Luxury living in the English countryside

As property prices rise inexorably and the number of Britons opting for second homes in the UK soars, the Dream Lodge Group reports a significant increase in sales. It seems that more and more of us are seeking to enjoy the advantages of having a luxurious holiday retreat of our own without the attendant disadvantages of a high price tag and worries over security.

One such person is Jane Carr, of Butleigh, near Glastonbury, Somerset. Following the closure of the North Devon hotel at which she had spent her holidays for some years, Miss Carr was looking for an alternative suitable for herself and her two terriers. She considered a motorhome, but, after one particularly rainy day, she realised that sharing such a confined space with two very lively – and, on occasion, very wet - dogs might not be the ideal recipe for happy holidays.

By chance, Miss Carr saw an advertisement for luxury holiday lodges, and she decided to investigate. Having viewed the Dream Lodge Group’s Hilton Woods Park development, near Widemouth Bay, North Cornwall, she immediately decided to purchase one of the spacious properties there – despite seeing it during a downpour.

Hilton Woods certainly is an idyllic spot, set in a peaceful valley in 12 acres of ancient woodland with a pretty stream running through the centre. It is close to North Cornwall’s spectacular beaches, the South West Coastal Path, and within easy reach of such varied attractions as the Eden Project, Tintagel Castle, Tate St. Ives, and the National Trust properties of Cotehele and Llanhydrock. Not surprisingly, opportunities for outdoor activities, including golf, walking and surfing, abound.

The lodges at Hilton Woods Park (all of which are single-storey, for added convenience) have two or three bedrooms (the master having an en-suite bathroom), a guest bathroom and open-plan living and dining areas. They are luxuriously appointed, with the option to add state-of-the-art sound systems, power showers, and hot tubs on the terraces. All come ready to move into, with floorcoverings, curtains and a range of integrated kitchen appliances (fridge, freezer, cooker, hob, washing machine with drying cycle) all included. Purchasers have the opportunity to personalise the interior and exterior of their new lodge, and can even have the layout adapted to their individual requirements should they so wish.

Each lodge is constructed to the highest standards by leading manufacturer Omar, who offer a traditional wood clad exterior or ‘Cape Cod’, a New England style finish carrying a 15 year warranty.

To ensure peace of mind and hassle-free ownership, Hilton Woods Park has a resident manager, who monitors security and arranges the maintenance of communal areas and gardens.

Commenting on her purchase, Miss Carr says, “I’d planned to view other developments as well, but once I’d seen Hilton Woods, I knew I didn’t need to look any further. It’s so lovely and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful countryside – perfect for me and the dogs.” She adds, “And it’s considerably more luxurious than a motorhome, with plenty of space for all of us.”

Miss Carr bought her lodge in March and, since then, has spent, on average, two nights there each week. She says, “It’s the ideal getaway for me – just two-and-a-half hours along the motorway. As a bonus, I know my lodge is secure when I’m not there.”

Holiday lodges are available at Hilton Woods Park from £82,950. For further information, visit dreamlodgegroup.co.uk.