DESPITE the doom and gloom in the media, some companies are still taking a positive attitude to the economic situation and steaming ahead with new product development. One such is Cambrian, which launched a new three bedroom lodge at the Boat & Caravan Show. Called the Plantation, the model is built to residential standard BS 3632 and is aimed at the entry level market. For those who do not want a three bedroom home, a two bedroom version is also available.

Built on a painted steel chassis, the home has Canexel cladding and is double glazed. The entrance is partway along the front elevation and leads directly into the lounge area.

On the right as you go through the doorway is a storage unit that also houses the home’s boiler. Opposite the storage unit – to the left of the doorway – is the dining area where there is an extending table and six padded, very comfortable, chairs.

Before going further I should mention that a major feature of the home is that all the ceilings throughout the home are white panelling. This feature has also been carried through to some of the walls in the lounge and kitchen – notably the rear wall of the lounge where the fire and TV points have been fitted.

Lounge furniture includes a two and a three seat settee and two faux suede chairs, plus a coffee table and a small rectangular console table. In the end wall is a pair of French doors.


WELL EQUIPPED

The kitchen is separated from the lounge by a low panelled party wall, the kitchen having a parallel layout. As you enter, the first unit on the left is an under-worktop integrated freezer, while opposite is an under-worktop integrated fridge. Between the freezer and the end wall are a series of cupboards and drawers plus an integrated dishwasher below the drainer, and an integrated washer/dryer under the worktop next to the home’s rear wall.

In the end wall between the two rows of base units, is a tall window unit. Opposite the sink and drainer is an integrated electric fan oven and a four burner gas hob. Behind the hob is a stainless steel splashback above which is an extractor hood. Either side of the hood are a number of wall cupboards – two to the left and two to the right.

Lighting throughout the lounge/dining and kitchen areas is a combination of ceiling downlights and pendant lights. In the lounge there are additional wall lights either side of the fireplace. However, though there is a large window in the kitchen, I was slightly uncertain whether the lighting, which in the main comprises four ceiling downlights, will be sufficient when preparing meals at night.


WELL APPOINTED

Almost opposite the entrance to the kitchen is the third – children’s – bedroom, which has been fitted out with 3ft wide bunk beds. A three drawer bedside cabinet is also standard, as is a two-door freestanding wardrobe with a full-width drawer in its base. On the wall is a TV point.

Next to the children’s bedroom is the family bathroom. The walls in the area of the bath have been tiled to ceiling height. A shower head and large shower screen are also standard. Next to the bath is a very attractive vanity unit with three drawers for toiletry storage, on top of which has been mounted a large rectangular ceramic washbasin. On the wall above the washbasin is a tall mirror plus a shaver point, while adjacent to the end of the bath is a chrome ladder radiator. A low-level, soft close toilet and an extractor complete the standard fittings here.

Across the hallway from the bathroom is the main bedroom, provided with a kingsize double bed. Instead of the more usual padded headboard, the headboards in this home are ‘fence’ type with the vertical slats being painted to complement the cream panelled ceilings and walls. Either side of the bed is a three drawer bedside cabinet and on the wall, a shaded reading light.

Elsewhere in the room is a freestanding three-door wardrobe with two drawers in its base and a TV point on the wall. Although there is a framed mirror on the wall adjacent to the bed, there is no dressing table, which I considered a disappointment.

Off the bedroom is a well appointed en suite. In the corner is a large rectangular shower. Other fittings comprise a vanity unit with a ceramic washbasin, soft close toilet, and chrome ladder radiator, all identical to the fittings in the bathroom. I should mention, too, that the walls in the area of the shower have been tiled floor to ceiling.

Which brings us to the last bedroom. This has two 3ft wide divan beds with a three-drawer bedside cabinet between them. In keeping with the other bedrooms, the headboards are painted ‘fence’ style while clothes storage comprises a freestanding two door wardrobe with single full width drawer in its base.


VERDICT

There is no doubt in my mind that, while the Plantation is classed by Cambrian as a budget lodge, it is very well appointed and represents excellent value for money. Purely from a price point of view, to get three good size bedrooms, a well equipped kitchen, bathroom and en suite, plus central heating, for less than £70,000 ex works, is real value for money – especially as it has been built to the residential standard.

Though Cambrian states that the home is based on a Colonial-style house, I was personally not over-keen on the white panelling, but no doubt many owners will consider it a feature that helps lift the home out of the ordinary. All the Ash furniture in the lounge and bedrooms, which has been painted to complement the cream panelled ceilings and walls, results in a home with a light and airy feel to it. Other homes from Cambrian I have reviewed in the past have all impressed me, and in my opinion, this entry level home is a worthy addition to the range.


INFO

Cambrian Park and Leisure Homes, Y Traeth, Snowdon Street, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9BT
Tel: 01766 515287 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cambrianleisurehomes.co.uk

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• Type: Twin unit Lodge
• Standard: BS3632
• Size: 40ft x 20ft
• Bedrooms: 3
• Other versions: 40ft x 20ft, 2 bedrooms

MAIN FEATURES

• French doors and picture windows to living area
• Vaulted ceilings to living area
• Two-seater and three-seater fabric sofas
• Two faux sue de chairs
• Feature wall-hung white pebble-effect electric fire
• Console table and coffee table
• Extending dining table and four chairs
• Integrated four-burner stainless steel hob and extractor
• Integrated four-function electric fan oven
• Separate Integrated fridge and freezer
• Integrated dishwasher
• Integrated washer/dryer
• Kingsize double bed to master
• En suite shower/WC to master
• Separate family bathroom with over bath shower and screen
• Heated chrome towel rails to bathroom and en suite
• Twin and single bedrooms
• Vinyl cushion floors in kitchen, bathroom, en suite and entrance
• Carpet to living area and bedrooms


This feature was published in the July 2011 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order a copy of Park & Holiday Homes please click here


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