A stunningly designed, contemporary lodge
Brand new for 2017, the stunning Laburnum lodge from Atlas Leisure Homes is both elegant and sophisticated and set on a 40ft x 20ft footprint. Atlas are renowned for their build quality, thoughtful design layouts and lavish decoration – all of which are present in the Laburnum lodge.
The 20ft width gives the holiday lodge a substantial look from the outside with a pitched, pantile clad roof, guttering and downpipes in charcoal and a small dormer above the side access door, breaking up the roofline. The front has a large patio style sliding door which takes up two thirds of the space with an angled inset containing a separate window. There’s also an overhang which has inset LED downlights.
The side access door takes you directly into the kitchen/dining area. Either side of this are two more tall, double-glazed windows. There are also plenty of large PVC windows in charcoal down each of the sides as well as a Velux roof light with blind above the dining area. The Laburnum is also mounted on a fully-galvanised chassis.
The range of exterior options include extra insulation, an upgrade to BS3632 residential specification and several environmental colour schemes for the cladding, including Canexcel and real timber. Atlas also uses tongue and grooved P5 moisture resistant flooring; plenty of underfloor insulation and all exterior hot and cold pipework is lagged. Our review model featured Canexel cladding in a light silvery colour, which contrasted very well with the charcoal windows and roof.
You know you’re in a lodge when you walk through the front door into a spacious, carpeted hallway-cum-lobby! To your right is a set of shelves and hanging space for your coats with a door to the right leading into a utility room. This is a very nice space and has been fitted with a washing machine, a low profile double flush toilet and a set of storage cupboards with a stainless steel sink and mixer tap on top. The floor is a timber effect vinyl – great for muddy shoes and boots, umbrellas etc.
The open-ended hallway leads you into the centre of the lodge. To your right are the bedrooms and bathroom, straight on is the kitchen and to your left, the lounge. Immediately on the left is another surprise – a fully fitted study with copious shelving for files and things like a printer and a built-in desk with chair. This room would be an ideal spot to do a bit of work or to play computer games and is light and airy. In fact, it’s one of the best fitted out studies we’ve seen.
Moving on into the lounge and open-plan kitchen area and your breath really is taken away by the contemporary design and stunning colours and materials. The room itself is fairly square with a bank of shelving on the wall next to the hallway and a superb TV and entertainment unit on the front wall comprising shelving, storage cupboards and an electric flame effect fire. There’s also space for a sizeable flat panel TV and room for the various digi-boxes etc.
The Laburnum lodge comes complete with two free standing armchairs and a free standing two-seater sofa (option for a pull-out sofa bed) and a nest of tables. There’s plenty of room for more furniture to be added, but you really do get everything needed for a comfortable lounge. The décor is a combination of grey carpet and seating with shelves in cream and with back panels in a light timber. This is all complemented with striking curtains in light grey with a black chevron pattern. A designer pendant light fitting completes the scene.
The lounge is separated from the amazing kitchen by a low unit with marble effect countertop and an array of storage cabinets and drawers. The kitchen is ‘galley’ in shape and features a sink and mixer tap with cupboards at the end under the window and an arrangement of drawers and tall cabinets to the right. These contain the integrated oven, grill and microwave oven and the five-burner hob (with central wok burner) with a classy looking extractor fan above. The door fronts are all in a dark slate grey/charcoal colour with aluminium bow handles and all have soft close mechanisms.
At the end of the kitchen, on a raised platform, is the dining area with a large marble effect table, four upholstered chairs in a contrasting dark blue and, at one end, a two seater breakfast bar – also in a marble effect – with two stylish stools. Opposite is yet another set of open shelving and thin top and bottom cupboards. There’s no problem with storage in this lodge!
Lighting is a combination of inset LED downlights and pendant fittings and, with the lofty pitched ceiling and tall windows, the Laburnum’s lounge and kitchen are bright, light, and lovely places to enjoy.
Moving into the sleeping accommodation, the first room to your left is the twin bedded room. This is a fantastic space with two huge twin beds and tall headboards padded in a dark velvet material. Luxurious bedding in shades of cream and burgundy really do give an impression of understated luxury. The room also benefits from a dressing table with drawer and mirror and a full height hanging wardrobe. But, there’s more!
The twin room has its own en-suite with a fantastic corner shower cubicle, low profile double flush toilet and a stylish handbasin built into a series of shelves and cupboards. You also get the usual fittings and a tall heated towel rail that also doubles as a radiator. This en-suite is actually larger than some full size bathrooms we’ve seen and is a real bonus.
The Laburnum’s master bedroom, is as equally well appointed and reeks of luxury with its velvet headboards, king sized bed with gas strut lift-up storage, excellent bedside storage cupboards and high ceiling. Easy to move around, the room has lots of floor space and also benefits from a dressing table, mirror and stool. Décor is the same as the twin room, giving a nice continuity of style to the sleeping accommodation.
The en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom wouldn’t disgrace a five star hotel. It’s big for a start, and has a full-length bath with designer taps, as well as the usual contemporary sanitaryware in the shape of a toilet and hand basin. You also benefit from bags of cupboard storage, an illuminated mirror and a heated towel rail. The flooring is in a hard wearing timber effect vinyl for easy cleaning.
Verdict
The Laburnum lodge is a credit to Atlas’ far thinking design and high quality build finish. It has a bespoke feel to it and cannot fail to impress on sight. Even if it does tip the £100k mark, you still get an awful lot of lodge for your money.
Plus points
- Stylish, understated exterior with nice detailing.
- Bonus utility room and study.
- Eye-catching open plan lounge and kitchen.
- Stunning, well appointed designer kitchen.
- Luxurious bedrooms.
- Spacious en suite bathrooms.
Minus points
We couldn’t really fault this in any way!
In-a-nutshell
Atlas have done it again in a lodge that will have wide across-the-board appeal.
Fact file
Size: 40ft x 20ft
Build Standard: EN 1647.
Berths: 4, in two bedrooms (one twin and one double).
Other Layouts Available: n/a
Key Optional Extras: Residential standard BS3632; Environmental colours. Canexel or timber cladding options; 300mm wine cooler for 12 bottles; Free standing washing machine or washer/dryer in utility room; Gas strut lift up bed base to master bedroom; Pull out bed to lounge settee; Shower cubicle in lieu of bath; Plinth lighting to raised dinette; De-luxe bedding set.
Ex works price: £103,270.40*
For more information e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.atlasleisurehomes.co.uk
*Extra charges will be made by park operators, and/or distributors for transport, siting and annual maintenance. Please check the price carefully before you commit to buy, as prices vary considerably dependent, amongst other factors, on the geographical location of your chosen park.
