2018 Carnaby Ashdale static caravan review

The Ashdale has been designed as an entry-level holiday caravan without compromise

The Ashdale range from Carnaby Caravans has been designed specifically as an entry level static caravan for holidaymakers.

It’s available in four models – 30ft x 12 – two-bedroomed; 32ft x 12ft – two-bedroomed; 35ft x 12ft – two-bedroomed and our review model, the 36ft x 12ft – three-bedroomed version. The three bedrooms includes two twins and a master double.

The exterior of the Ashdale we reviewed featured standard uPVC cladding in Barley White, with the option of having environmental green. There are no real timber or Canexcel cladding options – but at the price point, we’re not surprised.

As the Ashdale range is built to a specific budget there’s no patio door, with the front having a standard three-window bay. Usually with this type of caravan, any decking is confined to just one side near the access door.

The caravan features a painted steel chassis with galvanised legs and reversible towbar and the usual pre-galvanised chassis are also available as options.

The normal insulation specification is provided in walls (25mm), roof (120mm) and underfloor (25mm) but Carnaby’s beefed-up package of insulation they call Ultrawarm which, on the Ashdale is an optional extra and would be especially useful if you want to get the best value from your caravan by using it all year round. This package also includes a wet system radiator network as well as Low E Argon filled double glazed windows.

Stepping through the side access door you find yourself in the huge open plan kitchen and lounge – the kitchen dead ahead, the lounge to your left. The immediate impression is one of space, a nice colour scheme and, considering there are no really big windows to speak of, lots of light. Curtains are mounted on chrome rods and are in a pleasing diamond pattered fabric which contrasts well with the medium oak effect veneers on the furniture.

The lounge has a large corner sofa across the front of the bay window, with scatter cushions, and is upholstered in a light beige. Near the door is a two-seater bench seat in front of which is the dining table and another upholstered stool.

Surprisingly, this table is an optional extra at £95 which (even at the competitive price) is a bit miserly and would only seat four comfortably. As this model of Ashdale is designed to sleep six, presumably the other two will need to squash onto the ends of the table or eat off lap trays on the main sofa…?

You get a simple fireplace with a mantle and inset attractive electric flame effect fire with storage shelves below.  Above the mantle is a wall mounted mirror and to the right a small cupboard sitting next to a corner unit supporting the TV, with shelving below. You get a TV point here along with the usual power outlets, but if you’re in a weak signal area a booster is available as an option.

The kitchen is ‘C’ shaped and nicely laid out. There are a number of good-sized cabinets, all with timber effect doors and metal handles surmounted by a contrasting black worktop. An inset stainless steel sink has a mixer tap and is set under the window while, above on the wall is an integrated microwave oven with pull-up cupboard above (microwave £189 option). To your right is a free standing, range-style cooker with four burners, oven and grill and a basic but effective cooker hood and extractor with lighting above. To the left of this is a wall-mounted cabinet.

As this is a basic kitchen, you have the option to install such luxuries as a dishwasher and plinth lighting although no washing machine or washer/dryer. The main source of lighting in the kitchen is over the sink in a useful position and features three angle-able spotlights. The floor is in a dark vinyl plank effect and is merged with the lounge carpet by means of an elegant curve – a simple touch but very effective.

Finally, just to the right of the door from the outside are an integrated fridge/freezer and a tall cupboard housing the gas boiler supplying the Ashdale with hot water for the taps and bathroom.

Access to the bedrooms is past the kitchen – you don’t get a dividing door on the Carnaby Ashdale. To the left is the first to the two twin bedrooms. Although the space is small, the beds are reasonably wide and you do get a central table shelf, low, upholstered headboards and an over-the-bed set of cupboards and open shelves.  At the foot of the bed is a tall, reasonably sized wardrobe, with a shelf to the side, power socket and space for a mirror.

Opposite this room is the family shower room. A large shower cubicle with sliding glass door is equipped with a wall mounted shower and plastic corner unit to hold shower gels, soap etc.  There’s a pedestal ceramic hand basin and a modern push button flush toilet which has been mounted in the corner to gain that extra bit of room.  You also get a cabinet above the sink and a venetian blind on the window. All small and simple, but effective and really all you need in a bathroom!

The back of the Carnaby Ashdale is split between the master bedroom and the second twin. Obviously on a width of just 12ft the master bedroom is hardly going to be a luxurious space.  Nevertheless a good-sized bed has been fitted (lift up storage gas strut available for £85), and the room is attractively furnished with similar curtains and soft furnishings to those in the lounge and other twin bedrooms.  There’s an over-the-bed twin set of cupboards and shelving, as well as a corner chest of drawers, the top of which doubles as a dressing table and a large double wardrobe with hanging space.

Next to the double is the second twin bedroom, which is basically the same as the first. Strangely, there’s a small room between the shower room and the second twin with another toilet and small wash basin. It can’t really be described as an en-suite as it’s not accessible from any of the bedrooms – only from a door in the corridor.  It’s a good design feature though, because this Ashdale can sleep six and will help to avoid everyone queuing for the toilet in the morning!

Verdict

Carnaby have done a fine job with their design and execution of the Ashdale range. Okay, there are some things that are not there and things that have been simplified in terms of standard fixtures and fittings. But with a model starting at under £25k and rising to a top basic price of under 30k the range offers the first timer or those on a budget a fuss-free design with lots of space to relax and unwind.

 

Plus points

Spacious interior.

Simple, but workable kitchen.

Smart and clean design.

Good value for money.

 

Minus points

Dining table and stool not included as standard.

 

In-a-nutshell

At under 30k, with the Carnaby Ashdale, you do get a lot of caravan for your money!

FACT FILE

Size: 36ft x 12ft

Build Standard: EN 1647.

Berths: Six, in three bedrooms (two twin and one double).

Key optional extras: Environmental ‘green cladding and windows; Ultrawarm Plus pack; trace heating; electric panel heaters; integrated dishwasher; coffee table; Bluetooth speaker system; dining table and chairs; Cosmos make-up bed in the lounge; extractor fan in bathroom; various bedding packs and mattresses; TV points in bedrooms; eerial booster system.

Ex works price: £28,140.12 inc VAT*

For more information e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.carnabycaravans.com

*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.

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