THE Chamonix is an established model, but has been given a major restyling for 2011. The traditional rectangular exterior has been enhanced with a bonded sandwich ex-terior wall for greater structural strength, a stronger ‘Fusion’ galvanised chassis guaranteed for ten years, and a glazed side gable.

There is only one size, 39x12, but this has open plan or closed lounge 2-bed versions and an open plan 3-bed. The front end of the open plan, 2-bed home I saw had optional double patio doors, above which was a glazed panel shaped into the roof pitch, and with full height shaped windows either side. The standard model has four full height window panels shaped into the vaulting.

The way in

The entrance is about half way along the front side elevation, with a shaped window above a fully glazed door and a full-height glazed panel. The dining area immediately left, has a wood-finish dining table with curved ends and four faux leather chairs – fine for four, but a tight fit for six (especially in the closed lounge version). Above is a three-lamp pendant downlight bar.

Kitchen space

To the right of the entrance is the boiler cupboard and integrated A-rated fridge/freezer. Ahead is the U-shaped kitchen, with the 11/2 sink and drainer against the back wall beneath a window; a panel above holds two downlighters and there’s a useful Velux window above.

A good selection of floor and wall cupboards (with downlighters beneath) and drawers provide plenty of storage (including a carousel for the corner space, unless, as in the show home, the optional washing machine is fitted).

On the right-is an integrated 5-burner hob and double oven with stainless steel extractor above  On the opposite peninsular unit, facing the lounge, is an integrated microwave. The optional dishwasher can be fitted elow.

Lounge here

The lounge is well furnished with a comfy 3-4 seat L-shaped sofa, part of which abuts the kitchen peninsular, two arm-chairs, and a coffee table matching the dining table. Opposite the sofa is a unit comprising two glass-fronted cupboards with a shelf between. Below are a double and two single cupboards. A glass-fronted cupboard for A/V gear extends beyond the upper cabinet and above is a veneered panel housing the ‘widescreen’ black and clear glass electric fire. Above the fire are a glass shelf and TV sockets.

On the lounge side of the peninsular, above the sofa, is a corner-mounted glass-doored cabinet and a shelving unit.

Apart from the TV points, I could only find one double power socket – surely not enough.

On to shower

A door with a smoked glass panel leads from the kitchen into the hall, which has a nice curved lamp on the wall. Right is the shower room, with a good-sized cubicle, a low ladder-style towel dryer/radiator beneath the venetian-covered window and an attractive circular basin on a single-doored cabinet. Above and around the loo and basin is a shelving unit incorporating a mirror-doored cabinet with interior lights shining through clear squares, plus a shaver socket.

Into the twin

In the second bedroom, a traditional tight fit, the narrow divans have a full-width shelf above (with single downlighter in the centre underneath), and above that a unit with cupboards either end and two more shelves in the centre. A veneered panel extends down incorporating a double power socket and single bedside cabinet.

A full-length wardrobe incorporates a three-drawer chest and there is a vanity unit panel with three shelves, a mirror and a single power socket. TV sockets are fitted beside the wardrobe.

In the show home I saw, the consumer electrical unit was inside the wardrobe at a very convenient height. Is it really wise to put this piece of kit in such an accessible position in a room that is most likely to be occupied by children?

Majestic master

At the end of the hall is a spacious master with king-size double and integrated bedside cabinets set into a canopy with single power points, elegant reading lights and uplights on the top. The  chocolate, blue and white backdrop, with slightly abstract flower shapes, is very effective.

In the corner is a small en suite with loo, pedestal basin and mirror. Opposite the foot of the bed is an integrated unit of two double-doored wardrobes (each with inset mirrors), plus shelves, a two-drawer stack and TV sockets above. A single door above a dressing table gives additional access to the corner space.

That dressing table, with stool, is an integrated unit with shelf, a downlight in a panel above a chrome-framed mirror, a three-drawer pedestal..

OUR VERDICT

The Chamonx is a top-notch home in its class (voted Caravan Holiday Home of the Year in 2009). The lounge is comfortable, attractive and well-equipped and the kitchen more than adequate – though the diner is a bit squeezed and for that reason I would recommend the open-plan rather than closed lounge version.

The master bedroom is also excellent, with plenty of space and storage for those who will be using their holiday home a lot.

However, the fusebox in the bedroom two wardrobe, in such a vulnerable position, is a big black mark as far as I’m concerned. If I decided that in all other
respects the Chamonix was the model for me, I would insist it was moved.



Technical details
• Type: single unit caravan holiday home
• Standard: BS EN1647
• Size: 39ft x 12ft
• Bedrooms: 2

Other versions
• 39ft x 12ft 2 bed, closed lounge; 39ft x 12ft 3 bed, open plan

Main features
• Galvanised chassis with ten-year guarantee
• uPVC double glazing
• Underfloor pipe insulation
• Vaulted ceiling throughout
• Velux rooflight to kitchen
• Integrated fridge/freezer
• Integrated 5-burner gas hob with wok burner
• Integrated double oven
• Integrated microwave
• L-shaped sofa with full-out bed, plus two armchairs
• TV points in bedrooms

Selected options
• uPVC exterior cladding
• Environmental green exterior
• Aspect patio doors to front end
• Integrated dishwasher
• Integrated washing machine

Price
£37,995 ex works (inc VAT)

CONTACT

Swift Group, Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 4JX. Tel: 01482 847332. Email: [email protected]. Web: www.swiftgroup.co.uk

This review was published in the January 2011 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order a copy of Park & Holiday Homes please click here