02/12/2010
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Tarn House Leisure Park
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I WAS looking forward to my visit to Tarn House Caravan Park and Country Inn, because one of its sister parks, Black Beck in the Lake District, was firmly etched into my mental ‘favourites’ folder. Would Tarn House have the same effect on me, I wondered.
I found the park easily, having ditched the help of the sat nav, which was taking me to quite a different road, though with the same post code! There is an attractive access along a tree-lined drive. My first thought was, where are the holiday homes? They are well screened from all angles.
I had arrived early for my visit, so was able to wander around freely taking photos and chatting to holiday home owners. I was drawn to the lodge development, which is in its early stages, and yet several have already been sold. There I met Bill Fagan, and his friend Simon Parkes.
It was after meeting Bill and Simon that I caught up with David Skelton, the long-time manager of Tarn House (I agreed I would not say quite how long, but I did think that he had been there long enough to show that it must be a good company to work for!)
David is working for the Partington family’s group of holiday parks. The name dates back to the grandparents, but members of the same family still own and are hands-on with the running of the parks. They have been family-owned for 65 years.
I commented on the fact that Tarn House reminded me of Black Beck in some way and, between us, David and I decided that must be because the family likes to keep the parks ‘rural’ – they are not built up in the way some are nowadays, to feel like little villages. Some people might prefer that, but I am drawn more to the natural settings, which are kept natural and though tidy and well kept, are not so manicured.
The financial attractions of Tarn House are definitely greater than many parks! Caravan-style holiday homes are available used from £5,000. Right at the other end of the scale would be a Tingdene or Advent lodge, two-bedroomed and with central heating, double glazing and decking, at £150,000 for a 46ft by 20ft model, though you can also buy a smaller lodge for £90,000.
Site fees for 2010 are £1,615 for a 10ft wide holiday home, and £1,705 for a 12ft one. The prices include rates and VAT. For a lodge the fee is £2,873.
At this park like the other Partington ones, Glass’s guide is used to set the sale price, so you can be assured there are no premiums added. If you are looking at the units for sale on the website, the siting charge of £650 per ten foot unit and £750 per 12 ft is already included (only exception is the Stellar Ashworth, where it needs to be added).
This must, I think, make this company’s holiday homes some of the least expensive lodges and holiday homes anywhere, in lovely relaxed parks. An added bonus is that the licence is for 16 years rather than the usual 15.
Tarn House is ideal for those who want a relaxed home-from-home in a peaceful and secluded setting just a short distance away from the lovely market town of Skipton. Who appreciate the clarity in pricing, and want value for money. Who like rural.
I think it would suit those who themselves are easy-going, rather than fussy. If you want a built up village it would probably not suit you. Some of the areas are car-free, which makes for a nice atmosphere, though parking is available nearby.
If you are just wondering about the leisure home lifestyle, you could find at Tarn House a good selection of holiday homes, even including a couple of brand new Stellars, for under £10,000. You might move on in time to a more luxurious model, or a lodge, but it is a very good way to start.
Atmosphere is important to me, and I liked the atmosphere at Tarn House. All the staff are friendly, and I didn’t feel anyone would be breathing down my neck if I bought there. Clearly the home owners like it, as many have been there a long time, up to 30 years.
And there is the adjacent Tarn House Country Inn, where you can go with friends for a quiet drink in the bar. Or even stay there for a night to get the feel of the place, and view the holiday homes for sale at your leisure.
Bill Fagan was the first proud lodge owner at Tarn House, having bought a Tingdene Barnsdale at the top of the sloping development a couple of years ago. Before that he owned a caravan holiday home on site, so he knew what he was letting himself in for!
Bill (below left) had made an attractive corner garden area by his lodge, where he could sit and look at the expansive vista. I spotted the relaxed approach evident at Black Beck, owners being encouraged to make their space their own. Bill’s verdict, as an owner for several years, was that it is a superb park and setting. He feels he has the best view, too! He assured me that all the staff are good and helpful.
Bill is from Liverpool originally, and spends a considerable part of the ten and a half months’ open season at Tarn House. He likes the location, because it is so handy for Skipton (a little over a mile). He enjoys the canal and is a walker.
Bill was helping his friend Simon Parkes (below right) to move into his lodge, just a couple of spaces lower and on the same side. Simon and his wife had tried a caravan holiday home but felt it was not big enough, whereas their lodge, he feels, will be a home from home.
That home is in Hull, about an hour and three quarters away. They come most weekends, are very happy with the park, which they consider ‘faultless’. Praise indeed! Both love the way you can leave things out and they will be ok, not possible in many cities!
Both men consider that the rules and regulation are reasonable – in fact they had a bit of difficulty thinking of any! Most things are at the manager’s discretion. Subletting is not allowed, though friends and family are welcome. They like it that way, and would not enjoy a ‘holiday camp’ atmosphere, as they put it. Tarn House is a peaceful retreat.
At the time of writing, homes available included a new 2010 Stellar Ashworth Elite 33x12, £19,995; a new 2010 Carnaby Melrose 24x13, £26,337; and a new 2010 Stellar Daybreak 35x12, £27,995. Vacant pitches for a lodge of your choice are also available.
• Local amenities: All shops and services, including post office, banks and supermarkets, are available in Skipton (1-1.5 miles).
• Health: GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacies available in Skipton; the nearest hospital with A&E is at Keighley (6 miles).
• Transport: The nearest station is Skipton, on the line from Leeds. There are regular buses on the nearby B6265 (1 mile) on the Skipton to Grassington, Buckden or Hebden routes.
• Food & drink: The Tarn House Country Inn has a bar/restaurant with occasional entertainment. Plenty of other pubs, restaurants, takeaways etc in Skipton.
• Entertainment: There’s occasional live entertainment at the Tarn House Country Inn. There are theatres, cinemas and leisure centres in Skipton and Keighley.
Explore the past – The Grassington Folk Museum delves into the history of Wharfedale, covering lead mining, craft tools, farming, period costumes, folklore, World War II memorabilia, etc. It also holds a
Dickensian Festival every year in December.
Let off steam – From just outside Skipton the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, runs regular trains (weekends only in winter) through delightful Dales countryside to the new Bolton Abbey station from where it is a lovely 1.5 mile walk to the abbey ruins.
Muse on Victoriana – Cliffe Castle at Keighley was originally the mansion of a local Victorian textile millionaire. It now houses a fascinating collection of fossils, minerals, mounted birds and local mammals, origi-nal furniture, William Morris stained glass, toys, etc.
Visit the Cove – Malham Cove is one of the area’s top beauty spots, a short walk from Malham village, and with stone steps leading up to the rare limestone pavement above the cliffs. Take a picnic and watch the climbers work their way up the 260ft rockface.
Tarn House Leisure Park and Country Inn, Stirton, near Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3LQ. Tel: 01756 795309. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.tarnhouse.net
• Ground rent for lodges £2,873
• Ground rent for caravan holiday homes £1,615 (10ft), £1,705 (12ft)
• Licensed for 101/2 months
• No sub-letting
• Assistance with finance available
• Pets permitted
Partingtons Group
Other parks owned by the Partington family include the five star Black Beck, near Newby Bridge in the Lake District; Broadwater, close to Fleetwood on the Fylde coast; Newton Hall, close to Blackpool; Wardleys Creek at Hambleton in Lancashire; and Windy Harbour at Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire.
This park review was published in the December 2010 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order a copy of Park & Holiday Homes please click here
I found the park easily, having ditched the help of the sat nav, which was taking me to quite a different road, though with the same post code! There is an attractive access along a tree-lined drive. My first thought was, where are the holiday homes? They are well screened from all angles.
I had arrived early for my visit, so was able to wander around freely taking photos and chatting to holiday home owners. I was drawn to the lodge development, which is in its early stages, and yet several have already been sold. There I met Bill Fagan, and his friend Simon Parkes.
Family business
It was after meeting Bill and Simon that I caught up with David Skelton, the long-time manager of Tarn House (I agreed I would not say quite how long, but I did think that he had been there long enough to show that it must be a good company to work for!)
David is working for the Partington family’s group of holiday parks. The name dates back to the grandparents, but members of the same family still own and are hands-on with the running of the parks. They have been family-owned for 65 years.
I commented on the fact that Tarn House reminded me of Black Beck in some way and, between us, David and I decided that must be because the family likes to keep the parks ‘rural’ – they are not built up in the way some are nowadays, to feel like little villages. Some people might prefer that, but I am drawn more to the natural settings, which are kept natural and though tidy and well kept, are not so manicured.
Attractive prices
The financial attractions of Tarn House are definitely greater than many parks! Caravan-style holiday homes are available used from £5,000. Right at the other end of the scale would be a Tingdene or Advent lodge, two-bedroomed and with central heating, double glazing and decking, at £150,000 for a 46ft by 20ft model, though you can also buy a smaller lodge for £90,000.
Site fees for 2010 are £1,615 for a 10ft wide holiday home, and £1,705 for a 12ft one. The prices include rates and VAT. For a lodge the fee is £2,873.
At this park like the other Partington ones, Glass’s guide is used to set the sale price, so you can be assured there are no premiums added. If you are looking at the units for sale on the website, the siting charge of £650 per ten foot unit and £750 per 12 ft is already included (only exception is the Stellar Ashworth, where it needs to be added).
This must, I think, make this company’s holiday homes some of the least expensive lodges and holiday homes anywhere, in lovely relaxed parks. An added bonus is that the licence is for 16 years rather than the usual 15.
Who for?
Tarn House is ideal for those who want a relaxed home-from-home in a peaceful and secluded setting just a short distance away from the lovely market town of Skipton. Who appreciate the clarity in pricing, and want value for money. Who like rural.
I think it would suit those who themselves are easy-going, rather than fussy. If you want a built up village it would probably not suit you. Some of the areas are car-free, which makes for a nice atmosphere, though parking is available nearby.
If you are just wondering about the leisure home lifestyle, you could find at Tarn House a good selection of holiday homes, even including a couple of brand new Stellars, for under £10,000. You might move on in time to a more luxurious model, or a lodge, but it is a very good way to start.
Atmosphere is important to me, and I liked the atmosphere at Tarn House. All the staff are friendly, and I didn’t feel anyone would be breathing down my neck if I bought there. Clearly the home owners like it, as many have been there a long time, up to 30 years.
And there is the adjacent Tarn House Country Inn, where you can go with friends for a quiet drink in the bar. Or even stay there for a night to get the feel of the place, and view the holiday homes for sale at your leisure.
What do you think, Bill and Simon?
Bill Fagan was the first proud lodge owner at Tarn House, having bought a Tingdene Barnsdale at the top of the sloping development a couple of years ago. Before that he owned a caravan holiday home on site, so he knew what he was letting himself in for!
Bill (below left) had made an attractive corner garden area by his lodge, where he could sit and look at the expansive vista. I spotted the relaxed approach evident at Black Beck, owners being encouraged to make their space their own. Bill’s verdict, as an owner for several years, was that it is a superb park and setting. He feels he has the best view, too! He assured me that all the staff are good and helpful.
Bill is from Liverpool originally, and spends a considerable part of the ten and a half months’ open season at Tarn House. He likes the location, because it is so handy for Skipton (a little over a mile). He enjoys the canal and is a walker.
Bill was helping his friend Simon Parkes (below right) to move into his lodge, just a couple of spaces lower and on the same side. Simon and his wife had tried a caravan holiday home but felt it was not big enough, whereas their lodge, he feels, will be a home from home.
That home is in Hull, about an hour and three quarters away. They come most weekends, are very happy with the park, which they consider ‘faultless’. Praise indeed! Both love the way you can leave things out and they will be ok, not possible in many cities!
Both men consider that the rules and regulation are reasonable – in fact they had a bit of difficulty thinking of any! Most things are at the manager’s discretion. Subletting is not allowed, though friends and family are welcome. They like it that way, and would not enjoy a ‘holiday camp’ atmosphere, as they put it. Tarn House is a peaceful retreat.
FOR SALE
At the time of writing, homes available included a new 2010 Stellar Ashworth Elite 33x12, £19,995; a new 2010 Carnaby Melrose 24x13, £26,337; and a new 2010 Stellar Daybreak 35x12, £27,995. Vacant pitches for a lodge of your choice are also available.
LOCAL INFO
• Local amenities: All shops and services, including post office, banks and supermarkets, are available in Skipton (1-1.5 miles).
• Health: GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacies available in Skipton; the nearest hospital with A&E is at Keighley (6 miles).
• Transport: The nearest station is Skipton, on the line from Leeds. There are regular buses on the nearby B6265 (1 mile) on the Skipton to Grassington, Buckden or Hebden routes.
• Food & drink: The Tarn House Country Inn has a bar/restaurant with occasional entertainment. Plenty of other pubs, restaurants, takeaways etc in Skipton.
• Entertainment: There’s occasional live entertainment at the Tarn House Country Inn. There are theatres, cinemas and leisure centres in Skipton and Keighley.
WHAT CAN I DO AROUND HERE?
Explore the past – The Grassington Folk Museum delves into the history of Wharfedale, covering lead mining, craft tools, farming, period costumes, folklore, World War II memorabilia, etc. It also holds a
Dickensian Festival every year in December.
Let off steam – From just outside Skipton the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, runs regular trains (weekends only in winter) through delightful Dales countryside to the new Bolton Abbey station from where it is a lovely 1.5 mile walk to the abbey ruins.
Muse on Victoriana – Cliffe Castle at Keighley was originally the mansion of a local Victorian textile millionaire. It now houses a fascinating collection of fossils, minerals, mounted birds and local mammals, origi-nal furniture, William Morris stained glass, toys, etc.
Visit the Cove – Malham Cove is one of the area’s top beauty spots, a short walk from Malham village, and with stone steps leading up to the rare limestone pavement above the cliffs. Take a picnic and watch the climbers work their way up the 260ft rockface.
CONTACT
Tarn House Leisure Park and Country Inn, Stirton, near Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 3LQ. Tel: 01756 795309. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.tarnhouse.net
• Ground rent for lodges £2,873
• Ground rent for caravan holiday homes £1,615 (10ft), £1,705 (12ft)
• Licensed for 101/2 months
• No sub-letting
• Assistance with finance available
• Pets permitted
Partingtons Group
Other parks owned by the Partington family include the five star Black Beck, near Newby Bridge in the Lake District; Broadwater, close to Fleetwood on the Fylde coast; Newton Hall, close to Blackpool; Wardleys Creek at Hambleton in Lancashire; and Windy Harbour at Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire.
This park review was published in the December 2010 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order a copy of Park & Holiday Homes please click here
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Company Registered in England no. 2572212 | VAT registration No. GB 638 3492 15
