Homes from home

I SAW the Advent Tarragon at The Hollicarrs, where a good number of customers are opting for the same lodge. It must have something, I thought to myself.

Once I stepped inside, the first thing that struck me forcibly was of being inside a house. This effect is partly created by the outside being wood-clad, while the inside isn't, so there is an immediate contrast. The few items actually made of wood inside are pieces of furniture. Here is a home - from home.

The second impression, which reinforces the first, is that everything is so solidly built and well-finished, it is even more home-like.

The Tarragon is available in a number of sizes to suit your particular needs. They are mainly two-bedroomed, though there are three-bedroomed possibilities in the larger 40ft by 20ft or 42ft by 20ft models. There are mobility options, and options for dreamers. For the real upmarket experience, for instance, you may choose the Tarragon Opus. This has standard features such as a study niche in the dining area, vaulted ceilings and Velux roof windows in the living areas, and an LCD flat screen television with DVD player. Options include full air conditioning, a spa suite and a sun lounge.

Structurally, the Tarragon and Tarragon Opus, like all Advent lodges, is built to the new BS3632 standards. In terms of insulation this is an important factor, you can be as warm as toast yet consume a moderate amount of fuel.

If you're wondering about alternatives, there are so many lodges available now, it is difficult to pick out the best of the rest. Do check such important factors as thicknesses of timbers, the amount of insulation, etc. This will make the house a home in the long run, rather than a summer-only comfort zone. Any lodge built to BS3632 will provide the necessary reassurance.

www.adventhomes.co.uk