Willerby launches the impressive Gainsborough holiday caravan and lodge range for 2023
Willerby has never sat back and rested on its laurels in their 75 years – always striving to stay ahead, the company has a strong position in the holiday caravan and lodge market. Striving for the best in value and design their latest addition is the Gainsborough range consisting of five layouts. Offering holiday caravan and lodge specifications the Willerby Gainsborough offers buyers a great choice.
Here we review the 43ft x 14ft, three bed Willerby Gainsborough, built to a residential standard, and clad in CanExel, as opposed to aluminium on the static caravan models. It’s the biggest in the five-model line-up, but those looking for something a bit narrower, there are 12ft wide models available.
The exterior of the Willerby Gainsborough lodge looks more up-market than the aluminium clad static caravan version and the interior follows suit. Complete with full guttering and double glazed UPVC windows and doors, the galvanised chassis will also add to the lodge’s lifespan.
Step inside the front lounge and there’s a superb L-shaped settee in lime green or faded yellow colour – a stronger colour might have set the lounge off better.
The lounge is a great place for relaxing thought with a large shelved cabinet, wall cupboard storage and a place for the TV.
There wasn’t a fire fitted on our review model – it’s a feature which Willerby has done away with unless specified by the buyer. There are planty of radiators throughout the Gainsborough though for good heat coverage.
Overall, the lounge feels very comfortable with plenty of floor space and a contemporary colour scheme.
The dining area, behind the sofa, offers six comfortable chairs and a sturdy table too. It’s placed within easy reach of the kitchen, which oozes style with its dark blue cabinet doors, interspersed with glazed wall cupboards.
All offer a good amount of storage – in fact Willerby says “the Gainsborough offers 40% more storage space than ever before in a Willerby 12ft holiday home kitchen”.
We liked some of the great storage features, like the internal swivel out shelves in the corner kitchen cupboards as well as the pull-out storage rack opposite the kitchen, next to the separate grill and oven with in-built microwave.
The kitchen is really well designed and this Gainsborough lodge had an optional dishwasher installed. Of course, there’s a fridge / freezer plus a five-burner gas hob set into the stylish light cream worktop and a large pan drawer underneath. The worktop shelves are a nice feature too as well as the backlit glazed cupboards and brass coloured handles.
Moving into the first twin bedroom and it’s spacious and has excellent storage. It also looks incredibly lush with its rich colour scheme – the blue wall covering helps to bring out the yellow colour scheme in the soft furnishings.
Step into the master bedroom and you immediately note the size and elegant design. The overall ambience here has soothing qualities.
Large wardrobes with built in drawers and a small dressing table add to the storage and there’s more storage under the bed. An LED lit vanity mirror is perfect for getting ready in the morning or evening!
A panelled feature wall behind the bead is illuminated by two pendant lights and this contrasts well with the blue accent walls.
The master bedroom’s en-suite is a superb size with shower, loo and large counter-top hand basin and that décor carries through into here with the blue walls and a lovely parquet-styled flooring.
The third twin bedroom is the one that most users will have for the grand kids or for larger families, though two adults could use it with not too much of a problem. The twin beds look comfortable and again storage is well taken care of along with lighting and storage. This bedroom also has a good-sized, deep, side window for natural light and ventilation.
In the main bathroom, the designers have achieved a good-sized room with shower, large hand basin and good storage beneath. That bold colour scheme continues and it does give the Willerby Gainsborough lodge a real luxury feel throughout.
Verdict: The Willerby Gainsborough is a lovely holiday lodge and we think those who can pitch on a larger plot will go for the 14ft wide model for the extra space.
We loved the interior décor, particularly the blue accent walls, plus the well-planned kitchen and that super-sized L-shaped settee in the lounge.
The master bedroom en-suite is super spacious and on the whole, we found little to be critical about, with the Gainsborough ticking all the boxes a buyer will be looking for.
Plus points Stylist interior décor, well-planned kitchen, slide-out cupboard corner shelves and racking in the kitchen area.
Minus points: No electric fire fitted as standard
In a nutshell: Willerby has made the Gainsborough a special holiday lodge that buyers will be comfortable with as a lodge for making memories.
Size: 43ft x 14ft
Build standard: BS EN 3652
Sleeps: up to eight
Bedrooms: Three
Other Gainsborough models available: 35ft x 12ft two bed; 38ft x 12ft two bed; 40ft x 12ft three bed; 40ft x 14ft two bed.
Others to look at: Willerby Waverley 42ft x 14ft three bed; ABI Ambleside 41ft x 14ft three bed; Atlas Ovation 43ft x 13ft three bed; Carabuild Essence 40ft x 14ft two bed
Key optional extras: Dishwasher; exterior colour choices and finishes; electric fire; dishwasher; Bluetooth radio system; all electric spec; upgrade mattress; Trace heating; fold-out desk and chair; Eco pack
Ex-works price: From £82,150*
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2023 Willerby Gainsborough two-bed holiday lodge for sale in Lincolnshire. (NG34). Sited costs £109,950
Cost to insure this sited holiday lodge would be £301**
**Leisuredays holiday lodge insurance quote based on 2023 Willerby Gainsborough 40ftx14ft two-bedroomed holiday lodge insured for £114,950 (£109,950 for structure and £5,000 contents). Owners are a 68-year-old retired couple with previous holiday lodge 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 02/06/2023.
To find out more about insuring a Willerby lodge or your current lodge visit our holiday lodge insurance page.
For more information about Willerby’s static caravans and lodges visit: https://www.willerby.com or call 01482 707808.
* 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
