The instantly impressive feature of the ABI Keswick static caravan is the amount of seating space. Both the lounge and dining seating form L-shapes – and both are fixed to the wall, meaning that there’s maximum floor space in both areas.
The Keswick is a new addition to the ABI range for 2022, positioned in the entry-level bracket of the company’s range of 12 holiday homes and two lodges.
ABI offers a number of optional extras for the Keswick. Among these are sliding doors at the front of the lounge, a built-in microwave and an integrated fridge-freezer.
Our review model, the 36ft x 12ft two-bedroom version, sited at Holgates’ Ribble Valley Holiday Park, in Lancashire has all of these extras.
Another key option is a freestanding dining table and chairs instead of the standard fixed seating. It’s nice to have the choice but we’d prefer the fixed seating, for its style and for the triangular shape of the table that makes the most of the floorspace.
Two cylindrical stools slide neatly under the table and, if you need another, there is one, by the main bedroom’s dressing table.
It’s obvious, then, that the ABI Keswick static caravan is designed for entertaining; it would be possible for six to sit around the table.
The ample sofa seating stretches the length of the lounge and around the corner to meet the sliding doors that lead to your decking; plenty of space for at least six people.
The lounge-dining area has a pleasing ambience; modern, with bold blue cushions and blue as the prominent colour in the curtains. This room has three traditional design touches. One is the tartan-inspired curtain fabric that creates a cosy, country look. Another is the classic-style pendant ceiling light, with three candle-shaped bulbs behind cylindrical shades. The third is the mirror above the fireplace; always a classic lounge tradition.
The log-effect fire is set into a dresser-style unit with shelves, and has a remote control from which you can select the temperature, plus timer and dimmer functions. Flickering flames always inject a warm, homely look and this ‘fire’ looks lovely.
Television space and connections sit atop the cabinet between the fireplace and the patio doors, there’s an aerial point here, plus four mains sockets.
The ABI Keswick kitchen is in a wrap-around configuration. Its four capacious cabinets will hide away more than you’d ever want in your holiday caravan kitchen. There’s a cabinet under the cutlery drawer; a huge, double-doored cabinet under the sink, and an enormous one that reaches from the edge of the kitchen to the wall. Plus, there are three wall cabinets. All of the units have soft-close hinge mechanisms.
The stainless-steel extractor has three-speed settings and an inbuilt light. The splashback to the hob is smart black glass.
Cream doors and wood-effect cabinet casing is combined with the stone effect work surface. Style is in no short measure in the Keswick’s kitchen. And it’s ergonomically designed; stand in the middle and everything is within arm’s reach, perfect for even the laziest of chefs!
The fridge-freezer, with an inbuilt wine rack and recesses for eggs (nice touches), sits on the opposite side of the holiday caravan to the main kitchen area. Next to this is a full-height cabinet, equipped with plug socket, ideally situated to house an upright vacuum cleaner.
Stepping into the main bedroom of the ABI Keswick static caravan and you’ll find an impressive amount of storage space, in two double-doored wardrobes. One has two wide drawers beneath the hanging area; the other has a shelf above its hanging area.
Two cabinets are built into the bedhead unit that incorporates two upholstered dark blue velvet square panels. This is the accent colour of the ABI Keswick, matching the cylindrical stool that sits under the dressing table (and that you can move to the lounge to augment seating there) The same blue appears in the attractive cream-background curtain pattern and the tie-backs.
The dressing table has a drawer, shelf space beneath it and a large amount of surface. Two mains sockets plus a television aerial point are close by. This dressing table is amply large enough to double as a desk, should you need to interrupt leisure time with work.
Next to the bedroom is an en-suite, with toilet and washbasin, and the central heating unit hides away in a cabinet here.
The twin bedroom has a full-height wardrobe and cabinets above the beds. The Keswick’s signature blue colour appears here, for the upholstered bed heads, and in the curtains that match those in the main bedroom.
The shower room has an extractor fan, a white towel warmer and large, recessed shelves next to it. An under-sink cabinet and a mirrored cabinet above complete the bathroom storage.
Verdict: The ABI Keswick static caravan is an excellent mid-range choice for buyers who plan on inviting guests. Both the dining and lounge areas have more seating space than in most holiday caravans of a comparable size.
Lounge ambience is lovely, with comfortable sofa seating and a cosy look created by the focal point flickering ‘flames’ of the ‘log burner’.
Our review example of the ABI Keswick, sited complete with wooden decking and balustrades, and with optional extras including the sliding patio doors and built-in microwave, at £52,500, illustrates just why the Keswick is a popular choice in terms of affordability and value.
Plus points: The large amount of storage space in the kitchen and the main bedroom. Lots of seating space, both for dining and lounging. The wine rack in the fridge!
Minus points: There’s no shower in the en-suite.
In a nutshell: A well-priced holiday caravan clearly designed with entertaining in mind.
Size: 36ft x 12ft
Build standard: EN 1647
Sleeps: Four
Bedrooms: Two
Other Keswick models available: 28ft x 10ft; 28ft x 12ft; 32ft x 10ft; 32ft x12ft; 36ft x12ft; 39ft x 12ft (three bedrooms); 36ft x 10ft (three bedrooms) and 36ft x 12ft.
Key optional extras: Fully galvanised chassis, lift-up bed, voile curtains, freestanding dining furniture, built-in microwave, patio doors
Ex-works price: £42,307*
*Extra charges will be made by park operators and/or distributors for transport and siting and annual maintenance. Please check the price carefully before you commit to buy as prices vary considerably dependant amongst other factors, on the geographical location of your chosen park
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2022 ABI Keswick holiday caravan for sale in Lancashire. (BB7). Sited costs £52,500
Cost to insure this sited static caravan would be £325**
**Leisuredays static caravan insurance quote based on 2022 ABI Keswick holiday caravan insured for £57,500 (£52,500 for structure and £5,000 contents). Owners are a 68-year-old retired couple with previous holiday caravan insurance and three years no claim discount. £5,000 contents included. £75 excess applies. Insurance premium includes insurance premium tax at the current rate and is correct as of 02/11/2022
For more information visit about the range of holiday caravans and lodges from ABI visit www.abiuk.co.uk
