Live In Test: Bailey Retreat Willow

The Bailey Retreat Willow is specifically designed for extended holiday use on seasonal pitches ideally with a minimum of 10 amps mains electric hook-up, but is flexible enough for short breaks. It’s neither a touring caravan nor a static caravan, it sits somewhere in between with design cues taken from Bailey’s touring caravans, enhanced by static caravan features.

The lounge is static caravan design, comfortable and wrap around with capacious storage under the sofa, which converts to a double bed with the help of a dedicated frame and an extra cushion, just for occasional use we suggest. The upholstery is reversible and we liked the red stripy cushions and curtain tie-backs. We liked the full size Heki sunroof and the wide front window shelf.

The work space in the L shape kitchen was a little limited so we used the wall mounted table too, although it has a high gloss finish and we soon found that non-slip mats were essential! The table has bench style seating and two free-standing stools with practical spongeable plastic coverings; it’s ideal for informal meals and again takes its lead from static caravan design.

Over the top of the table are overhead lockers; those small in stature may struggle to reach those. We loved the big Dometic 117 litre fridge. The swing-out storage unit was practical and sturdy with plenty of storage. There’s a full size Heki sunroof too.

The shower room and toilet is in the mid-section, well designed to maximise the space and judicious use of the door from the kitchen/living area and the door to the bedroom created a surprisingly decent sized area with two heated towel rails. The Heki roof light aids ventilation. We liked the Ecocamel water saving shower head; it gave a good flow of water in the round shower cubicle. Bailey has fitted the top of the range Thetford C-260 ceramic bowl swivel chemical toilet, a Belfast sink and linen bin.

Another static caravan touch is the small dressing table and stool in the bedroom and we liked the island bed over which is a mid size Heki. Floor length curtains are hung on chrome poles, a style often seen in static caravans.

The Alde wet central heating system is another up-market feature and Willow is not short of radiators.

The exterior has a BBQ point and a 230V socket. There’s no battery locker but there is a large locker, a gas bottle locker and the input for Satellite television. A 40 litre chassis mounted insulated water tank is fitted; the changeover valve is under the sofa and allows water to be drawn from an external supply or the water tank.

Where we stayed

Stowford Farm Meadows, near Combe Martin, North Devon. http://www.stowford.co.uk/

Verdict

It’s a bright and spacious luxury hybrid leisure home, a practical and workable layout, and not one to beat a hasty retreat from. Any negatives? It has a serious shortage of overhead lockers in the bedroom and given the ‘van’s value your caravan insurance company is very likely to want you to fit additional security devices.

Recommended Retail Price is £22,000.00, including VAT, delivery from the Bailey factory to your retailer’s premises and the cost of various additional services carried out by your retailer. For an additional fee your retailer will arrange for your Retreat to be transported to a registered caravan park on mainland UK.

Fact File

• Twin axle
• MTPLM 2163kgs
• Overall width 2.480m (8ft 2ins)
• Shipping length 8.957m
• Maximum headroom 1.958m
• CRIS identity number
• Security data chip

Cost to insure: £478*

For more information

http://www.bailey-retreats.co.uk/

* Caravan insurance cost based on Bailey Retreat Willow £22,000.00 Fitted with hitchlock, two wheelclamps, and a Caravan Guard approved tracking device. Kept on holiday site at HX4 0BE with a 24hr barrier. Caravanners over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 16.04.12.