2017 Regal Somerton static caravan review

A stylish static caravan which has bags of style at a mid range price.

Introduced for 2017, the Somerton static caravan from Regal Holiday Homes is one of two models in a small range, offering two and three bedroomed layouts on a footprint of 40ft x 13ft.

Here we review the two-bed model with its usual array of white uPVC double glazed doors and windows with domestic style guttering and downpipes, also in white. There’s a small overhang on the roof at the front, which has a contrasting bargeboard in charcoal with the Regal emblem.

The Somerton features a pitched roof, covered with black steel pantiles and is clad in aluminium, although a range of cladding styles and colours are available. A large window and French doors make up the front elevation and four side windows and a central ‘front door’ are fitted to the right side with more windows down the left. There’s an exterior light fitted near the side door. If you just want a front window on your caravan, Regal can fit one in lieu of the French doors.

The whole caravan sits on a black painted steel chassis but optional fully galvanised and pre-galvanised chassis are also available. A range of decking options are also available. On our review model a front deck was fitted allowing access from the lounge through the patio doors – increasing the usable space available.

The Somerton caravan has thick studding and insulation in all exterior walls, a minimum ceiling height throughout of 7ft and underfloor insulation and lagged pipework.

Entering from the side access door, you step into the kitchen and dining area.  A left turn will take you into the lounge which is a large, square space made more so by those big front windows and a lofty 7ft high vaulted ceiling which is painted white, with a central pendant light fitting.  The joint between the top of the walls and the ceiling is trimmed with a dark strip giving a nice contrast.

The lounge is furnished in a chic designer style with a natural dark wood colour scheme comprising of a bookcase and display cabinet with cupboard storage, a build-in flame effect electric fire with dark wood surround and a smaller drawer unit.  Above this is space for a flat panel TV, plus there’s a dark wood coffee table and small occasional side table provided.

Seating is a large three-seater sofa which contains a pullout bed for occasional use (taking the accommodation of the Somerton up to 6 people) and a free-standing armchair – both in light grey.  A grey hessian backed fitted carpet and lined curtains on metal poles completes what is a pleasant, warm and comfortable living area.

The kitchen is tastefully finished with dark 40mm thick worktops and contrasting high gloss cream cabinet and drawer fronts with brushed steel handles and soft close mechanisms. There are plenty of wall-mounted cabinets and under-the-counter cupboards, a big steel sink with mixer tap and lots of smaller shelves giving more than enough storage.  Great use has been made of the available space.

You also get an integrated fridge/freezer, a microwave oven, eye-level oven with a separate grill and a four-burner hob.  If you want to have an integrated dishwasher and washing machine these can be fitted as an optional extra, taking your kitchen specification up a notch.

Opposite the kitchen is a dining area with a free-standing table and four upholstered chairs – all again displaying the dark wood and cream colour scheme. The table is set near a big window, which is a bonus, and opposite are the tall cupboards disguising the fridge/freezer and the gas combination boiler that provides the Somerton with its hot water and central heating.

A central door leads into a short corridor taking you into the bedrooms and bathroom.

The Somerton follows a fairly conventional layout when it comes to the sleeping and washing facilities. Firstly, on your left, is the twin or second bedroom. This is a smallish room but Regal have still managed to fit in two 2ft 6in wide beds, with padded headboards, leaving a small space to walk between and a central table with shelves.

The beds are fitted with quality mattresses and the room also benefits from a wardrobe and television point. The overall colour scheme is a relaxing lime green for the bedding and dark wood for the shelves with high gloss white cupboard doors.

The family shower room features a fully enclosed shower with sliding glass door, a contemporary styled handbasin that sits atop a dark wood cabinet and a low profile, push-button flushing toilet.  There’s also a towel ring and corner shelves in the shower cubicle. Light and airy, this space is roomy enough and passes our “will I bash my elbows?” test when drying yourself off!

The master bedroom is at the back of the caravan. It features a large bed with a lift-up mattress for extra storage, a huge padded headboard that runs the width of the room and twin bedside tables with shelf storage.  Twin wall lights with separate adjustable reading light ‘spurs’ are also fitted, as is a TV point. The bedroom also benefits from a recessed dressing table with mirror and cube stool and generous sized wardrobes.

The room is larger than you’d usually find on a caravan of this size and is both comfortable and practical with lots of nice little touches you’d expect to find in a small luxury hotel.

In one corner is the en-suite bathroom. Small, with just enough space for a toilet and handbasin, it nonetheless offers a storage cabinet, mirror and radiator, which is really all you need! Worth mentioning is that one of the options that Regal offer Somerton caravan customers is the advantage of changing the shower to a bath in the family bathroom and adding a bath to the en-suite.  This option is available only on the two-bedroomed model and would, we imagine, involve making the wardrobe smaller.  However, it’s an option and some customers might like to do this.

Verdict

Regal’s Somerton is very much an updated, modern take on the classic static caravan. Again, they’ve asked their designers to come up with a stylish, practical interior which makes best use of space without compromising on comfort, something that has been readily achieved here.

Plus Points

• Stylish, chic interior design.
• Lots of storage options in the kitchen.
• High quality build.
• Spacious and luxurious master bedroom.

 

Minus Points

• None we could think of.

 

In-a-Nutshell

The Somerton static caravan represents excellent value for money, with an interior demonstrating Regal’s well-known sense of chic designer style, which would find favour with the younger family.

Factfile

• Size: 40ft x 13ft.
• Build standard: EN 1647.
• Berths: Four, in two bedrooms (one twin and one double) Plus two on put up sofa in the lounge.
• Other layouts available: 40ft x 13ft, 3 bedroom.
• Key optional extras: BS3632 Residential Specification; Canexcel cladding; front window option in lieu of French doors; integrated dishwasher and washing machine; Thermaplus heating; shower to en-suite (two-bed model only); bath to en-suite (two-bed model only); luxury bed throws and bed cushion set.

Ex works price: £49,430 inc VAT*

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