THE Sycamore lodge joined its sister unit Helme lodge in Normandy’s first display at The Lawns in September last year (they had previously exhibited only at the Golf Club). I use the word sister, as there are some design and layout features common to both homes.

Hull-based Normandy Holiday Homes was established in 1981 but underwent a change of ownership seven years ago. It is a company that has been producing caravan holiday-homes for over 27 years, and has a strong tradition of exporting its models, but it is only since 2006 that it has formed relationships with UK parks and begun to introduce lodges to its portfolio.

Normandy’s philosophy is quality and value for money. I was told that a new production facility has been leased giving the company a combined manufacturing and office space of 25,000ft2.

Despite the difficult trading conditions it increased its workforce by 25% last year (2009) and now employs 34 people; it expects to continue to recruit in line with business development.


ON THE OUTSIDE

The Sycamore model I saw was the 28ft x 16ft twin unit with a double bedroom, twin bedroom and open plan living and kitchen area.

The exterior is a simple rectangle, with a pitched roof with a fairly substantial overhang on the front elevation. This frontage features patio doors to the right, comprising a glazed single door with a narrower hinged glazed panel providing a wider opening.

On the other side of the front end façade is a large, three-quarter height window comprising a large single pane picture window next to which is a narrower panel that opens.

There is a similar window on the front side elevation, along with a side entrance about two thirds of the way down. There are three smaller windows on the back wall.


LIVING AREA

Entering through the side door I turned left into the open plan living area noting the large hall cupboard with the central heating boiler, optional washer/dryer and space for coats and other trappings.

The appearance of this open plan area is neat and the colours and fabrics are sympathetic to the vaulted ceiling and centre beam. The plank effect floor would be easy to wipe over, but you might want to wear soft soled shoes; my wooden flip flops made a real noise! The large windows contribute to the openness of this area and I suggest that you’d need to choose your plot with this in mind.

A leather chair, in front of the only radiator, and a two-seat sofa in a russet brown sat on the plank effect oak look laminate floor, cosily near to the 2kw electric flame-effect fire and within easy viewing of the flat screen TV (included). The lodge is HDMI equipped, so it’s ready for all the latest high definition TVs and games consoles.

The dining area has one radiator and a round, but extending, oak table and four faux leather chairs upholstered in dark brown and russet colour.


KITCHEN

The kitchen has Shaker-style, ivory-coloured eye-level and base units arranged in an ‘L’ shape with an integrated fridge/freezer, a four burner gas hob, an electric oven and grill and a three-speed extractor fan.

The stainless steel appliances, although modern, sit well with the cupboards and the matt black marble effect worktops.

I only noticed one double power point to the right of the window and this, I think, needs reviewing. I look around my own kitchen and think: kettle, toaster and radio… and then remember the other electrical gadgets in the cupboards!


MASTER

The master bedroom accommodates a 4ft 6ins bed with Pear wood headboard and a bedside cabinet and double power point each side, and there is also a landline telephone socket. Sliding, mirror fronted doors are obviously the wardrobe – and there is a huge amount of hanging space inside.


BED, STUDY, STORE

The second bedroom is ideal for children – or you could turn it into a study or store room. In the model I saw, it had two 2ft 6ins beds with pear wood headboards and a freestanding bedside table in between. The single wardrobe was the only storage that could be accommodated. There were power points by each bed and at the foot of one of the beds.


BATHROOM

The family bathroom – white with chrome accessories, naturally – has a P-shaped bath with an overbath shower and shaped acrylic shower screen. The vinyl floor covering has a diamond pattern, but wasn’t too much for the size of the room.

The dual flush toilet has green credentials and the toilet roll holder is well placed! The pedestal basin has a small mirror fronted cupboard above it.


OUR VERDICT

All Normandy Holiday Homes are individually built to order and a flexible bespoke design service is offered, which is ideal if one is seeking a model for one of those unusual shaped plots seen on some parks.

Much had been made of the space available in the model I saw, but I was disappointed with the lack of storage and the second bedroom, which I thought had the feel of a caravan holiday-home rather than a lodge.




Technical details
• Type: twin unit lodge-style home
• Standard: BS EN1647; but can be built to BS3632 residential spec at extra cost
• Size: 28ft x 16 ft
• Bedrooms: 2

Other versions
• 30ft x 16ft; 32ft x 16ft ; 36ft x 16ft

Main features
• Domestic double glazing
• Timber cladding as standard
• Vaulted ceiling to lounge/diner/kitchen
• Patio door to front
• Gas central heating
• Extra warm insulation package throughout
• Integrated fridge/freezer, hob, oven and extractor
• Feature electric fire in lounge
• Luxury leather suite
• Flat screen TV included
• Fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms
• Solid oak furniture
• LED lighting to front

Selected options
• Dishwasher £400 (plus VAT)
• Wine cooler £370 (plus VAT)
• Mirror image layout £900
• Pre-galvanised chassis £1,000
• Velux window £400
• BS 3632 residential specification £2000
• Canexel cladding £500
• UPVC cladding price reduction of £400

Room sizes
Please note: all dimensions are approximate only.
• Open plan lounge/kitchen diner 14ft x 15ft 6in
• Master bedroom 7ft 5in x 7ft 8in
• Second bedroom 7ft 5in x 7ft 3in
• Family bathroom 5ft 9in x 7ft 8in (maximum width)

Price
£59,214 ex works (inc VAT)


CONTACT

Normandy Holiday Homes, Bontoft Avenue, Hull , East Yorkshire HU5 4HF. Tel: 01482 475100 Email: [email protected] Web: www.normandy-caravans.co.uk


This review was published in the January 2010 issue of Park & Holiday Homes magazine. To order our latest issue please click here.


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