Stylish and relaxing living in a stunning ‘chalet-style’ holiday lodge
We first saw Pathfinder Home’s The Croft lodge at this year’s World of Park Homes show at Stoneleigh in June. At first glance, you might think ‘static caravan’ because of the oblong box-like shape, but on closer inspection you start to think Swiss chalet!
The Croft is a timber clad lodge with a striking front end, an overhanging roof that makes a nice, deep front porch and a steeply pitched roof along its 45ft length. The charcoal black pantiled roof, bargeboards and all windows and doors contrast very well with the timber walls. And the slightly set back French door access from the front deck, and triangular shaped windows above make quite an impression.
The roof overhang shelters the front deck and has inset LED downlighters. Two thick timber ‘beams’ support the porch on either side and give the impression of solidity and strength. This lodge, like all Pathfinder homes, is built up to BS3632 Residential Standard or beyond, and everything from the galvanised steel chassis to the last tile on the roof is constructed to a very high standard and quality.
A side access door leads to the corridor which runs the length of the lodge on the right hand side.
Pathfinder use a good depth of insulation – 50mm on walls and 100mm to floors and roof – all designed to improve the energy efficiency of the lodge.
Walking into the lounge through the French doors, you’re confronted by a light, airy and open-plan design for the lounge and kitchen areas. A simple, uncluttered area, the lounge is basically square with a large ‘L’-shaped squashy sofa in brown to one side and a classic fireplace with niche and overmantle upon which sits the flat screen TV. A flame effect woodburner style fire sits below.
At the front of the room is a small set back area (to the right of the French doors) with an armchair and nest of tables.
The floor is a light timber laminate and curtains are in a bright, floral pattern that contrasts nicely with the stark white wainscotted walls and high-pitched ceiling. Lighting is from a variety of inset downlighters.
A half height wall separates the lounge from the kitchen area, is plain on the lounge side and in the kitchen its partially tiled with a dark timber effect worktop and cupboards below.
The kitchen itself is galley style with a range of wall cupboards to the right, above the four-burner gas hob and plenty of large cupboards below the countertops.
The doors are all high gloss in a light pinkish-brown colour and all are fitted with soft close mechanisms and large stainless steel handles. A circular stainless steel sink and drainer sits under the window and all walls above the worktops are clad in chunky white tiles.
To the right of the cooker are more drawers and a built-in fridge freezer. Above the hob is a discreet extractor hood and below is an oven and grill with pull down glass door.
Although the kitchen itself is small, it’s not at all cramped and would be great for the preparation of family meals. Opposite the kitchen is a simple timber topped dining table and three metal bistro style chairs. We couldn’t see a fourth chair, but it will be there somewhere! You would have to pull the table out to seat four around it, but there’s plenty of space for this, so no problem.
This area also benefits from a large floor to ceiling window, so allowing plenty of light into the dining area.
Unlike many lodges, park homes and static caravans, the central access corridor – or hallway – that leads to the bedrooms on The Croft is not positioned centrally, but is down the right hand side. This gives the kitchen more space and works well. About half way down this corridor is a glazed side door and the corridor itself is fitted with a radiator and lighting.
The remaining part of The Croft is basically divided into the two bedrooms, both of which are of a similar size separated by the family shower room. The twin bedroom comes first and features two beds separated by a tall, thin window with a round table and lamp.
Each bed has a tall padded headboard and coordinating bedding in brown with floral throws. There’s plenty of room to walk between the beds. A built-in wardrobe has a high shelf and hanging rail and the bedroom is fully carpeted.
The shower room is a nice size with three quarter tiled walls in grey, with white walls above. Lots of natural light floods in from a ceiling-mounted Velux window. A spacious shower cubicle with sliding glass door and thermostatically controlled shower is fitted to one side and there’s also a low profile double flush toilet and a handbasin with cupboard storage below and a large mirror above. The floor is an easy-clean vinyl laminate.
The master bedroom takes up the back of the lodge and, on The Croft, the bed is positioned at right angles to the space, rather than on the back wall. A set of French doors lead out onto a small balcony, which would be ideal for sitting out and having a morning coffee. The bed itself has a big padded headboard and similar bedding to that on the twin beds. Small round bedside tables are positioned on each side with lamps.
At the foot of the bed and in one corner there’s a large double built-in wardrobe with a full height mirrored door, a high shelf and hanging rail. Next to this is a vanity table with chair and lamp. The room also benefits from two radiators and is light and airy without seeming cold.
Verdict
We liked this lodge very much. The fixtures and materials used are of a very high quality and Pathfinder Homes are known to strive to build to be environmentally friendly where they can.
They try to offset the carbon they produce by recycling waste, buying timber from sustainable sources wherever possible and working with tree planting organisations to help offset their carbon footprint from their annual business activities.
In The Croft, they’ve also tried something a little different from the norm and, in our opinion, have succeeded at every level.
Plus Points
Striking ‘chalet style’ timber-clad exterior.
Small but very workable and well appointed kitchen.
Good storage in bedrooms.
Stylish shower room.
Solid wood internal doors.
Minus Points
The colour of the kitchen units might not be to everyone’s taste.
In-a-Nutshell
An unusual lodge with striking good looks and an innovative design, which would appeal to young families wanting a contemporary holiday lodge.
FACT FILE
Size: 45ft x 13ft
Berths: 4, in two bedrooms – one twin room and one double.
Build Standard: BS3632 (residential standard)
Ex works price: Price on application and dependent on park location.
For more information e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.pathfinderhomes.co.uk
