THE St David is an eye-catching model in the ABI range. With a front end offset French doors (an option) and a further window, and light oak PVCu cladding, this holiday home is a little different from the run-of-the-mill. Downlighters are built into the exterior front canopy. There is a side door, too, into the dining kitchen.

Here is what I classify as a trad-mod design. The warmth and comfort of a traditional home, with modern touches where they enhance the experience. The French walnut effect furniture is one of my favourite finishes, not least because it is one of those that most nearly resemble real wood.

At first I was surprised to see that this is in the mid-price range. I knew straight away that I like the St David. They say that a customer’s mind is made up after 30 seconds of being in a holiday home, and I can see how that could be the case!

Kitchen/Diner

I entered through the side door into the kitchen and dining areas. The later, suitable for four, is in French walnut wood effect to match the kitchen and other units. The table and four chairs are slightly offset from the kitchen, so they feel a part of the living area and sit on carpet.

The kitchen has cream doors on the wall cupboards, which set off the lovely base units with inset handles. A graphite coloured worktop is a suitable companion to the mid-brown cupboards. The area is not skimped, with a separate block near the side door, housing the integrated fridge-freezer. A substantial oven has twin cavities. As well as the light in the stainless steel extractor, there is lighting under each wall cupboard.

Lounge Stylishly

This living area is for lounging! ABI has managed to make a large fixed seating unit look like domestic furniture, but with the space of a more conventional holiday home. An array of large loose-looking cushions are the back of the seating – and they sure are comfortable.

The colour scheme departs only slightly from the current norm, with curtains complementing the beiges in a deep patterned brown with dark red. The large windows and French doors make for effective light (and people watching).

Over the way from the seating, a neat unit houses a TV and pebble effect electric fire, with room for your knick knacks below it. The lounge is open plan to the dining area, with the kitchen partly screened by its own wall cupboards.

Overnisht sleeper

Something about the bedrooms reminds me of a smart train sleeper – except that there is a lot more space in this master. I think it is the inset mirrors and the neat overbed lights that are reminiscent of a plush train journey, together with subtle colours.

The storage is much bigger than perhaps even the Royal Train, though! Overbed and bedside storage, dressing table and large wardrobe range – clearly more in the two-bedroomed than the three-bedroomed model.

The three-bedroomed model fits in the third bedroom with just two feet more on the length at 38ft. In both models, though, an en suite toilet and basin finds a place. I notice a few manufacturers have settled for a toilet rather than a full shower room here, and it probably makes sense where space is limited. In the WC, too, there is lots of storage space.

There is a decent twin – in the two-bedroomed version at least – with the same stylish padded headboards as the master, and room to walk between the beds, hooray! The two-bed also has a large shower, appropriate to this level of comfort.

Who for?

If you are looking for a good-sized holiday home and have about £30,000 or so to spend, I would take a serious look at this one, including winter pack. Use of space matters to you, and you don’t want an all-out modernistic holiday home. However, you do want all the comforts of modernity.

No amazing extras, except those you choose to add later, but also a price-tag to match. Given the pull-out bed in the lounge, a two-bedroomed version could sleep up to six when necessary, and a three-bedroomed up to 8. If yours is an elastic family, this model allows for visitors and with two toilets the queue is shortened!

OUR VERDICT

The St David compares well with others at the price, and is stylish enough to hold its head up with other more expensive models. There is enough of a touch of luxury to feel good, but not to break the bank. Features like a lift-up master bed with storage under and carpet underlay throughout the home do not shout ‘buy me’, but you’ll be grateful for them if you spend a lot of time there. With the winter pack I’d call this a sensible model at a sensible price.



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

Other versions
• 32ft x 12 ft 2 bed; 38ft x 12ft 3 bed

Main features
• Aluminium cladding
• Vaulted ceilings throughout
• Pull-out bed to lounge
• Wiring for wall-mounted TV in lounge
• Freestanding dining table and four chairs
• Integrated fridge/freezer
• Cooker with electric ignition
• Lift up beds to all bedrooms
• Dressing table in both bedrooms
• TV socket to twin bedroom

Price
£26,869 ex works (inc VAT)

CONTACT

ABI(UK) LTD, Swinemoor Lane, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 OLJ. Tel: 01482 678000. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.abiuk.co.uk

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