What’s life like living in a static caravan?

If the phrase ‘static caravan’ conjures up images of a cramped tin shed, then you haven’t’ seen how they’ve evolved over recent years.

In the hands of a leading manufacturer such as Willerby, today’s static caravans are more akin to a bungalow than a mobile home. Packed with home comforts and contemporary gadgets, static caravans offer serenity away from the stress of everyday life.

The transformation from traditional caravan living is so dramatic, in fact, that the way we refer to them is changing. Instead, we now use terms like ‘park home’ and ‘holiday lodge’ to reflect their modern incarnation better.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of life in a modern static caravan (or ‘park home!’). To see why they are growing in popularity, let’s imagine a typical day.

A day in the life

You wake up on a full-size bed with the birds singing outside your double-glazed windows. Next, you take a shower at the perfect temperature (combi boilers come as standard) before preparing breakfast in a smart-fitted kitchen. Natural light pours in.

Stroll out through the French windows and admire the immaculate garden you have created on your plot – backed by undulating peaks. It’s the perfect time to check your emails, surf the news online, or chat with the neighbours over a coffee.

Spend the morning beachcombing or cycling through the nearby country lanes, then head to the on-site bar for a spot of lunch.

Relax to music on your holiday home’s Bluetooth sound system, then find dinner in your well-stocked freezer. Finish the night by enjoying a nightcap with your loved ones and watch the world pass by from your veranda.

That’s just one example of how care-free and comfortable life can be when you own a static caravan in your favourite setting. You may prefer doing jigsaws or wild swimming. Or both. The point is that every person, every couple, and every family can enjoy it in their unique way.

Relax, you’re saving money

The best static caravans are built with excellent thermal and energy efficiency. Our holiday homes, for instance, are crafted to comply with either holiday home specification EN 1647 or residential specification BS 3632 (2015). This means that their thermal and energy efficiency is rated according to the highest industry standards when it comes to keeping warmth in and bills low, whatever the weather.

They are cheaper than conventional homes to buy as well. So, if you want to downsize and make one your permanent residence, you could end up with a tidy sum left over for enjoying life. Alternatively, if you bought your static caravan as a holiday home, you can make it earn its keep by renting it out.

OK, so what’s the downside?

Are there any cons to go with all those pros? Well, being in one permanent location means that static caravans generally have mains electricity and water, possibly gas as well.

That’s what makes the level of luxury you’ll experience possible. But it also means you don’t have the freedom to go where you please. Only a touring caravan can provide that. But that’s not to say you can’t move your property to a new location if you want a change of scenery – it’s just a little more complicated than turning on an engine.

And, while you own your static caravan, the land it sits on is rented from the park. Which means they don’t hold their value like bricks and mortar property. Think of it as an investment in a better life, rather than a money-maker, and it all makes sense.

To conclude, for most people, the answer to the question ‘what’s life like living in a static caravan?’ is: just like home, but with fresher air and better scenery.

Remember, too, that as long as we're all living with the threat of coronavirus, holiday parks are ideal places to enjoy a break while continuing to socially distance, or even self-isolate.

Are you tempted? Why not start by finding your ideal location? And, if you have any questions, call us now for a free, no-obligation chat on 01482 707844.