Savouring Sandbanks…but saving pounds

IF you saw the recent TV series about Sandbanks, that exclusive enclave near Poole in Dorset, and fancied a home there while despairing at the monstrous cost of its properties, there could be a solution that won’t involve either lottery or robbery.

Sandbanks has become known as Britain’s answer to Monte Carlo – one of the most expensive places in the world to live and a playground for the rich and famous.

And for many of the mega-rich owners the seafront properties are just holiday homes where jet-setting owners stay from time to time to enjoy the mild Dorset climate, beautiful scenery and watersports.

But just around the corner from Sandbanks is Haven Holidays’ Rockley Park Holiday Park, with similar views over Poole Harbour and facilities for boat storage, mooring and watersports.

But prices for a holiday home at Rockley Park start at a much more modest £24,995, rising to around £70-80,000 for a luxury top of the range option.

It might not have a Sandbanks address but you’ll be agreeably surprised at what you might get for your money – typically a 12ft wide Willerby Richmond holiday home, available for £33,500 (including the first year’s site fees) comes with a comfortable lounge complete with flat screen TV and DVD, well fitted kitchen, two bedrooms, power shower and separate WC.

And it would be ready to move into immediately, with appliances, pots and pans and even duvets included.

What’s more, Sandbanks can’t match Rockley Park when it comes to entertainment and facilities, including heated indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, bowling, multi-sports courts and a range of kids' clubs and organised activities, pantomimes, dances, talent contests and music and cabaret.

* This article first appeared in Park & Holiday Home magazine. To subscribe, click here.

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