Coming as it does with both double glazing and wet central heating, the Carnaby Aspire can rightly be described as a static caravan for all seasons – assuming of course that the site licence allows all year round living. There are three models in the range. They are all single units 12ft wide caravans, the smallest being 34ft in length, and the other two 39ft, one of which has three bedrooms. For this review we opted to look at the 39ft two bedroom model.
Externally the caravan sits on a Fusion fully galvanised chassis and is clad in sandstone aluminium. It also has domestic size gutters and downpipes and a pantile steel roof. Canexel, timber or UPVC claddings are alternative options.
When it comes to the layout, the Carnaby Aspire is fairly standard in that the kitchen is directly opposite the entrance with the daytime living accommodation being to the left, and the night time to the right. Immediately to the right of the doorway is a tall fridge/freezer with a slide out larder next to it. The main appliance in the kitchen is a two door gas oven and grill plus a five burner hob the centre one of which is for use with a wok.
Above the hob is an externally vented extractor. On the caravan’s back wall is a microwave. Although there is also a splash back on the wall behind the hob it does not reach all the way up to the extractor which we believe could result in the wall attracting grease and grime over time. On the plus side we very much liked the plinth lighting and the provision for an optional dishwasher.
To the left of the entrance is the dining area comprising a circular table and four chairs. Beyond is the lounge area. Although not over large it comes complete with two armchairs and a two seat sofa which converts into an occasional bed.
There are a number of display units with storage space plus a large wall-mounted mirror behind which are a mains point plus HDMI and coax socket for a wall mounted TV. One option worth mentioning is French doors in the end wall – as in the case of this caravan.
From the kitchen a door – all the internal doors are domestic style – leads into a corridor and the bedrooms and shower room. The first door on the left leads into the second bedroom. This has two single beds plus a very attractive wardrobe unit with integral dressing table. There is also further storage in wall units above the beds.
Opposite the second bedroom is the shower room. Adjacent to the shower cubicle is a rectangular ceramic washbasin mounted on top of a storage cupboard and above it two wall mounted tumbler holders complete with tumblers – a feature that many manufacturers fail to include in their caravans.
Adjoining the cupboard is an open unit with two shelves. Lastly, a low level toilet and an extractor fan complete the appliances here.
At the end of the corridor is the door into the main bedroom. As well as a double bed with gas strut assisted storage in its base, there is more storage in the cupboards on the wall above the bed.
There is also a very attractive display cabinet incorporating a dressing table and large wall mirror to the left of the bed. But the piéce de resistance is the walk-in wardrobe opposite the foot of the bed. Adjoining the walk-in wardrobe is an en suite toilet complete with a pedestal washbasin.
Verdict
If the Carnaby Aspire were to be put alongside several other similar size static caravans we doubt if it would stand out from the crowd. It’s once you get inside that you realise just how well it is appointed for all year round holidays. Double glazing, extra insulation, wet central heating with thermostatic valves, plus plinth heating, not to mention a fridge freezer as standard, plus options such as French doors and provision for a dishwasher really do make the Aspire a caravan which we are sure will find favour with a lot of buyers. The caravan’s ex works price is just over £41,000 so given these features we think it represents good value for money.
For further information : Carnaby Caravans Ltd., Lancaster Road, Carnaby Industrial Estate, Bridlington, Yorks., YO15 3QY. Tel: 01262 679971. Fax: 01262 670315. Email: [email protected] Website: www.carnabycaravans.com
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Yet again everything a drab brown. Do caravan makers realise there are other colours. Bring back the beautiful pastels in caravans. I won’t be buying a new caravan until someone brings one out that can rival our still beautiful 1997 Cosalt Rimini.
I hope Carnaby have improved the quality of the caravans and hope their after service as improved. I purchased a Carnaby Siesta 12yrs ago and had nothing but trouble and Carnaby was less help than the hopeless site I purchased it from