Thinking of a restart!

[Jcloughie]

We packed up caravanning after 40 years a few years ago. Just because the setting up and packing up got too much for me. I have since had a major operation, (only waited 7 years), and feel massively better. However, I am no longer up to that.

So we considered a static. My brother has just sold his caravan and purchased a static. We have not been there yet but we have been invited. It looks fantastic as does his pitch, just 3 vans separate from the others with a stream running behind. Located in Snowdonia. We have had a video tour.

My finances do not stretch anywhere near his. So we did not like what was in our price range. So we have had a re-think. Looking for opinions.

At first we thought of a twin axle tourer based about one and a half hours away. Sited on a seasonal pitch. We have found a nice quiet, adult only site near Burnham. At £2216. Which give 9 months use plus 3 months storage. Electric extra. Seem reasonable to me.

I have found a van, it is a large single axle. Which might be better than a twin if I need to move it as my car might struggle. A 2021 Bailey Alicanto Esteril, for £19950

It can be near £26,000 from a dealer.

Have a look. Say what you think.

Edit, here is a DropBox link, if the Apple one does not work.



John

 

[otherclive]

Cannot retrieve the photos using IOS and WiFi via Virgin. But sounds a good idea and gives an opportunity to carry on caravanning without the work of towing and touring. We considered siting our van on a seasonal as family commitments were affecting our opportunity to tour. Paid Bracelands in November 2019, money refunded early 2020. Covid. In the end we decided to sell the caravan. But do miss caravan life.

Ps photos uploaded.

 

[Buckman]

Near Burnham and Weston we used to stay on a site called West End Farm. Good location and they have fully serviced pitches.

 

[RogerL]

Putting a tourer on a nice seasonal site in an area you like seems a sensible plan to keep caravanning when the workload becomes too much - our plan B would be a seasonal in Norfolk.

 

[Buckman]

We looked into seasonal and the biggest issue with seasonal was that the annual rate could increase dramatically each year. Some you need to take the caravan off site during the winter months. We found the rate of insurance for seasonal was a lot higher than if you were touring plus the cost was about the same as if you were touring.

In addition, they could make changes during the year that could affect your enjoyment. However this probably only happens on a few sites who then wonder why their site is half empty even in holiday season.

 

[Jcloughie]

Near Burnham and Weston we used to stay on a site called West End Farm. Good location and they have fully serviced pitches.

Worth a look at. Very similar to the one at Burnham we are looking at and might have a vacancy comming up.

John

We looked into seasonal and the biggest issue with seasonal was that the annual rate could increase dramatically each year. Some you need to take the caravan off site during the winter months. We found the rate of insurance for seasonal was a lot higher than if you were touring plus the cost was about the same as if you were touring.

In addition, they could make changes during the year that could affect your enjoyment. However this probably only happens on a few sites who then wonder why their site is half empty even in holiday season.

Higher insurance is interesting. The site we are looking at includes storage. They have a compound, but perhaps you just leave it on your pitch. One thing we liked, is we only need to be tied in for each year. And if we wanted a completely different area we could move. It does mean getting a tow bar fitted.

We worry that we may get bored of going to the same place each time. After so many years of touring when a different location was the objective.

John

 

[Beachball]

We also miss the caravan life last trip for example the bed was suppose be king size but with my feet 3ft out felt like a double bed So in three weeks time we have arranged to look at a seasonal adult site with storage included we will use it as a base and explore areas . and we are not towing again if it go there is a caravan dealer near by and they will put it on a pitch . the caravan you are looking at looks stunning , Good luck if you go for it 🙏

 

[Beardy]

We worry that we may get bored of going to the same place each time. After so many years of touring when a different location was the objective.

Surely that's the advantage of a seasonal pitch over a static. If you do get bored of the area you can re-site it the following year. The main downside is that you have less space, but you're paying much less for it - horses for courses.

The caravan looks great. Not sure about the (almost) white seating but only because we have a four legged freeloader

 

[Dustydog]

John,
That’s an amazing £42 per week over the year plus power which in the autumn winter is unlikely to be more than a fiver👍.Cheaper than a night at most places!

If the location has everything you require why not give it a bash.

There is the dark side but they don’t come cheap and will not give the same space as the Alicanto.

One small point , before committing to the private purchase how about getting your or a local AWS to give it the once over, particular the water ingress aspect?

 

[Mel]

As I have posted before, we were on a Seasonal pitch for some 7 years and didn’t get bored. Being able to escape at the weekend saved my sanity during a particular sat of life circumstances. Go for it.
Mel

 

[Jcloughie]

John,
That’s an amazing £42 per week over the year plus power which in the autumn winter is unlikely to be more than a fiver👍.Cheaper than a night at most places!

If the location has everything you require why not give it a bash.

There is the dark side but they don’t come cheap and will not give the same space as the Alicanto.

One small point , before committing to the private purchase how about getting your or a local AWS to give it the once over, particular the water ingress aspect?

As it is only for 9 month plus 3 months storage, my calc might be.

2216 less 350 (what I would otherwise pay for storage) divided by 36 weeks.

Thats £52. But still great value if only good use could be made, If we only did 50% still good.

John

 

[Buckman]

As it is only for 9 month plus 3 months storage, my calc might be.

2216 less 350 (what I would otherwise pay for storage) divided by 36 weeks.

Thats £52. But still great value if only good use could be made, If we only did 50% still good.

John

Apparently most seasonal sites are only occupied about 25-30% of the available time?

 

[Dustydog]

Apparently most seasonal sites are only occupied about 25-30% of the available time?

Great business for the site owners🙀