THE model I saw had lovely creamy-yellow Canexel cladding (other finishes are available), but otherwise looked the same as ever – stylish cut off corner, built-in deck accessed by large patio doors with apex windows above and full height windows either side, plus apex windows on the front end elevation. Along the side are three tall windows and a fully glazed front door, with more windows towards the rear end.

Through the patio doors, in this model – a three-bed, centre lounge version – was a diagonal space between kitchen to the right and dining area to the left. The latter had an informal, beach-house style table with white A-frame support, two matching benches and chairs and three chrome pendant lamps hanging from the vaulted ceiling.

On the floor were boards with a thin white wash, while the ceiling was white board style, the windows had white roman blinds and the wall covering was a neutral pale brown. It all had a very light, attractive, summery feel.

On the far side of the dining area was a small lobby and the front door. Opening off the lobby was the boiler/store cupboard.

The kitchen was a long U, one arm, against the front end wall, housing the sink. A fridge/freezer stood on the right, while below the sink area were four cupboards, a dishwasher and a corner cupboard with carousel.

The end of the U housed a five-burner range cooker with oven, grill and warming cabinet, a ceiling-height smoked glass splashback and a glass and stainless steel extractor, either side of which were single-door cupboards.

The other arm, dividing kitchen from lounge, formed a peninsular with, below, corner cup-board and carousel, double cupboard and three large drawers. Above were a double and two single cupboards. Fascias were glossy light olive green (other colours available) with walls of white plank. There were plenty of sockets.

The lounge, though not huge, was bright, with a rough weave off-white carpet, three and two-seater sofas, also in off-white fabric, and a white angled panel in the corner housing an electric fire and flat screen TV. Below the fire was a shelf with an alcove for AV gear.


Beds and bath

A carpeted hall led first to the third bedroom, with full size twins, narrow wardrobes in the near corners and a central bedside table with drawer and shelf. In the hall opposite was a two- drawer console table in similar style to the dining suite, with two lamps and a mirror above.

The bathroom was fully-tiled around the bath, with an overbath shower, hand rail and screen. A ladder-style radiator reached almost to the ceiling and there was a pedestal basin and a mirrored cabinet with two doors.

On the right at the end of the hall was the second bedroom, somewhat larger than the other twin but similarly furnished, though with one double wardrobe with sliding doors.

The master on the left had a huge wardrobe with smoked glass sliding doors and a metal-framed bed with drapes on a black pole behind it. There were two three-drawer bedside cabinets with lamps, a wall-mounted TV, plus console table. The well-tiled en suite had a roomy oblong shower cabinet, pedestal basin, large mirror, mirrored cabinet and ladder radiator.


VERDICT

The Deckhouse is a smashing lodge, and the variations of centre or front end lounge, plus the variety of colour and furnishing schemes, mean it can appeal to a range of tastes. The lounge may seem a little small, but remember that some space has been given over to the built-in corner deck (hence, of course, the name), so there is something of a trade-off. If you want a bit of outside space, and perhaps need to economise on decking, this is a pretty good choice. The main bedrooms are roomy, and the kitchen is excellent. Add to that the Wessex design flair and the result is a lodge deservedly regarded as a classic.



Technical details

• Type: twin unit luxury lodge
• Standard: BS3632, so suitable for residential use
• Size: 46ft x 20ft
• Bedrooms: 3
• Other versions: 43ft and 45ft x 20ft, centre lounge, 2 bed; 42ft x 16ft, 43ft and 45ft x 20ft, front lounge, 2 bed; 46ft x 20ft, front lounge, 3 bed
• Prices: from £99,898 ex works (excl VAT)

Main features

• Canexel cladding in a range of colours
• French doors and corner deck
• 37in plasma screen TV and DVD/CD player
• 900mm range cooker
• Flame effect feature electric fire
• Freestanding fridge/freezer
• Integrated dishwasher and washer/dryer
• En suite shower to master bedroom

Selected options

• Extended verandah and balustrade and extra lights
• Home cinema and surround sound system
• Smeg fridge/freezer


Wessex Park & Leisure Homes, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0RB
Tel: 01258 860455 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wessexparkhomes.co.uk


This article was published in the May 2011 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order your copy please click here