Regal Leisure Homes’ new Retreat caravan is the range’s entry level unit. It’s designed for affordability, but in no way is this a basic static caravan.
From the first step inside through the double patio doors, you’re sure you’ve entered a cosilly-appointed holiday ‘retreat’.
In this walkthrough video we take a look inside the all-new Regal Retreat static caravan.
The interior design majors on a coastal theme, created by the prominent use of bold, dark blue, not just for the scatter cushions but, more importantly, for the backing to the attractive shelf unit above the cottage-style electric log burner and the cabinet fronts in the kitchen.
Two comfortable sofas, in pale fawn, on a matching carpet of lovely soft quality, make the instant cosy home statement, together with the flickering flames of the log burner, of course.
Styling majors on shelving in the lounge. In addition to the unit above the fire, there’s a floor-to-ceiling unit on the opposite side. It’s a multitude of shelves at differing angles from one another, creating a really stylish piece of furniture that is clearly designed for buyers to personalise their holiday home. It’s ideal for books of course, but ornamental assets really make this unit work well.
The position of one of the sofas creates a natural division between the lounge and the kitchen dining area. White framed, blue upholstered chairs keep the coastal look going.
There’s a simple modern smartness about the Regal Retreat’s kitchen, created by the dark matt blue cabinet fronts, marble work surface and simple, brushed-steel, vertical handles.
When you’re considering which holiday home to buy, one element that’s important is kitchen storage space. In addition to the fridge-freezer, the Retreat has four large lower cabinets and four top cabinets, so there’s plenty of space in which to stow stuff.
A dishwasher or a washing machine are options. Even though this will occupy one of the lower cabinets there is still well sufficient space.
The hob is a four-burner unit, above the oven grill. A microwave is built in, under the cabinet on the fore-end of the kitchen.
This area serves as the Retreat’s side entrance. Importantly, there’s an open-front cabinet beside the door with two shelf spaces for shoes. Coat hooks would have been a useful addition here, to complete the entrance practicality.
The Regal Retreat’s cosiness – and the dark blue colour theme -– continues in the bedroom area. The master bedroom has a dark blue bedhead wall, plus dark blue drawer fronts and wardrobe doors.
The long dressing table (with four drawers) is lovely and is complete with an upholstered cube stool. But there is only one mains socket in the dressing table area, and that is clearly designed for a television (an aerial socket is next to it). Hairdryer and hair straightener users would want an extra socket.
Bedside lamps with hessian shades stand on coiled rope-effect bases – beautifully styled and exemplifying the coastal theme of the Regal Retreat. The high-quality curtain fabric uses pale blue and slightly shimmering silver to add to the seashore vibe; superb!
There’s an en-suite shower room; not enormous, but plenty large enough.
The shower room along the corridor opposite the twin room is slightly bigger; again, not large, but fine for space.
The twin room has the same pleasing pale blue shimmering curtains as the main bedroom. Both rooms have double-doored wardrobes, each with a shelf above the hanging rail area.
The twin room’s two cabinets and wide shelving above the beds will take care of a reasonable amount of stuff.
Verdict: In the Regal range, the new Retreat’s positioning at the lowest end of this manufacturer’s price and luxury echelon is belied by its obvious cosiness and general feeling and look of quality. This is a static caravan to go for if you like simple, plain-lines furniture styling and want plenty of comfort without what might be termed ‘frills’.
The kitchen is practical both in terms of surface space and storage capability.
Plus points: The cottage-style electric log burner. The comfort of the sofas. The amount of storage and surface space in the kitchen
Minus points: An extra mains socket in the dressing table area would be needed by many buyers
Coat hooks by the door would be an asset, too, although both of these are very minor minus points indeed
In a nutshell: The new-for-2023 Regal Retreat created with affordability at the forefront, is a lovely, stylish, chic modern static caravan with plenty of comforts and a generally relaxing vibe
Size: 38ft x 12ft
Build standard: EN1647
Sleeps: Six
Bedrooms: Two
Other Retreat models available: 33ft x 12ft, two bed; 36ft x 12ft two bed; 38ft x 12ft two bed; 39ft x 12ft three bed
Key optional extras: Full-sized dishwasher or washing machine; bed runner and scatter cushion pack and lift-up bed to master bedroom.
Ex-works price: Approximately £55,098*
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2023 Regal Retreat static caravan for sale in Somerset (TA4). Sited costs £66,995
Cost to insure this sited static caravan would be £384**
*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
**Leisuredays static caravan insurance quote based on 2023 Regal Retreat 36ft x 12ft two-bedroomed holiday caravan insured for £71,995 (£66,995 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 01/02/2023.
For more information about the range of holiday caravans and lodges from Regal Leisure Homes visit www.omar.co.uk or call 0333 577 5274.
A nice looking well balanced van, which you could of probably got for £35k 4 years ago, only issue I see is the size of the twin bedroom, bit of a squeeze.
En 1747???
Well spotted Tom, we’ve changed that now. thanks for letting us know. Liz
We’ve taken delivery of our new caravan, changing from a Willerby. The quality of the build is appalling. We have a list of 60 plus items that we are not happy with. Quality assurance was non existent. Simple stuff curtains too short, wonky cooker hood, chipped doors just for starters. Very disappointed.
Sorry to hear this Martin and really hope you can work with the manufacturer and your park to get them rectified.