The Caravan And Motorhome Club Paws Of Approval Scheme

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By William Coleman

Over 23,000 dog-owning Caravan and Motorhome Club members have taken part in the Club’s Paws of Approval scheme so far, with 92% rating Club campsites as ‘excellent’, ‘very good’, or ‘good’ for dog friendliness and facilities when surveyed over a six-month period.

Two of the three highest rated campsites with a score of 4.7 out of 5 are in the West County and these sites are the Treamble Valley Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Truro, Cornwall and Ilfracombe Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Devon.

The other highest rating site is Thetford Forest Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Norfolk. All these sites were praised for the number of good dog walks from the site, a good dog exercise area and welcoming staff, as well as facilities such as dog bins.

Three other campsites that are snapping at the heels of the top scorers are geographically well spread, each with a rating of 4.6 out of 5. These are Rookesbury Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Hampshire, praised for its agility equipment and accessibility to the adjacent forest.

Stamford Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Northamptonshire was praised for its dog shower and proximity to the woods while Yellowcraig Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in East Lothian is popular due to the nearby forest, beach and dog wash area.

Harvey Alexander, the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s director of marketing, said: “Dogs stay for free on all our campsites and with forty percent of our members owning dogs, it is important that we provide the right facilities.

We know that being able to travel with the family pet is a major motivator for many of our members and thousands have responded to our survey; it is great to see that so many of our campsites rate very highly with accessible dog walks, facilities and exercise areas.”

The Caravan and Motorhome Club launched the Paws of Approval scheme early in 2019, asking members to rate campsites on dog friendliness and facilities.

With some forty percent of Club members owning dogs, the Club was keen to get their opinion on the facilities available at its campsites. The Club was also keen to recognise those campsites that go the extra mile and ideal and make it easier for members to identify the most suitable campsites for a holiday with their dog.

The Caravan And Motorhome Club Site Investments

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By William Coleman

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is delighted to announce exciting redevelopments across four campsites on its UK network this year. The redevelopments include a number of new facilities at some of the Club’s most popular campsites, as well as a new selection of glamping units at one campsite, making it easier for Club members to bring friends and family to the great outdoors.

Cayton, North Yorkshire

Cayton Village Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is currently in development to produce an incredible multi-million pound transformation. The updates will see a brand new, high quality campsite kitted out with two new large facility blocks, play areas and equipment, and new pitches, including some with electric vehicle charging points.

The campsite will also be home to a number of new glamping units – perfect for Club members with extended families who want to stay in this wonderful seaside location but don’t have their own leisure vehicle.

The site will be re-opening in August 2020 and will stay open until January each year.

Penrhos, Anglesey

Penrhos Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite in Anglesey is in the second phase of its half million pound redevelopment. New serviced pitches were introduced to the campsite in the winter of 2018, and the Club is building on these developments to add more new facilities for the 2020 touring season.

The campsite’s redevelopments will include a new accessible facility block including an accessible bathroom, as well as dish-washing area, laundry room and family washroom. The site reception is being redesigned and a new information room is being built that will help provide guests with plenty of facts about Anglesey and the surrounding area.

A new motorhome waste point will be put in a convenient location, and finally, there will also be a small number of additional pitches added to the site, so that even more guests can enjoy the area. Work is due to be completed by July 2020.

Brighton, East Sussex

The popular Brighton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is currently undergoing a project to de-compact the hardstanding pitches it has available, so that visitors to the site are able to peg in awnings. There will also be an additional 23 serviced pitches introduced to the site, so that even more visitors can enjoy all that Brighton has to offer.

Brighton remains open whilst re-developments take place. The works will be completed by the end of March 2020.

Battle, East Sussex

Battle Normanhurst Court Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is undergoing work to improve and preserve the historic retaining walls at this former grand estate. In addition, essential work to improve some of the roads is taking place, a new style motorvan waste point is being introduced and some playground equipment is being replaced.

Some new serviced pitches are also being installed while some grass pitches being converted to hardstanding. The works will be completed in time for the main season starting again in March 2020.

Many other sites across the network will also be undergoing smaller scale improvements over the winter period to ensure that the sites are in great condition ready for the 2020 touring season.

Caravan and Motorhome Club Launches Its 2020 Professional Driving Courses

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By William Coleman

For new caravanners and motorhomers, or those who feel they need a refresher in
driving their leisure vehicles, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has launched its 2020 practical
training courses across 13 locations in the UK.

The Club has over 40 years’ experience running training courses that have been designed specifically to give tourers additional peace of mind before they head off on their adventure.
Running from February to October, each training course provides professional safety instructions and techniques.

Sessions include:
– Manoeuvring advice
– Hitching and towing safely
– Straightforward safety checks
– Understanding the laws that affect caravanning and motorhoming
– Practice in manoeuvring an outfit forwards and backwards
– Understanding loading and how it affects towing

The training courses are split into: Practical Caravanning; Caravan Manoeuvring; and Motorhome Manoeuvring. The caravan and motorhome manoeuvring courses both take under seven hours, whilst the Practical Caravan Manoeuvring course for people who are completely new to caravanning is completed within 10 hours split over two days.

The Practical Caravanning Course was devised in co-operation with the Road Transport Industry Training Board. Each training centre is staffed by professional instructors and the courses are designed to be as enjoyable as they are informative.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said; “We are delighted to be able to offer these important courses to tourers. The courses provide excellent value for money and mean that people have the confidence to relax and enjoy their touring adventure with real peace of mind.”

The courses are priced as follows:

– Practical Caravanning Course – £185.00
– Caravan Manoeuvring Course – £155.00
– Motorhome Manoeuvring Course – £185.00

Participants also benefit from the opportunity to save five percent on Club caravan cover, motorhome insurance and car insurance for a new policy or at the next renewal – evidence of course completion is required. They also receive the Club’s Essential Guide to Touring for free, which is jam-packed with plenty of useful information and normally costs £16.00.

New Website Launched For Travelworld

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By William Coleman

Erwin Hymer Centre Travelworld has announced the launch of a new website offering impressive new levels of content and delivering an intuitive user experience for motorhome customers.

The world of technology is moving at a rapid rate, so much so that it is sometimes difficult to keep up. Not to be the ones left behind, Travelworld have kept ahead of the curb and have kept their online presence new and fresh with a brand new site aimed at keeping their visitors and customers up to date.

Visitors to the site can now find up-to-date information on upcoming industry events, including all the latest UK motorhome shows and exclusive Erwin Hymer Centre events.

Also available are in-depth travel guides with topics as varied as what to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining, where to taste wine in Devon and details on days out for couples in Scotland.

Users can now glide seamlessly from desktops to mobiles and the new system intuitively pulls data from the new sort and search mechanisms, helping to find vehicle information and resources more quickly and easily.

New model brochures for all HYMER Group vehicles are available on the site, along with help guides, providing advice on dealing with gas and LPG, making pre-trip check lists, practical suggestions on mobility camping and much more.

Comprehensive videos on specific motorhome models also form part of the website’s resources, and members can keep themselves regularly informed by signing up to the new Club Travelworld newsletter.

Managing director Ross Edwards, said: “Our new platform is not a simple refresh, it’s launch has been preceded by two years of solid effort and input from all our internal departments at the Erwin Hymer Centre, we think the hard work has paid off and we’re excited for new and existing visitors to use it.”

Customer Research
The website structure and emphasis on content arose following research into what motorhome enthusiasts want and search for on the internet, as well as information gleaned from the company’s 10,000 Facebook followers.
“We found that now more than ever, users are seeking a much more content-rich experience, as well as fast and simple on-site navigation.” Ross said.

He added: “Motorhome and caravan customers are an extremely informed audience; we needed our new site to cater for this, along with a mounting new wave of first-time motorhomers.”

The HYMER motorhome specialists, who moved into their new state-of-the-art premises in February last year, believe the new website mirrors the quality and range of services its contemporary showrooms include, and the launch serves as a continued commitment to becoming the ultimate one-stop shop for motorhome customers.

Having grown up in a world both with and without the internet I can safely say that a good site can make the world of difference when dealing with a company. There was a time when trying to book any kind of caravan trip online was just a chore so it is good to see the industry moving with the time.

With the world moving so quickly do you think the caravan world is moving too slowly?

Holiday Park Sector Boosted By Multi Million Investment

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By William Colemman

The world of the caravan holiday is getting a multi million pound investment boost as a motorhome investor has entered the holiday park world from across the pond in the US.

Cove Communities, the specialist long-term investors and operators of manufactured home and motorhome communities and resorts in the United States and Canada, announces the completion of its first UK-based acquisition, Bunn Leisure, 116.58 acres in Selsey, West Sussex.

This acquisition reflects the Company’s belief in the long-term growth prospects for the UK holiday park market and the opportunity to further enhance the broad appeal of the Bunn Leisure site and proposition, offering residents and guests an appealing lifestyle in a unique and accessible coastal location with world-class amenities.

Cove Communities’ UK business is led by UK Managing Director, Mark Seaton and the Bunn Leisure team is under the leadership of Geoffrey Smith, Director of Finance and Operations, and Danny Kaye, Resorts Director. Between them, the UK management team has over 80 years of UK tourism and leisure experience.

Mark Seaton, UK Director for Cove Communities, said: “Bunn Leisure is a fantastic holiday park, which we believe offers a truly unique proposition to families looking to enjoy a staycation or purchase a caravan vacation home on this beautiful stretch of accessible coastline.

“We see immense potential for the UK’s caravan, holiday and residential park sectors, supported by appropriate investment and careful strategy, and as such we are excited by the long-term prospects for Cove Communities to further invest and enhance the unique aspects of exceptional parks, such as Bunn Leisure, as part of a wider UK caravan and residential park portfolio.”

Bunn Leisure provides self-catered family accommodations, incorporating three Holiday Village areas and one Camping and Touring Park area, all graded from 4 to 5 stars, along with resort-style entertainment leisure facilities and amenities.

Cove Communities is currently undertaking a £23m investment programme at the site, started under the previous owners, and is in the process of developing a further five-year capital investment programme to include investment focused on environmental management and new sea defenses.

The business is intent on building on Bunn Leisure’s strong reputation in the marketplace and ensuring the business is well positioned to serve guests, residents and the local community for years to come.

During peak season, the business will employ over 600 people and host 11,000 guests and residents, generating significant income for the local economy. The business is also exploring options to introduce an apprenticeship scheme for young adults once the integration of the site into the Cove Communities business is fully complete.

Cove Communities was founded in 2017 by industry experts, focused on the long-term investment and operation of manufactured home and motorhome communities and resorts. The portfolio has since grown to include over 9,250 sites across the U.S.A, Canada, and the UK.

The Company has a robust pipeline of deals internationally and is looking to grow its portfolio in the UK through acquisition of further exceptional caravan, motorhome and residential park sites.

Swift Confirm Factory Closure And Redundancies

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By William Coleman

Some sad news has come from one of the UK’s most popular caravan manufacturers who have been forced to cut staff numbers and even close down production due to a rocky year and some negative political decisions.

Toward the end of last year CaravanTimes reported that Swift were taking some staff into consultation to
reduce staff numbers but nothing had actually been publicly, or officially announced, until now.

Due to a “turbulent political and economic climate” Swift have made the difficult decision to cut the production of their touring caravans and motorhomes, which has sadly had a knock on effect for their staff numbers.

Following this very bad news for the staff Swift actually took employees into consultancy and made redundancies in December for staff at certain locations.

The caravan manufacturer has confirmed it has made a series of redundancies at their East Yorkshire facility. The Cottingham based firm have 1100 people under their employ.

On top of reducing the headcount Swift have also totally closed the Mexborough manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire. But in some good news from all the bad, staff that have been affected at this site have been transferred to East Yorkshire location.

So it seems that Swift are still very much in a position to continue business and do want to retain as many staff as possible to ensure they can still run and produce an amount of vans that will be healthy for the company to maintain.

A spokesman said: “Due to the prolonged turbulent political and economic climate which has impacted on consumer confidence, the company has found it necessary to reduce its production volume of touring caravans and motorhomes.

“As a responsible manufacturer, we actively respond to market changes and the challenges they present, constantly reviewing our cost base to ensure the company is as fit as it can be today and into the future.

“In November, the company entered into consultation process with its employees to consider options for streamlining the business in line with the reduction of production volumes.
“As a responsible manufacturer, we actively respond to market changes and the challenges they present, constantly reviewing our cost base to ensure the company is as fit as it can be today and into the future.

“In November, the company entered into consultation process with its employees to consider options for streamlining the business in line with the reduction of production volumes.

“Through collaborative working during the consultation with employee representatives, we worked together to agree a fair and transparent process for those affected by the review.””

For quite a while we have seen both the positive and the negative impacts of Brexit on the caravan and motorhome world. There has been a huge volume of UK holidaymakers opting to stay at home for their holidays but this unfortunately has not been reflected in the sales numbers of new vans.

Some say Brexit has been a good excuse that has been thrown around quite a bit to deflect some poor decisions but I feel that there are genuine cases where the uncertainty of the future has caused major issues for companies in England, Scotland and Wales.

Another concern that has lead to issues within the industry, and has been a major factor in Swift’s recent decisions, is the new road tax prices for motorhomes. The new VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) will see buyers pay a fee of up to £2,135 when they first buy a motorhome. This is an issue that has faced such a tremendous backlash as it could be quite a blow to sales figures across all dealers and manufacturers.

This downsizing has come as a bit of a shock as Swift had reported in May that the company turnover had gone up to £287.8m due to a boost in sales. It just shows what a difference 7-8 months can make.

In a recent update Swift announced that some of the staff opted for voluntary redundancy whereas others were transferred their roles from the Mexborough facility to Cottingham. Despite the best efforts around 50 people have now been made redundant. Very sad news indeed.

A spokesperson from Swift spoke to Hull Live and said “Unfortunately at our Mexborough site we were not able to identify any viable business solutions to maintain production.

“As a result the site will not operate past 2019. A small number of colleagues will be transferring to our Cottingham site in the New Year.”

Midlands Football Manager Scores At Salop

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By William Coleman

The year is kicking off with a bang over at Salop Leisure as they appoint a brand new area sales manager who has quite the background within the West Midlands football world.

Richard Brown, who celebrated his 46th birthday on Christmas Day, is the new area sales manager for caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges at the Shrewsbury-based caravan and motorhome dealership.

He will be liaising with holiday home park managers across the Heart of England and Mid Wales and is looking forward to the new challenge.

During his sales career, he has worked for Coca Cola, British American Tobacco, Philip Morris Tobacco, SMKD and Dunlop Agencies.

“In all the sales jobs that I have had to date, I have focused on customer service and building relationships and I am looking forward to meeting caravan park owners and managers,” said Richard.

“I believe a lot of people with disposable income have been holding back on investments until Brexit is decided. Hopefully, 2020 will see a big uptake in caravan sales.”

Away from work, Richard has a passion for football, having been a YTS trainee at Walsall Football Club for two-and-a-half years as a teenager. He played 12 times for the first team in the former Division Four of the Football League and captained the club’s youth team before moving to play non-league football.

He played for Paget Rangers in Birmingham, Rushall Olympic in Walsall, Lye Town. Romulus, Market Drayton and Shifnal Town before stepping into management at Wellington Amateurs, AFC Wufrunians and Ellesmere Rangers.

Having managed Ellesmere Rangers twice, he is now in his third spell at the club as joint manager with Connor Courtney, whose grandmother, Jean, is a long-serving receptionist at Salop Leisure.

If you are popping to Salop anytime soon keep your eyes open as you may just walk away with an autograph, the signature not the Bailey Motorhome. Sorry bad joke.

Caravanning New Year Resolutions

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By William Coleman

The New Year is here and it is time to set ourselves some goals and challenges for 2020. As touring folk we can sometimes endulge or get stuck in our ways so why not combine some new year resolutions and holiday making?

Hands up if you may have overdid over the Christmas period…. I am sat here with both hands up in the air. Now that all the cakes, biscuits and selection boxes have been consumed its time to put the cookies down, start prepping the van and get active once more.

I have already set myself a couple or targets for 2020 but I can already feel myself slipping, and I always do when I am in the van and on the road. I do tend to snack a lot when I go away and stopping that is at the top of my resolutions list.

The way I look at it, we all just want to spend more time in the van which means more upkeep and more munching, if you’re me.

So aside from the “new year, new me” health kick what bad habits can we do away with and what good habits can we introduce to our touring lifestyle in 2020?

Find Two New Locations

A lot of the people I speak to across the sites I visit all over the UK are repeat visitors. Families and couples that tend to find an area or specific site and that then becomes their destination of choice for a lot of their future visits. One older couple I met in Battle have been using that site for over 15 years and do not want to go anywhere else.

This year don’t just pick two new sites, pick two entirely different parts of the UK to visit. If you usually go away in the South West why not try Scotland or even pop across the pond and find a nice site in France.

Make 2020 the year of freedom and new experiences. I would always recommend Scotland if you’ve never been caravanning their, or if you want to try something really different take a week off and travel to Italy and spend a few days in the South. You may just find your next favourite destination.

Books Not Phones

It was not that long ago that people used to look up when they walked, read books and find things out for themselves instead of burying their faces in mobiles. It seems that the youth of today are the worst at doing this. And dare I say some parents actually use iPads as a form or parenting, which is something I never had when I was younger and I still knew how to behave in public and in restaurants.

One target I have set myself is to put the phone down when I am away, unless I need some directions or perhaps a cheeky photo of where I am staying. Instead I am opting to read books! Something I used to do a lot before the lure of the phone screen became too much.

Recent studies have shown that too much screen time is actually very bad for your mental and physical health, so reducing your time on the phone or tablet will make you feel better.

Reading is also a very good for mental stimulation and gives your brain a much needed rest while actually strengthening it at the same time. I would also suggest doing thirty minutes of reading before you go to bed and see how much better your nights sleep it. You may be very surprised.

Get Active And Keep Fit

You can be a little bit tricky and tie this one in with finding a new location to visit. Why not pick somewhere new that is surrounded by activities to get the heart racing? Two birds one stone.

There are a lot location all around the UK that have amazing walking trails, swimming lakes and even on site activities like canoeing.

One such location that has a ton of fun and healthy activities to try is Salop Leisure’s Love2Stay site in Shrewsbury. They are very much about keeping you fit and healthy while you’re away.

On site they have kayaking, yoga, fishing, swimming and even a gym! Not to mention massage and beauty treatments.

If you spend your leisure time outside seeing the world you will be a lot more healthier both mentally and physically which are two things we all need.

2019: A Year In Review

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By William Coleman & The Team

Last year was quite the year for CaravanTimes, not to mention the rest of the UK. Now we are in 2020 we can look back fondly at 2019 and share some of our highlights for one of the rockiest and fun years in recent memory.

Well what a year that was! Over the past 12 months we have seen some high and some lows both in and outside of the caravan and motorhome world. I think it is safe to say that a lot of the negative things that happened within the caravan sector were Brexit related, or so a lot of people were saying. Which is actually a good thing when you sit back and think about it. Imagine if the issues and business dips were due to people’s lack of interest?

No we are not out of the woods, or the EU, just yet but we have a clear government who want to move on and get the country back to where it needs to be and restore a lot of people’s faith in the future. Moving forward, in or out of the EU, one thing is for sure, we all are still very much in love with our caravanas.

For me one of 2019’s highlights was just how much I was able to travel around the UK. I managed to see both Scotland and Wales as well as many other parts of England. Oh and the shows are always great fun too, and a good way to travel all over the UK.

As of writing this I am sorting out the travel and accommodation for both the Manchester and Scottish caravan shows and cannot wait to get there and spend some time both at the show and in the two great locations.

Rob Key – Post Production Manager

I joined the team just before 2019 began and did not have too much knowledge of caravans, I have always been a campervan user. Having spent a lot of the year filming caravans, and actually getting to use them, I can see why they are the most popular touring vehicle.

One of the best things about the vans I saw were just how much space you have compared to the smaller more “home made” vans that I have been used to using. Having an on-board shower and toilet that is sectioned in its own room is something I that I will struggle to go without moving forward. Have been this easily converted to the touring caravan?

Through 2019 I was able to take motorhomes from Auto-Trail to Wales which was great as I got to see the higher end motorhomes and van conversions, the ones I have used are nothing like these so it was nice to see what other options are out there for future use.

2019 has been a year that has really shown me the diversity within the leisure vehicle world and come 2020 I will be going out of my way to get in more touring caravans.

Dan Cartwright- Director

Can I mention my 2018/19 highlight? I mean they are the same thing, I was just lucky enough to be asked to do it two years in a row.

The stand out for me last year, and 2018, was being a judge in the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year testing. It is genuinely one of my highlights of the year.

I love anything with an engine and you’ll usually find me tinkering on cars and bikes so getting a chance to try out some of the world’s best cars, 4x4s, SUV and all other manner of towcars is right up my alley.

Aside from my personal love for vehicles I do take a great amount of pride in actually being able to judge each vehicle as I know the feedback is going to help caravan owners make a much more informed decision as to what towcar to buy. The testing is a great way to keep your finger on the pulse to see what new innovations and tech they are adding to towcars.

The information is also fed back to manufacturers so they can look at how they can improve and market their new models toward the caravan market.

Spending a week at the Millbrook testing ground with the Club and other industry experts is also a treat as you get to converse with your caravanning peers and have some great conversations about all things towing. Who wouldn’t want to test drive around 50 vehicles around a race course with a caravan attached?

James- Camera Operator, Producer & Post Production

2018 was very tough year to beat due to legs 1 and 2 of the Bristanbul tour. But that being said I still managed to get out in the field and do a lot of filming for the caravan world, but all very much in the UK.

If I had to choose one thing that I enjoyed the most, I’d have to say the October show at the Birmingham NEC. Which is odd because its a full week on your feet running around trying to film tons of vans and interviews.

The past October show was busy but this meant I actually got a chance to see pretty much the entirety of the show, something I rarely get to do. This also meant that I got to see a lot of familiar faces and all the new goodies and gadgets that we can expect in 2020.

The week was capped off nicely by the Caravan Design awards on the Friday evening of the show, the 5am wake up call to go home was a little rough though.

2019 In A Nutshell

Overall 2019 was a good year, if not a tad quieter than the 2018. A lot of times people are too quick to compare the current state of the caravan world to 2017 where we saw a huge rise in pretty much every sector.

Each year manufacturers make some changes but it seemed, to me anyway, that the changes and additions added for this coming season has been the biggest leap in innovation for the past few years.

Over the last year me and the team got to travel all over the UK spend time in pretty much all of the major fans that are now on the market and made lots of interesting video content for a lot of companies within the leisure vehicle industry.

Now that the elections are out of the way and a little bit of public faith has been restored I think we will start to see an upswing come early to mid 2020 for the caravan and motorhome world.

Cosy caravan stays are good for your health

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By Emma Dodd

In the depths of winter, the idea of getting cosy in your caravan is a welcome thought, but it’s also good for your health, according to one expert.

Christian van Nieuwerburgh is professor of coaching and positive psychology at the University of East London and he’s been speaking to Park Leisure.

He highlighted the importance to our mental wellbeing of feeling warm and secure at this time of year.

Professor van Nieuwerburgh said: “Human beings may be drawn to cosiness because it is indicative of having a safe, warm place to shelter from the elements.”

Any caravanner who has returned to their van after a wet walk and fallen asleep to the sound of rain drumming on the roof while warm in their bed will be able to relate to this sentiment.

So, what are the nation’s favourite ways to get cosy during the winter months? The holiday park company asked around and it turns out that it’s all about tapping into our senses.

Scents were found to be particularly important when it comes to ramping up the cosiness, with the fragrance of vanilla and freshly baked bread proving popular.

And it’s not hard to fill a caravan with lovely smells, as these spaces are smaller than the average home.

So, next time you’re away in the van, be sure to pack all the ingredients for a loaf, and as well as the delicious scent, you’ll also enjoy making it and take even more pleasure from eating it.

Speaking of taste, nobody will be surprised that hot chocolate came out as the number one drink to evoke cosiness amongst caravanners.

Whether you enjoy yours with a dash of something stronger added or a melting marshmallow on top, it’s sure to warm you up on cold days.

What are your favourite ways to get cosy in your caravan? Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on Twitter.

Merry Christmas From CaravanTimes

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By William Coleman

It has been quite the year for the caravan world and ultimately the country. The UK put the caravan on the map and now we close a decade of success. As we near the New Years we want to extend a very Merry Christmas.

I just want to extend a very Merry Christmas to all of you, our readers. Myself and the entire team cannon express just how much we really appreciate your support.

For the whole of the UK, it has been a bit of a roller coaster year. We have seen our political system affect the entire caravan and motorhome world. We have seen some companies thrive, some have made some cuts and sadly some have closed their doors.

Now as we near the end of this decade, one thing is certain, the caravan world is in a safe place and growing stronger each year.

So, before I get emotional let me close off by once again saying Merry Christmas to one and all.

Caravans Transformed Into Offices & Man Caves

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By William Coleman

Refurbing caravans, trailers, statics and motorhomes seems to be very much in vogue at the moment and some are being turned into absolute beauties. This couple from sunny Australia have done an amazing job turning these caravans into luxury offices and hideaways.

I have seen some restorations that can rival a brand new van direct from the production line. Most of them are pet projects that are not meant to be taken touring but they are still fantastic and make for a great little getaway at home.

Marc Pedavoli and Elizabeth Danieletto are a couple from Australia who now work full time transforming old caravans into work spaces and man caves. All at a minimal cost of $8000. The creative couple have now renovated around caravans as well as completing some odd jobs on other leisure homes. You can view a gallery of the vans Caerphilly County Borough Council

Among some of their innovative creations they have created salons, man caves, mobiles bars, gaming rooms and offices. After seeing that some people would pay thousands for converted caravans the pair decided to make a career out of it.

Marc Pedavoli, 35, and Elizabeth Danieletto, 37, started their business Your Palace Caravan Restoration after an elderly couple asked if they could renovate their old camper.

After the first van was completed the pair travelled around the countryside of Central Coast in New South Wales trying to seek out old vans that they could restore and renovate for resale.

“Marc’s parents were avid home renovators and they had him helping them since he was old enough to hold a paintbrush,” Elizabeth told FEMAIL.

“I lived in the UK for five years where there are a lot of old caravans that needed love and I had the idea while I was there that I would love to do one up.”

When Elizabeth moved back to Australia and met Marc she found a dilapidated camper in Wollongong and the pair started their new project and future.

“Not long after that Marc became redundant from work so we decided to give it a go as a full time business… After about the eighth van we had a lovely old couple ask us if we could renovate their caravan for them and have been doing them full time for other people ever since,” she continued.

“Depending on the starting condition of the space will determine how much repair work is necessary before we start the transformation,” Elizabeth said.

“If there is loads of water damage or the client wants a fully customised layout we would strip the entire van out and start from scratch with new electricals, insulation and a complete custom-designed interior rebuild.”

The builds usually consist of relining the walls, building cabinetry, beds, bunks lounges and total kitchen refits.

“We have a designer on board that helps clients visualise and perfect the space before we even start the project, which also helps with costings and budget,” she said.

“The design is customer driven and the inspiration generally comes from other projects, Pinterest and interior design.”

These unique vans come at all different price levels, depending on the level of specification you require, and some go for as much as $15,000.

“We are also happy to do smaller projects like exterior spray painting for $2,000, adding beds/bunks, resealing work and repairs,” Elizabeth said.

“We also source caravans and cabins for clients to ensure they are not buying a lemon and over paying for it so depending on the individual project the costs vary considerably.”