Emphatically British - Normandy Bayeux

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FOR a company that has spent a number of years explaining to everyone it is not based in France, to call its latest holiday home after a town in Normandy, France, is an interesting move... especially as the Bayeux is designed emphatically for the UK market! The colour scheme, layout and the rest could not be anything but British.

This model range was new to me, so I was eager to see it at the factory with no pre-conceptions. I discovered a selection of holiday homes varying from around £31,000 to nearly £48,000, with everyone on site, from the sales manager to people on the shop floor, very enthusiastic about their new pride and joy. It ticks the boxes for them, will it do so for you?

The most complete model on show was the smallest of the range, the 36ft by 12ft two-bedroom version. The aluminium cladding does little for me these days (though this wood-grain-effect type is definitely superior), so I stepped quickly inside. What I saw was recognisably Normandy, plus. Influenced by the taste of Gary Cooper and his family, and continental tastes too, Normandy has never, at least in his ownership, gone for fussy and fancy. The Bayeux is no departure from this.

Step inside

The lounge area is warm and welcoming, with some touches of square and pattern in the curtains and cushions, but otherwise everything is plain or textured. So far so good (for me at least, don’t know about you!)

The substantial cream three piece suite is very comfortable, of a style to suit both traditional and modern tastes. The taupe carpet and purple-plum contrast work well. The attractive greyish wall boarding is also in the groove. Normandy were helped in the colour schemes etc by their supplier, Bellfield furnishings.

A new-to-Normandy electric fire changes colours as it warms. Central heating is, rather surprisingly, an option. So is the wall-mounted TV. You can have a picture in its place, but really it is the best spot for the box, unless you don’t want one! More about options later.

There are plenty of large windows in the standard Bayeux, but no French doors, though they can be specified as an extra. Some windows have attractive venetian blinds, and others equally attractive quality curtains.

Cook and dine

The dark wood dining suite would look well in a home. In all but the lodge version of the Bayeux, the dining suite is more or less in the lounge space, and will work best in the larger models. There is certainly plenty of room for your elbows! Taupe velvet carpet and kitchen/dining flooring is understated and looks good; the vinyl flooring is in tile-effect grey.

The Bayeux kitchen has all you need, plus a bit more. The now popular split kitchen arrangement makes way for an integrated fridge-freezer and optional dishwasher. Depending on the size of your holiday home and number of bedrooms, you get more or less kitchen, but even in the smallest I would say it is ample and a very serviceable U-shape. The three drawer stack is a great addition.

Sleep well

The 36ft by 12ft is available just with two bedrooms, and they are adequate, plus a bit! The twin is a typical twin, for close friends or family – ie not much space between! But the greater space goes to the master, which has both a walk-in-wardrobe and an en suite toilet and basin. A dressing table in one corner curves round and is both useful and pleasant.

The bed definitely has two drivers (see the picture of the headboards!). Some might find it frustrating that there is no en suite shower, but it is a short step to the adjacent shower room, with a good-sized shower, corner toilet and basin with vanity unit. You can’t have everything, after all! I think the space is used where it is most needed, and works well.

Techy bits

I asked about insulation, my favourite theme! The Bayeux has 47mm as standard in walls and roof, with Feltex underfloor insulation. The TV/fire area has a thicker 70mm, partly to do with strengthening the wall. I was heartened to hear this from one of the assembly workers.

A 38ft by 13ft was being finished off at the time of my visit, with environmental green plastic cladding. Though the furniture was not yet in place, I could see that the lounge furniture would fit in well there alongside the dining furniture, helped by the extra width and length. The 40ft by 13ft lodge is the only one to have a separated kitchen-diner, through a door from the lounge. The lodge also has a bathroom with full bath, and shower over.

Options

There are many ways to upgrade a Bayeux – you could almost say a tapestry of options! (Bayeux tapestry? Never mind!) These range from what in some cases would be standard – central heating (available for a recommended £1800 extra), pre-galvanised chassis, hinged bed with storage, TV point and fixings to master bedrooms, to the more luxurious features such as integral dishwasher, solatube tubular skylight system, surround sound music system. Different types of cladding are always available such as pvc, timber or Canexel.

Who for?

This is a difficult question to answer, as there is such a range of prices.

I could say: those who like purple and taupe! Certainly an attractive colour scheme. But you would need more reason than that.

So, perhaps those who are more interested in quality than glitz. Who, like me, want a fairly plain relaxing backdrop and the money spent where it matters. Who might want to customise their own using the wide range of options. Realistically, who have upwards of £36,000 to spend (sited). Those who are looking for that extra foot width might consider this one.

When comparing prices, see what else you can get for this money and see whether Normandy give you more for the price. Always compare like with like, including central heating and insulation.

OUR VERDICT

A pleasant addition to the Normandy range. One which may draw you in price-wise, even though the options may be what you feel you need and are willing to pay for. Personally I feel the layout will work best with a wider model, but you may feel able to tweak a smaller one to your satisfaction. Normandy is always open to discussion – these are not simply off the peg, a big plus. This is a company you can talk to.

Normandy Bayeux

Technical details
• Type: Caravan holiday home
• Standard: BS EN1647
• Size: 36ft x 12ft
• Bedrooms: 2

Other versions
• 38ft x 12ft 2 bed; 38ft x 12ft 3 bed; 38ft x 13ft 2 bed; 40ft x 13ft 2 bed

Main features
• Aluminium cladding
• Feature bay window
• Vaulted ceiling to living area
• Three-piece suite, including sofabed
• Integrated stainless steel overn, grill, hob and extractor
• Integrated fridge/freezer
• Freestanding dining table and four chairs
• En suite WC, walk-in wardrobe and dressing table to master bedroom
• Family shower room/WC

Selected options
• UPVC cladding
• Gas central heating
• Velux window to kitchen area
• Solatube tubular skylight system
• Front aspect patio doors
• Wall mounted TVs to lounge and master bedroom
• Surround sound system
• Integrated dishwasher

Price
£31,101 ex works (inc VAT)

CONTACT

Normandy Holiday Homes, Bontoft Avenue, Kingston-upon-Hull, East Yorkshire HU5 4HF Tel: 01482 475100 Email: [email protected] Website: www.normandy-holiday-homes.co.uk

This review was published in the September 2010 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order your copy please click here

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