{"id":3927,"date":"2015-12-17T14:25:35","date_gmt":"2015-12-17T14:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.leisuredays.co.uk\/news\/?p=3927"},"modified":"2015-12-17T11:14:28","modified_gmt":"2015-12-17T11:14:28","slug":"abi-holiday-homes-blenheim-3-bedroom-static-caravan-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.leisuredays.co.uk\/news\/abi-holiday-homes-blenheim-3-bedroom-static-caravan-review-3927\/","title":{"rendered":"ABI Holiday Homes Blenheim 3 bedroom static caravan review"},"content":{"rendered":"

New for 2016, a spacious holiday home designed for families of all ages<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

The Blenheim, from veteran static caravan manufacturer ABI, is a brand new addition to their range for 2016. It’s been designed very much with family holidays in mind and, as such, has been given a specification and additions not usually included on statics at this price point.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

From the outside, the Blenheim displays a fairly standard configuration. It\u2019s aluminium clad in a pale cream colour and has a black steel pantile roof, UPVC guttering and downpipes and a smart, black bargeboard overhang to the front. The windows are all UPVC and are single glazed, although Thermaglass double-glazing is available, as one of the many optional extras.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

The caravan sits on a steel chassis and pre-galvanised or fully galvanised chassis are available, again as an option. In our view this would be a very worthwhile investment, as many of these units will be situated near coastal areas with all the associated problems of salty air and corrosion.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

There are plenty of windows fitted to the Blenheim and the front has the usual set fitted to a small bay. You can change these for patio doors if you like, which would mean you are able to walk straight out onto your deck and we\u2019d imaging this would be taken up by many owners. Access is via a large side glazed door and there’s a useful exterior light fitted.<\/p>\n

ABI have beefed up the insulation on this model with 50mm in the walls and 100mm in the roof and under the floor. They also offer special \u2018Winter Packs\u2019 designed to keep the caravan warm and cosy during colder spells. These packs include double glazing, 300W heaters to all bedrooms and domestic central heating \u2013 all of which would be worthwhile if you were going to use the caravan for year-round holidays.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

Entering via the side door, the lounge is immediately on your left and includes\u00a0a large seating area with a corner unit, coffee table and fully fitted carpets with underlay. One of the sofas can be used as an occasional pull-out bed for visitors. Opposite the seating is a very comprehensive set of shelves and drawers which also serve as a place for the flat screen TV and a panel flame effect fire.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

The colour scheme used is very relaxing with cream walls, light grey carpet and light oak furniture. A nice touch is the timber effect strips that run around all sides at the roof line and down the centreline of the ceiling \u2013 a small thing, but one that gives a sense of style to the space. Curtains and scatter cushions are in a pleasant striped material and the sofas are light brown.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

The open-plan kitchen is L-shaped. There are cupboards and drawers along one side with the stainless steel sink and mixer tap in front of the window as usual. On the short side of the \u2018L\u2019 is the four-burner cooker with oven and grill above, which is an externally vented powered cooker hood. Wall cupboards are fitted either side of this hood and there\u2019s a space for a microwave oven as well. The end is left open with shelving.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

All counter tops are a sturdy 40mm in dark brown which contrasts nicely with the light oak wall cupboard doors and light beige lower unit doors. All doors are fitted with soft close mechanisms. Although there are no fridge or freezers fitted as standard, these are available as optional extras and can be installed opposite the kitchen to the right side of the main access door.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

On the other side of this door is the dining area. On the Blenheim you are able to choose either a fixed dinette with wrap-around seats and a bench stool or, alternatively, a table and four chairs. Our review caravan was of the fixed variety and had plenty of room for a family of four to dine in comfort.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth mentioning that the Blenheim is fitted with some stylish light fittings with low energy bulbs as well as plenty of power sockets to hand, a TV aerial point and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

Moving now through the central door twixt kitchen and freezer unit, we enter the corridor leading to the sleeping and bathroom accommodation. On the left is the first of the twin bedded rooms which has\u00a0two neat beds and a small central table with drawer. Each bed has a padded headboard and sits aside a window. The usual power sockets and lighting are included plus a USB socket\u00a0 – a nod to 21st<\/sup> century communications and something that\u2019s fitted in all the bedrooms. This bedroom is the smaller of the twins – ideal for smaller children.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

To the right is the family bathroom with shower cubicle and thermostatically controlled showerhead, a double flushing toilet and handbasin. A shaver point is\u00a0fitted along with the usual accessories and a mirror. There’s also an extractor fan.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

The second of the twin bedrooms comes with slightly more room between the beds, which also have individual headboards and central table. There\u2019s a useful storage shelf above the beds, running the width of the room. A wardrobe and shelf unit is fitted into the one corner and d\u00e9cor is the same as in the previous room.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

The main bedroom is at the back\u00a0of the caravan and has a decent sized double bed with storage underneath, a domestic grade mattress and twin bedside tables. There are two reading lights set into the wall above, which is a timber unit with storage shelf and power socket. At the foot of the bed is a double wardrobe with big drawers underneath and a small vanity shelf with mirror to one side.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

A door leads into a neat corner en-suite with toilet, handbasin and a mirrored cabinet on the wall.\u00a0 Small, but perfectly useable!<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n

ABI have put a lot of thought into the Blenheim and the result is an attractive and very practical family holiday caravan.\u00a0 There are a number of extras that have been included in the main specification – increasing its appeal. We feel this static would be well worth looking at if you were a family of four, where the open plan space would excel or, with the two other layouts which might well suit a couple wanting more space for their money.\u00a0 In any event, ABI has\u00a0produced another winner.<\/p>\n

\"ABI<\/p>\n

Plus Points<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spacious kitchen and plenty of storage<\/p>\n

Dinette can be fixed or free-standing<\/p>\n

Fresh, relaxing colour scheme<\/p>\n

Minus Points<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fully galvanised chassis should really be standard.<\/p>\n

In-a-Nutshell<\/strong><\/p>\n

A great space, big enough for the whole family and with a comprehensive specification.<\/p>\n

Cost to insure:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>FACT FILE<\/strong><\/p>\n