A lodge is a spacious, timber-framed holiday home, usually larger and better equipped than a static caravan, built to residential-style specifications but sited on a licensed holiday park rather than land you own outright. Most Gloucestershire parks offer a choice of layouts, from compact two-bedroom lodges to larger family models with decking and hot tubs.
Gloucestershire's parks range from Cotswold retreats near Cheltenham and Stroud to riverside and woodland settings around the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley. Many buyers are drawn by the county's mix of market towns, walking country and easy access to the M5 and M4 corridors.
Before buying, check the park's site fees, season length and any restrictions on personal use, since a lodge is a holiday home rather than a permanent residence. Ask to see the site licence and written agreement so you understand exactly what's included in the price and what runs alongside it, such as rates, insurance and ground rent.
Most Gloucestershire parks operate under a holiday-use site licence, which usually restricts how many weeks a year you can stay and rules out using a lodge as your main residence. Check the specific licence conditions for each park before buying if you're planning to use it regularly outside peak season.
Site fees vary by park, size of plot and facilities on offer, and are usually charged annually. They typically cover ground rent, communal area upkeep and access to on-site facilities, so always ask for the current fee and how it's reviewed each year before committing to a purchase.
Standard mortgages don't apply to holiday lodges, but many buyers use a leisure or holiday-home loan, a personal loan, or finance arranged directly through the park or manufacturer. Compare rates carefully, since terms can vary considerably between lenders.
Most parks handle the resale for you and charge a commission, so it's worth checking the resale terms in your written agreement before you buy, including how commission is calculated and whether you're free to market the lodge yourself.
This varies by park and by lodge, but typically includes the base unit, decking or veranda, and connection to mains services. Always get a written breakdown from the park of exactly what's included in the advertised price and what counts as an optional extra.