the caravan’s best features since in addition to the appliances which are always included as standard – sink unit, cooker, fume extractor – this caravan comes complete with a fridge, freezer, microwave and dishwasher.

There are plenty of wall and floor cupboards, not to mention working top surfaces, and power sockets; and it is also worth mentioning that a Velux rooflight has been fitted in the ceiling.

The first door along the hallway from the kitchen is that to the second bedroom which has two divan beds separated by a small bedside cabinet. At the bottom of the left-hand bed as you enter the room is a dressing table unit which comes complete with a small cupboard to the left of the kneehole, and a large mirror above dressing table top. We were especially pleased to note that a light had been fitted behind the pelmet at the top of the unit – something which we have noticed is often lacking in static caravans.

At the bottom of the right-hand bed, facing the dressing table, is a double wardrobe with two large drawers in its base plus a cutaway shelf and a TV point. We have no doubt the inclusion of a double wardrobe in the room was something which found favour with the judges who voted the Essence the caravan holiday caravan of 2012.

Further down the hallway is the main bedroom. Above the double bed are three large cupboards and at either side of it are two display units with glass shelves and bedside cabinets. Above the wall cupboards is concealed light, whilst above the padded headboard bed is a single reading light.

Opposite the foot of the bed is a small dressing table and framed mirror, next to which is the door leading to a walk-in wardrobe equipped with hanging rails, drawers and shelves. Finally, next to the wardrobe is a small en suite toilet housing a rectangular ceramic washbasin and a low level WC. The washbasin has been built into a vanity unit above which is a rectangular mirror.

Adjoining the main bedroom is the caravan’s bathroom which has a P shaped bath with a shower head above the taps and a glass shower screen. Here, the washbasin has been mounted on a vanity unit above which are shelves and a mirror whilst a low level WC has been mounted on the outside wall below the obscure glazed window.

Verdict

The Carnaby Essence is a mid-range priced static caravan which we believe thoroughly deserved its award. We also believe that potential buyers will agree with the judges’ choice.

Carnaby Contact Details

Carnaby Caravans Ltd., Lancaster Road, Carnaby Industrial Estate, Bridlington, Yorks., YO15 3QY.
Tel: 01262 679971. Fax: 01262 670315.
Email: info@carnabycaravans.com  
Website: www.carnabycaravans.com

The 2012 Swift Bordeaux range of static caravans has been one of the company’s most popular ranges since it was introduced some years ago. It comprises four models starting with the 33ft x 12ft two bedroom caravan, followed by the 35ft x 12ft and 38ft x 12ft two bedroom versions, and finally, the 38ft x 12ft three bedroom caravan. The model we’re reviewing this month is the 38ft x 12ft two bedroom caravan which had the optional ‘Aspect’ patio doors for an additional £495 ex works, in the end wall of the lounge.

The caravan is a single unit with a pitched coated steel pantile roof. Importantly, the chassis is the company’s Fusion chassis which comes with a ‘Zinphos’ painted finish carrying a three year guarantee. This we believe is perfectly satisfactory if the caravan is to be sited inland, but if a beachside location is chosen we would opt for the fully galvanised version which carries a 10 years warranty. Woodgrain textured aluminium cladding is standard with no other option being available, whilst the uPVC windows are single glazed with double glazing and central heating both being two more options.

The lounge takes up about 25 per cent of the floor space of the caravan with standard furniture being a three seat sofa bed and a two seater sofa plus a freestanding coffee table, and a corner unit with TV point. The caravan’s gas fire is mounted on a panel which projects from the back wall. Above the fire is a small alcove suitable for displaying objets d’art, and above that a large framed mirror.

Between the three seat sofa bed and the entrance is the dining area which comes complete with a table and four chairs.

Facing the dining area and the entrance, is the U shaped kitchen. This is reasonably well equipped with a cooker and hob, above which is a stainless steel recirculating fume extractor incorporating a charcoal filter. None of the walls have been tiled but there is a partial splashback behind the hob. There is also room for a microwave and, adjacent to the entrance, space for a tall fridge/freezer. There is also a good number of floor and wall cupboards for storing utensils, crockery and cutlery whilst lighting comprises a circular light bar with three downlights. Lighting in the lounge is from a triple pendant unit and in the dining area from a single pendant above the dining table.

From the kitchen a door leads into a corridor and the shower and bedrooms. In addition to a large shower cubicle and thermostatic shower, the shower room comes complete with a low level toilet and a pedestal washbasin above which is a unit containing shelves and two cabinets for toiletries, the one above the washbasin having a mirror door.

Sadly there is no extractor which we considered to be a major omission in such a small room. There is an opening window but we still feel that an extractor would be preferable for getting rid of the steam from the shower.

Across the hallway from the shower room is the second bedroom which has two single beds with a common headboard, plus a bedside cabinet. Above the headboard is a single wall mounted bedside light and above it two cabinets separated by a shelf. At the foot of the bed on the outside wall is a small wardrobe which also houses the caravan’s consumer unit. We mention this because we were pleased to note that it has been fitted at a height where the various circuit breakers can be reached without the need of a pair of steps. On the wall opposite the beds – adjacent to the wardrobe – is a framed mirror with a 13 amp socket and narrow shelf below it.

Without doubt, in our opinion, the main bedroom at the end of the home is by far, its best feature. It has a double bed with gas strut assisted storage below, two bedside cabinets, plus two cupboards and a shelf above it. To the left of the bed is a large wardrobe whilst opposite its foot is a dressing table which we are sure will prove extremely popular with lady owners.

It has a large 90 degree angled working top with a cupboard and three drawers below it. Above the working top is an open wall unit with shelves and a large rectangular mirror. To the side of the drawers is a further wardrobe, and in the corner next to it, the bedroom’s toilet en suite containing a pedestal washbasin and the toilet.

Verdict

The Swift Bordeaux isn’t going to set the world of holiday statics alight but it does, in our opinion, offer very good value for money.

For further information: Swift Group Ltd., Dunswell Road, Cottingham, E. Yorks., HU16 4JX. Tel: 01482 847332. Fax: 01482 841042. Email: enquiry@swiftgroup.co.uk Web: www.swiftholidayhomes.co.uk