A complete guide to buying your first luxury lodge

Photo courtesy of Gwel an Mor holiday resort

Holiday homes

Luxury lodges: A buyers' guide

Imagine… Your own luxury home from home, on a lovely plot, on a park that’s in your favourite location…

It’s the stuff of which dreams are made. And now you are going to turn that dream into reality.

Claire Tupholme Content Editor: Travel/Campsites

As well as being the Content Editor for Travel and Campsites, Claire also looks after Premier Parks, which means she has seen her fair share of campsites and knows her way around Great Britain. Claire now loves to share her wealth of travel knowledge with other intrepid explorers.

MORE ABOUT Claire

Should I buy a luxury lodge?

A holiday lodge will enrich your lifestyle. This is how. You will have a bolthole from work and life stresses in which to relax and recharge the human batteries.

You will have a home from home; your base in your happy place. A place to entertain family and friends.

And make new friends – for holiday parks are sociable environments; everyone is there for enjoyment and most people take time to talk to others.

Photo courtesy of Swift

Photo courtesy of Cove UK

What defines a luxury lodge?

These are usually defined as being 20ft or 22ft wide. With a superbly appointed kitchen, maybe. And bedrooms and en suites that are up there with the best in boutique-style hotels, maybe. However you define luxury as a buyer, there are plenty of premium holiday homes out there from which to choose.

Large, luxury holiday homes are in all manufacturers’ ranges. Equipment in luxury holiday homes can include a range cooker and a wine cooler, plus a dishwasher and washing machine; home comforts plus luxury, then.

Sumptuous lounge furniture, comfortable dining suites, a breakfast bar, perhaps. You might even want your luxury lodge to have a hot tub!

How to turn the dream into a reality?

The answer is by selecting the location that is right for you. You will find luxury lodges in Scotland, Cornwall, Devon… in fact all over the UK.

So, first, ask yourself if you are going to want to go to your lodge every weekend or most weekends, in addition to longer breaks. If the answer is ’yes’, then it’s best to choose a location that’s within a two-hour drive of your home, maximising on the time you can spend there.

Choose a region because it offers lots of the things you enjoy doing. Think about if you are drawn to get-away-from-it-all locations that offer magnificent mountain vistas or if you prefer coastal views.

The next step is to draw up a shortlist of parks that may interest you by considering the leisure facilities each park has and what fits your needs.

There are parks to suit all tastes, so, once your shortlist is established, it’s time to visit. Go there more than once. If you go to a park on a rainy day and you still feel happy there, it climbs up the shortlist.

Photo courtesy of Willerby

How to choose a luxury lodge

You may well find that the park you have selected has lodges there already sited and ready for sale. Or you may choose your lodge via a manufacturer, and then have it sited.

You may be able to bespoke-design your lodge; some manufacturers offer this facility, so you can pick colours and furnishings that match your taste.

Budget

Your budget is, of course, a good place to start. And keep in mind that you don’t have to buy a new lodge to get the lodge of your dreams.

Pre-owned lodges come onto the market, usually as buyers upgrade; these often get snapped up quickly, though, so you may have to make up your mind swiftly.

Layout

Layout is a consideration that should be high up on your list. How many bedrooms do you need? Most lodges have two bedrooms; some have three, and a few have four. There’s an increasing trend for lodges to be bought by two generations, or siblings; that’s an excellent way in which to share purchase and ongoing costs – and the three and four-bedroom lodges are ideal in that scenario.

It’s not only bedroom numbers that you’ll want to consider. Keen cooks will want a large kitchen – and there are many lodges that answer that need. Also something to consider is whether you need a lodge that has a six-seater dining suite.

Photo courtesy of Cove UK

Photo courtesy of Boutique Resorts

Equipment level

Happily, many lodge manufacturers offer options that you can add in, or not, depending on whether you need them, or want to keep the purchase cost down by not having an appliance that is not important to you.

We’re thinking washing machines and dishwashers, in particular. And wine coolers.

Ongoing costs

The biggest ongoing cost of owning a lodge is the fee you pay to the park owner on an annual basis for your pitch. The amount you will pay depends on two factors: the location, and the facilities on the park.

As you may expect, a park in a sought-after location with a comprehensive array of family facilities will charge more for a pitch than a park with minimal facilities, in a less spectacular location.

On some parks, the pitch fee relates to the size of the lodge, notably the width.

Most lodges are 20ft wide; some are 14ft or 16ft wide. You can commonly expect to pay £4,000 to £5,000. Some parks charge considerably more; up to £12,000.

Insurance, electricity and gas are the other main ongoing costs. Many parks include water and sewerage rates in the pitch fee. Electricity will be metered, and paid either monthly or quarterly.

The sources of gas are either propane cylinders, or gas piped to each holiday home.

Photo courtesy of Cove UK

Photo courtesy of Boutique Resorts

Length of season

Many lodge parks are open all year. Some close for, perhaps, two weeks, or more, during the winter.

And, just in case you were wondering, you can’t live permanently in your lodge; holiday lodge parks are licensed for leisure use, not residential occupancy, and you will be asked to provide to the park owner evidence of a permanent address.

Length of licence agreement

This is the number of years that you can keep your lodge on the park of your choice. After that time, you are obliged to replace it.

The licence agreement may be 20 years, or, more commonly, 40 years. Some parks have much longer licence agreements.

Photo courtesy of Boutique Resorts

Photo courtesy of Tingdene Parks

Finance

Paying for a lodge out of income, rather than capital, is a very attractive proposition, spreading the cost and enabling you to budget over a length of time.

Many parks will arrange finance for you. Or, of course, you can go to your own bank, or shop around online.

Insurance

It’s not only sensible to insure your holiday home or lodge, it’s essential, to comply with the rules on all parks.

There are several insurance companies that specialise in holiday homes and lodges. Our advice would be to go to one of the specialists; they are knowledgeable about all holiday homes and offer policies specifically tailored to your needs.

Renting out

An excellent way to offset your ongoing costs is to rent your holiday home out. There may be times of the year that you can’t use it, for work reasons, perhaps. So it’s these times that you can make it available for rent.

If you choose to rent it out during school holidays, you can charge more than at other times of the year, because demand is higher. You can rent out simply with the aim of offsetting running costs, or you can rent it out for more of the year and gain a contribution to the lodge’s purchase cost.

Or you can turn a lodge into a money-making venture, by making it available for rent for most of the year. Whichever route you take, the idea of renting out makes holiday home ownership more affordable. Tempted? Let’s take it a stage further. Holiday homes for rent earn more money in regions that are popular for holidays; that stands to reason.

So, if you are going along the rental route, pick a very desirable holiday area. Now pick the park. To earn maximum potential income, go for a park that has a lot of facilities that will attract holidaymakers. Swimming pools, restaurants and bars are obvious examples.

The more comprehensive the facilities, the more you can charge in rent – because holidaymakers are prepared to pay for the park attractions that will meet their needs.

A few parks don’t permit you to rent out your lodge, but many more positively encourage it, and have letting schemes in place. Among these is Boutique Resorts, which owns Fishguard Bay Resort and Maesmawr Farm Resort, in Wales.

Explore luxury lodge campsites

Lancashire

Reeds Bay

Introducing Reeds Bay − the exclusive lakeside development at Ribby Hall Village. Nestled in Lancashire’s only five-star holiday village, Reeds Bay offers a premium collection of luxury lodges with private outdoor space and stunning views.

Owners enjoy access to award-winning spa and leisure facilities, a nine-hole golf course, family entertainment, bars, restaurants and more. With picturesque countryside, vibrant seaside towns, and top North West attractions nearby, it’s the perfect escape, time and again.

Discover why so many are choosing to make Ribby Hall Village their holiday home location.

Explore Ribby Hall Village

Photo courtesy of Ribby Hall Village

Photo courtesy of Largo Leisure holiday

Lancashire

Largo Leisure Holidays

Discover Largo Leisure's Prestige Collection − where exceptional holiday homes meet breathtaking locations, offering something truly special. These rare finds promise an extraordinary experience, with lodge ownership starting at just £98,000. The latest holiday homes are perfectly nestled right on the water's edge, whether it's lochside, coastal, or riverside.

Largo Leisure aims to deliver a lifestyle, not just holiday homes, each beautifully crafted to allow every day to feel like a holiday. You could choose the two-bedroom traditional lodge at Campsie Glen Holiday Park, Stirlingshire, complete with riverside views and your own deck and hot tub for ultimate relaxation.

For coastal enthusiasts, the new two-bedroom lodge at Sauchope Links, Fife, is the epitome of peaceful coastal living, with the shore as your neighbour.

Dreaming of Lochside living? The Signature two-bedroom lodge at Loch Tay Highland Lodges, Perthshire, offers an unparalleled chance to wake up to stunning Lochside views.

To find out more on these luxury lodges for sale, why not get in touch or arrange a viewing today!

Explore Largo Leisure Holidays

Devon

Whitehill Country Park

Nestled in the rolling south Devon countryside, yet close to the coast, Whitehill Country Park offers the perfect location for the holiday home of your dreams.

This dog-friendly family park offers a fantastic range of facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bar, restaurant and seasonal entertainment.

In an idyllic hilltop location, the new Sweethill development offers far-reaching views over the park’s private woodland and beyond. Make the most of summer 2025 and save £25,000 off a range of ready-sited show homes or select a vacant plot for the lodge model of your choice. Arrange a viewing today!

Discover Whitehill Country Park

Photo courtesy of Whitehill Country Park

Photo courtesy of Fishguard Bay Resort

Pembrokshire

Fishguard Bay Resort

Step into five-star holiday home ownership in a truly spectacular setting at Fishguard Bay Resort. Perched on a magical location on the unspoilt Pembrokeshire coast between the big sky and the briny sea, where the cliffs plunge to the golden sands and smugglers’ coves below, these luxury lodges offer the perfect blend of style, comfort and nature.

With industry-leading long licence agreements, you can enjoy holidays with your loved ones for many years to come. Whether it’s peaceful walks, sunset views or family adventures, your lodge is a place to relax, recharge and reconnect. With friendly staff, outstanding facilities, and the whole of Pembrokeshire as your playground, this is more than a holiday home − it’s a lifestyle of coastal luxury.

Explore Fishguard Bay Resort

Powys

Maesmawr Farm Resort

Escape to your own countryside retreat at Maesmawr Farm Resort, a hidden gem in the heart of mystical Mid Wales. Surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil views, owning a luxury lodge here means year-round peace, beauty and freedom.

With 12-month season access and long licence agreements, enjoy endless breaks in your stylish, cosy home from home nestled near the River Severn. Just a stroll from the historic village of Caersws and close to heritage sites, outdoor adventures and scenic walks, it’s the perfect setting for romantic getaways or family fun.

Maesmawr Farm is where timeless charm meets effortless holiday living.

Discover Maesmawr Farm Resort

Photo courtesy of Maesmawr Farm Resort

Photo courtesy of Cenarth Falls Resort

Cenarth

Cenarth Falls Resort

Blessed with an idyllic countryside setting, discover the magic of holiday home ownership at Cenarth Falls Resort, a five-star haven. Bordering Pembrokeshire, Camarthenshire and Ceredigion, this quiet and secluded resort is the ultimate place to get away from it all.

The beautifully landscaped resort offers luxury lodges in a peaceful, nature-rich setting. Your own private escape boasts stunning countryside views, top-tier leisure facilities including Bar Lolfa and Spa, and a warm, family atmosphere.

With the wild beauty of the Teifi Valley on your doorstep and the coast just minutes away, Cenarth Falls Resort is your perfect retreat to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature.

Explore Cenarth Falls Resort

FAQ

Can you live permanently in a lodge in the UK?

Holiday lodges cannot be occupied all year round, as they are meant for holiday use only and are not like park homes which are designed for permanent living – you will be asked to provide to the park owner evidence of a permanent address.
In terms of when you can holiday at you lodge, many lodge parks are open all year. Some close for, perhaps, two weeks or more during the winter.
Do you pay council tax if you live in a lodge?

Holiday lodges on a holiday park do not count as main residences and so do not incur council tax.
What is the life expectancy of a lodge?

Luxury holiday lodges on parks have something called a licence agreement. This is the number of years that you can keep your lodge on the park of your choice. After that time, you are obliged to replace it. The licence agreement may be 20 years, or, more commonly, 40 years.
How to find lodges for sale

You will find lodges for sale on holiday parks; search websites of parks in areas where you might be interested in buying, and you are sure to find luxury holiday homes for sale.
Many parks can source luxury holiday homes and lodges of any make, so you might be able to choose your plot and then ask the park operator to source a specific luxury lodge.
Manufacturers have showgrounds on which you may find luxury holiday homes on display, among these are Victory Leisure Homes, the Omar Group, Willerby and Pathfinder.

Join the Out and About Live Community!

Get the latest news and exclusive deals direct to your inbox

For over 30 years, Out & About live has remained a reliable voice for the outdoor community. Our expert team are passionate about giving you the best advice and information to help you along your journey. Consisting of some of the biggest brands, Out & About Live is home to all things outdoors.