IT'S easy to assume a company whose models still sport the same names as before has not made any changes. In the case of Arronbrook and several others, however, the name may stay the same, but the model has evolved considerably. The Eclipse is one example.

Externally, the 37ft x 13ft Eclipse I saw was clad in uPVC in a pleasant light cream. The front has a quadruple full-length window to maximise light and the view. This is slightly bayed to allow a view in more than one direction. The windows and door are in white uPVC.

There are three 12ft and three 13ft models in the range, ranging from c£30,000 to £40,000. It is perhaps surprising that in a holiday home of this standard, central heating is not standard in the 12ft models, but can be added for around £2,000. The pvc cladding is also an extra on all models for a little under £2,000. For 12ft models, the galvanised chassis is around £1,300 extra.


STEP INSIDE

The entrance to the Eclipse is a single door at the side. It is now rather unusual, to have only one entrance door in such a relatively large unit, but you can be sure that the appropriate fire exit windows are provided, so it is not in itself a cause for alarm. You are immediately into the kitchen and dining area, which is where you would want to be, as you step onto the slate tile-effect vinyl floor. Here you will hopefully remove your boots, before accosting the brown lounge carpet - but at least it is a practical colour.

The circular maple effect dining table has four striking and attractive shaped faux leather chairs with a lighter inset panel. A glass and stainless steel pendant hangs strategically over your diner. To the right of the door, the kitchen begins, with a super range of floor-to-ceiling cupboards. To the left is the large lounge.


LOUNGING AROUND

All windows in the Eclipse have venetian blinds, so if privacy is important for you, you certainly have it. The blinds on the front end window are vertical, to accommodate its varying height. Above this is a shaped plain pelmet that makes the vertical blinds more domestic. The ceiling is vaulted but does not peak as some do, but is slightly curved at the apex.

There is abundant lighting. In the lounge, for example, there are ceiling spots, a modern quadruple ceiling light and wall lights. Plain brown eyelet curtains form the backdrop for beige, traditionally patterned and very comfortable seating, comprising a pair of two-seater sofas and a chair. Theer are also two small units, one for coffee and one for a TV, with shelf under.

A pebble flame effect electric fire hangs on the wall, with a large mirror above.


PIÉCE DE RESISTANCE

The particularly well-designed kitchen is the best feature of this model. In an attractive white finish and with an abundance of stainless steel, each item is a gem in its own right. The illuminated drinks cooler holds enough to quench all but the most worrying of thirsts!

The unusual black and grey glass hob tops two very deep drawers. Above is a glass splashback with the Arronbrook logo. An attractive stainless steel extractor tops the lot. To the left of the hob is an interesting wall unit in brushed steel, with two small shelves and a clock inset. The monocoque tap is modern and not run-of-the-mill. It serves a composite grey sink, with one-and-a-half bowls.

Wall cupboards here, of which there are plenty, are brushed stainless steel-effect surrounds and smoked glass inserts. There are even plinth lights illuminating the area. The cooker stack consists of double oven and microwave, in stainless steel and glass. This is a most useable and attractive kitchen.


SLEEPING AREA

A door leads from the kitchen to the bedroom end of the home. Practicality is the key. Each bedroom has as many cupboards and storage as space will allow. Light wood effect is pleasant and the beds have plain brown fabric headboards attached to the wall. Both the double and twin rooms have the same cotton fabric for curtains and bedspread in beige, brown and tan. Curtains are eyelet type on stainless steel rods.

There is a bathroom with bath, and hygienic low-maintenance plastic cladding to the wall. Also on hand is an over-bath shower and a clear glass screen. This very white and pristine bathroom has a white basin with white cupboard under.


OUR VERDICT

This home will appeal to those who want all the spec at a reasonable price tag, and who may want to vary the size according to the pitch they finally choose. Some manufacturers’ models, particularly at the top end, are one fixed size, the usual reason being the quality of the design element, but some buyers need a choice of sizes. Thirteen feet wide models as small as 35ft are relatively unusual, so that is a niche filled by Arronbrook.

It will also please those who like cooking, and want all the facilities to do it. Cheat cooks may find the umpteen appliances de trop. Those who like eating, too, in a pleasant dining environment. And those who know Arronbrook from previous experience and are pleased to see that they can stay with their chosen manufacturer and move with the times.


Technical details
• Type: single unit caravan holiday home
• Standard: BS EN1647
• Size: 37ft x 13ft as seen
• Bedrooms: 2

Other versions
• 35ft x 12ft 2 bed, 37ft x 12ft 2 bed, 37ft x 12ft 3 bed, 37ft x 13ft 3 bed, 40ft x 13ft 2 bed

Main features
• Roof and floor insulation, 50mm walls fully insulated
• Heating to all bedrooms and bathrooms
• Upvc double glazed windows and doors
• Pull-out bed in the lounge
• Exterior light
• Integral fridge-freezer
• Dishwasher (13ft models only)
• Built-in microwave
• Kitchen and bathroom extractor fans
• Granite-style kitchen sink
• Pantile roof

Price
£37,278 ex works (inc VAT)

CONTACT

Arronbrook Ltd, Popple Street, Hedon Road, Hull, East Yorkshire HU9 1LP. Tel: 01482 210327. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.arronbrookcaravans.co.uk


This review was published in the July 2009 issue of Park & Holiday Homes magazine. To order our latest issue please click here.


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