It’s not often we begin a review of a holiday lodge with a feature that’s in the very centre of the unit. In a corridor, to be precise.
Victory’s new-for-2023 Franklin has many features that make it a standout model – and among them is an office area, right in the heart of the lodge. A long desk area, a chair, shelving and three drawers; simple and practical – and spot-on for the growing ‘workation’ trend.
The Victory Franklin is a stunningly different holiday home, showcasing some amazing style features. These include an imposing-design log-effect fire with mirror backing and plain glass on the ends as well as the front. A fringe of flickering flames rises and shimmers, almost as if fanned by a breeze. This feature forms part of the chimney breast-style focal point, with a long storage unit containing six handleless drawers beneath. Matt black is teamed with wood-effect to create this beautifully designed feature.
In this video, we take a look around the all-new Victory Franklin holiday lodge:
A large cream sofa, plus two huge armchairs upholstered in nut brown suede-effect fabric, face the log-effect fire, making a comfortable lounge area that, although definitely a component of the open-plan living space, has its own cosy identity. Six cushions, in fluffy fabric – four cream and two brown – make sure that you know this is a cosy environment even before you sit down and experience the comfort of the sofa and chairs.
Cushions play a big part in the visual and literal comfort of the L-shaped seating in the dining area, too. There are eight in total; four in fluffy fabric and four more in a dark apricot colour.
The kitchen is awesomely modern in styling and with a sink that is twice the size you’d expect in a holiday lodge – or, indeed, in any home. The sink is recessed into a large breakfast bar, with a marble-effect top and stools on the dining area side. A water-boiler tap is an optional extra, as is a dishwasher, integrated into the cabinets of this unit.
More cabinets are in the main kitchen area, together with a fridge that incorporates a wine rack, and there is a separate wine cooler at the opposite end of the kitchen.
The hob has five burners, on a black glass base. The microwave and oven grill are housed, tower-style, amid the cabinets. There’s plenty of work surface, within the main kitchen area plus, of course, on the gigantic marble surface of the breakfast bar.
Windows are a standout feature of the Victory Franklin holiday lodge. Bifold windows open to the dining area, patio doors open from the lounge and, in the kitchen, a Velux ceiling light is an optional extra.
The dining area is stunningly large, with seating for up to eight, on an L-shaped upholstered bench unit plus three chairs. The bench unit hides a secret: a lift-up storage area; it’s one of the many practical elements of the Victory Franklin.
Another practical element is its utility room, opposite the ‘corridor office’. Here, there’s cabinet and shelf space, the heating unit, plus space for the optional-extra washing machine.
A sink with a small drainer is set into a marble-effect surface. And this room has an exterior door, making the Franklin an ideal choice for dog owners; you can bring your canine family members in through here to eliminate muddy paw problems before they enter the main part of the lodge.
Along the corridor from the utility room is the Victory Franklin’s luxury bedroom and bathroom area. You first come to the twin room, with 3ft-wide beds, a large wardrobe, two windows and plenty of floor space. The black cabinet style theme of the kitchen continues in the twin bedroom, with a black wardrobe, and also black Roman-style blinds.
The master bedroom has the black door styling, too – an ingeniously designed wall of sliding doors that hides two wardrobes – and also the en suite bathroom!
Yes, it is a bathroom, not a shower room – and it’s super-luxurious.
The bath is oval, with centrally placed taps on one side. The tall towel warmer continues the black theme, and so do the cabinets. The circular mirror over the large Belfast-style basin has a rim of light that is touch-controlled from a button set into the glass. Marble surface adds to the high-end feel about this en-suite zone of pampering luxury.
Identical styling is in the family shower room, together with large marble-effect tiles surrounding the shower area.
Verdict: Stunning in styling and luxurious in every area, the 2023 Victory Franklin holiday lodge packs a punch in terms of design excellence as well as spacious leisure living and practicality. Lots of clever features add up to make this lodge a style icon. Among these is the central corridor office area, and the bifold windows to the dining area, creating an alfresco feel to this generously sized area. The kitchen, in terms of surface space and features, is ideal for even the most adventurous of cooks. And we love the gigantic sink!
Plus points: The superb ‘office’ at the heart of the lodge. The utility room. The spacious dining area capable of seating eight. The huge breakfast bar and huge sink
Minus points: A three-bedroom version would be ideal for families.
In a nutshell: The new Victory Franklin is a super-stylish lodge made for discerning buyers who want the best in terms of luxury – and plenty of space for entertaining.
Size: 40ft x 20ft
Build standard: BS 3632
Sleeps: Four
Bedrooms: Two
Key optional extras: Washing machine; boiling water tap; induction hob; Velux roof light in the kitchen
Ex-works price: £168,070*
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2023 Victory Franklin lodge for sale in Cornwall. (PL13). Sited costs £225,000
Cost to insure this sited holiday lodge would be £649.50**
**Leisuredays holiday lodge insurance quote based on 2023 Victory Franklin two-bedroomed holiday lodge insured for £230,000 (£225,000 for structure and £5,000 contents). Owners are a 68-year-old retired couple with previous holiday lodge 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 02/06/2023.
To find out more about insuring a Victory lodge or your current lodge visit our holiday lodge insurance page.
For more information about Victory Leisure Homes visit: www.victoryleisurehomes.co.uk
* 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
