Swift has given its Ardennes static caravan a new look and two choices of interior for 2023. It promises to be one of their best sellers in 2023!
Swift Group has been busy in 2022, redesigning several of their leisure vehicles and not forgetting their holiday homes they’ve unveiled a brand-new Ardennes for 2023.
Last year Swift offered two décor choices for its new Moselle range and for 2023 the Swift Ardennes also two design options – that of a Scandinavian retreat, plus a nautical coastal escape theme.
Here we review the 38ft x 12ft, two bedroomed Swift Ardennes (Scandi) static caravan. It’s one of seven layouts available (14 in both décor choices) in the Ardennes line up.
Typical Swift holiday home styling is employed, and this review model has a Sandy Beige woodgrain exterior cladding. Swift uses sandwich-bonded wall construction and the Ardennes chassis is galvanised and fully guaranteed for 10 years.
Full guttering is fitted and it’s more than likely that the front French doors listed as an option will be added by most customers.
On the day of our review, the sun was out and shining through the front lounge, via those French doors. The full-length window in the lounge makes this area feel so airy and spacious. And the caravan’s L-shaped six-seater sofa makes it the perfect spot to enjoy the views.
Opposite the sofa, there’s a TV cabinet with three large drawers and a shelf. The Scandi design and colour scheme enhances the feeling of space and makes this 12ft wide feel another foot wider!
The dining area in the new Swift Ardennes static caravan offers seating for four and is placed opposite the C-shaped kitchen with its four-burner hob and Thetford Cocina gas oven and grill. Both have spark ignition and an extractor fan above.
There’s also an integrated 800-watt microwave which is neatly fitted and placed at a functional height, plus a full-height fridge freezer. There are also four mains sockets with USB points in the kitchen area and a good stretch of worktop, finished in a contemporary “White Mountain Larch” as part of the Scandinavian scheme.
Cupboard and drawer storage offers enough for most users’ needs with LED ceiling lights as in the lounge area.
The Swift Ardennes has a main bathroom, which comes with a domestic-sized shower cubicle with sliding doors and loo.
There’s is a white ladder-style radiator and there’s a small cupboard below the hand basin and a shelf below the large mirror. There isn’t a lot of storage in the bathroom but enough for the essential cleaning lotions and potions.
The first bedroom in the Swift Ardennes is the twin, which has two single beds and a small wardrobe. Between the beds is a small cabinet and there’s a shelving unit above the beds. As you walk into this twin room, there’s a shelf on the left – ideal for children’s books – because this is a room meant for children really.
Into the main bedroom and there’s a comfy double bed with an exclusive Duvalay pocket-sprung mattress. There’s a short-padded headboard and behind a white wooded feature wall continues the Scandi design theme.
There are two bedside shelf units and a LED strip light above the bedhead. There are a couple of mains sockets and USB points plus a TV connection on the far wall.
Storage is ample in the master bedroom with two single wardrobes on either side of the built-in dressing table. This has a large mirror and shelving compartments beside it. There’s another large wardrobe and a large set of shelves plus drawers in its base.
In the corner of the Swift Ardennes’ master bedroom is an en-suite with just a toilet and hand basin, plus a small radiator and window.
Verdict: The Swift Ardennes is a static caravan with two décor choices, which opens the scope up to more buyers. The Coastal scheme has a taste of the ocean with dark surfaces and oak-coloured wood grain, but we liked the more contemporary Scandi look, and on a summer’s day the Ardennes’ interior felt brighter still.
Prices have gone up quite dramatically, but Swift has made sure that the new-look range still offers great value in its class.
Plus points: Build quality, spacious lounge area, kitchen storage, main bedroom storage
Minus points: Not much storage in the main bathroom, front patio doors an option, no shaving point in the bathroom
In a nutshell: The Swift Ardennes is a static caravan with a modern, spacious and welcoming interior. It’s good to see different design choices and layouts too. We think the new look Ardennes offers plenty and more besides!
Size: 38ft x 12ft
Build standard: BS EN 1647
Sleeps: Up to six
Bedrooms: Two
Other Ardennes models available: 28ft x 12ft two bed; 32ft x 12ft two bed; 35ft x 12ft two bed; 35ft x 12ft three bed; 38ft x 12ft two bed; ES 38ft x 12ft three beds.
Others to look at: ABI Keswick 32ft x 12ft two beds; Europa Sequoia 40ft x 13ft two beds; Arronbrook Topaz 35ft x 12ft two bed; Willerby Sierra 38ft x 12ft two beds.
Key optional extras: Dishwasher, exterior colour choices and finishes, integrated ceiling speaker system, wireless programmable room thermostat, shaving socket in the bathroom, front French doors, Thermaglas UPVC double glazing, and Bluetooth audio connection to roof speakers
Ex-works price: From £42,215*
*Extra charges will be made by park operators and/or distributors for transport and siting and annual maintenance. Please check the price carefully before you commit to buy as prices vary considerably dependant amongst other factors, on the geographical location of your chosen park
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2023 Swift Ardennes Platinum static caravan for sale in Cumbria. (LA12). Sited costs £48,950
Cost to insure this sited static caravan would be £305**
**Leisuredays static caravan insurance quote based on 2023 Swift Ardennes Platinum 28ft x 12ft holiday caravan insured for £53,950 (£48,950 for structure and £5,000 contents). Owners are a 68-year-old retired couple with previous holiday caravan insurance and three years no claim discount. £5,000 contents included. £75 excess applies. Insurance premium includes insurance premium tax at the current rate and is correct as of 06/12/2022
For more information about the range of holiday caravans and lodges from Swift visit www.swiftholidayhomes.co.uk or call 01482 847332
