Full review

Words: Rachel Scholes  Photography: Bailey of Bristol

The Bailey Pegasus Grande GT75 Ancona

Here we are reviewing a new Bailey caravan for 2024, in the Pegasus Grande GT75 line-up. While the existing Pegasus Grande models are aimed more at couples, this and the recently launched Amalfi floorplans are firmly designed for families.

For those not ‘in the know’, so to speak, the Pegasus Grande is one of two 8ft-wide ranges to come from this Bristol-based manufacturer, signified by the ‘Grande’ moniker.

 While the Alicanto Grande is Bailey’s flagship, this Pegasus offers a more affordable and slightly lighter alternative, yet still offering the spacious interiors that an 8ft-wide caravan creates. 

And never has that been more important than for the new family floorplans, where every little bit of space makes the biggest differences for adventures with kids.

Also, this is one of Bailey’s two seventy-fifth anniversary ranges, signified by the GT75 branding. So let’s start with this Ancona, a single-axle model.

The interior

Stepping on board towards the rear, you’ll be immediately taken by the caravan’s light and airy feel – helped by paler woods, neutral fabrics and big windows, but it is the extra width (it’s around seven to nine inches broader than the other Bailey ranges) that is one of the biggest factors. And all the interior areas benefit, so let’s take this from the front. 

The lounge

There’s twin sofas at the very fore with a drawer unit between. This offers storage and a slide-out tabletop, creating a small dining area – maybe you prefer to eat later, letting the kids use the second dinette at their mealtimes.

As a lounge, though, this space is brilliant – you can recline at either end, thanks to the booster cushions, but TV watching is likely to be with your back to the front window as the TV point sits on the unit between this and the central dinette. 

This is where that Sonos speaker also sits, within its own recessed charging dock. This does allow you to pivot the TV so it can be viewed from either lounge. 

What a wonderful feature that large central window is stretching all the way up into the curve of the roof. Get full-length views during the day and then at night-time slide the blind up so all you see is the night sky! 

This area makes a big double bed (measuring 2.11m by 1.45m, that’s 4ft 9in by 6ft 11in) or you can sleep on the sofas made up as generous singles (1.90m/6ft 3in tall, 61cm/2ft wide). If you’re tall and like to sleep with hands above your head, the double is going to be the best option.

The dinette

Further back, where standard-width caravans often have a single-seat dining area, this one can actually seat four. It has a table that attaches to the wall, but this also can be repositioned to make  up the bed base.

Plus, it makes a great big single bed. It’s not the longest, at 1.83m (6ft), but it is wonderfully wide at 96cm (3ft 2in), meaning there’s lots of space to sleep like a starfish should the occupant wish.  There’s also a good curtain that goes all the way around to provide privacy.

The kitchen

Opposite is the kitchen, which should cater for the whole family. There’s a full cooker, which is covered by a folding worktop, so if it’s not in use, there’s even more worktop – this is plentiful even when using the hob. It also protects from damage caused by anything dropping out of one of those high-level lockers.

There’s a microwave for more instant meals and it’s a flatbed model, which means easier cleaning and better internal space. 

The one caveat of this kitchen is the fridge; at 103 litres it might be a touch on the small side for some, but you can always pack an extra coolbox. It is definitely bigger than many other under-counter models, though.

The bunk beds

Bunk beds are separated from the kitchen by means of a tall wardrobe unit. A ladder is fixed for access and each bed has a window for ventilation, reading light and curtain for privacy. These should be more than suitable for younger and older kids alike.

The washroom

Finally, the washroom is at the very rear. Though not quite a full-width space, it is eminently suitable  for a family with a separate shower. 

There’s no window in here (that does mean there’s no blind to remember to close when using the loo), but a rooflight above the toilet and one in the shower should do the job for ventilation purposes. 

The spec

In terms of kit, the levels are good, with prewiring for WiFi built in as well as a 100W solar panel for the times you are not hooked up to the mains. 

The Al-Ko ATC trailer control system is included, as is  a spare wheel mounted underneath and an exterior gas point for barbecues.