NORMANDY has pulled out all the stops to create the Carrick, its largest leisure lodge to date, a 45ft x 22ft 3in, two-bedroom home built to the BS3632 residential standard.

Sleeping four and seating more, this is a lodge for grown-ups. Those who like plenty of space, at not too high a premium. It is ideal for entertaining, with seating for six at the dining table. At this end of the scale, it is not so much a case of how many you can pack into a small space, as how much space a couple and their occasional visitors can enjoy.

As long as there is sufficient insulation, as there undoubtedly is in the Normandy lodge, a large space can be comfortable and economic.

Cavernous

The cavernous lounge space has a top-notch twist pile carpet, expensive furniture and a full surround-sound music system. This ultra-light living space also has lots of glass, with French doors as well as a door through to the separate kitchen. Triangular windows at the front add a touch of class.

The modern colour scheme is browns, beiges and blues. Retro touches include the large rug with flowers from the flower power era, but in subtle colours. A flat-screen TV on the wall tops a ‘flatscreen’ electric fire. Style touches include the real wood ‘beam’ to the centre of the vaulted ceiling.

Curtains are of the eyelet type, hung on stainless steel poles. They are in pleasant beige-blue stripes. There are no fewer than three sofas in this wide sitting area, definitely a place to lounge! An oak coffee table. Oh, and put your feet up on the substantial upholstered stool. I think this sitting space could be the selling point of the Carrick. For those who like to entertain in the evenings there will be no cramped quarters, no cries of ‘move along, please!’

Flexible

The dining suite is very good quality, with oak table and upholstered chairs. Perhaps the patterned ones introduce a rather dizzyingly different kind of pattern from the curtains and rug, but you may like patterns here and there. In any case, you could order one with plain chairs – Normandy is flexible on many and most things.

Sleep in state

The master bedroom has the same sense of space prevalent in the living area of the Carrick.

The walls are in the same range of beige-terra cotta colours as the rest of the home. Incorporated in the main bedroom are a walk-in wardrobe and other furniture, and an en suite, including a top of the range steam shower.

Behind closed doors

The modern, fully-fitted kitchen includes stainless steel integrated oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer, integrated fridge/freezer, wine cooler, chimney extractor fan and a stylish oval non-scratch sink – you name it! What’s more, the kitchen is a completely separate room, with a door between you and the rest of the world.

This adds further fuel to the debate about whether kitchens need to be open plan or separate! Some cooks like the latter, and don’t want to be disturbed as they concoct their latest dish. Others prefer to be in touch with what is going on in the rest of the lodge. They also like the sense of space afforded by open plan.

The cupboards and appliances in the Carrick kitchen are in a large L-shape. It would not be impossible to add a little breakfast bar in one of the blank sides, if you liked. Ivory Shaker-style has been chosen for the cupboard doors, etc, and long stainless steel handles.

Not for children?

Also at the sleeping end of the lodge is a study, a family bathroom and a large second bedroom. The latter is also a double, implying an adult space rather than a place for children. Many have commented and looked for this arrangement, to accommodate a couple and their visiting friends. A study is a useful extra and indispensible for some. If that is not to your taste, there is scope for a small third bedroom here.

OUR VERDICT

Everything about the Carrick is plus plus, and though Normandy don’t shout about it, you are getting a lodge you could live in all year round in luxury.

It is definitely one to consider for those who like a separate kitchen – one of a small number of leisure homes with that layout. And I like the sitting area being at the front of the lodge, the dining set back. Since more time is spent sitting than eating at table for the average lodge dweller, this makes sense.

The distinctiveness, for me, of Normandy leisure and residential homes is that quality fixtures and fittings are used, nothing is done on the cheap.

That is not a headline-grabber, but it will count, a few years on, when your holiday or park home is still functioning at its best!

Technical details
• Type: Twin unit leisure lodge
• Standard: BS3632, so can be used for residential purposes if your park owner agrees
• Size: 45ft x 22ft 3in
• Bedrooms: 2 (study can be converted to third bedroom)

Main features
• Gas CH with condensing boiler
• Feature electric fire in lounge
• Walk-in wardrobe in master bedroom
• En suite bathroom to master bedroom
• Choice of exterior cladding
• Extra insulation throughout
• French doors to lounge
• Free standing solid oak furniture
• Luxury three-piece leather suite

Price
£106,000 ex works (inc VAT)

CONTACT

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


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


Park & Holiday Homes magazine offers reprints of all homes and parks we've reviewed in our magazine. To view our latest index of reviews see our current issue click here.