Todber Testimonial - Mr Turner

A UK holiday home is a great escape whatever the weather and somewhere owners can totally relax.  We interview a recent convert to this modern trend.

Ken Turner, the owner of a caravan at Todber Park in the Pendle Hills tells us about why he purchased a caravan in October 2008 from South Lakeland Parks, the company behind Todber.  Ken tells me he could not be happier and indeed takes every opportunity possible to visit what he describes as his favourite home.

Ken and his wife live in Birmingham so I ask him what made him purchase a holiday home in the Ribble Valley. "We first started looking in the area because we wanted to have a base close to our daughter and grandchildren who live in the region." Says Ken, "Having looked around a few places when we arrived at Todber there was just something about the site, the staff and the caravan that we loved, it had a warm glow and everyone was just so friendly."

Todber Holiday Park is located in the heart of the Ribble Valley in the Pendle Hills and overlooked by Yorkshire's mighty three peaks.   It seems it was the location that really drew the couple to Todber.  Indeed Ken describes the setting as 'just perfect.'  He goes on to say  "With the ease of reaching Clitheroe, the proximity to Gisborne and the fact we were within a short drive of coastal towns in both the east and west of the UK we felt it fitted exactly with our requirements."

Owning a holiday home on a park a great way to meet new people and make friends?  "Absolutely! The atmosphere at Todber can only be described as convivial.  The other owners are extremely friendly.  As soon as we purchased people came to introduce themselves.  It's a nice feeling.  We never feel alone or isolated at Todber.  Everyone looks out for each other and we always know that people would look after us if we ever needed it.  It's the best feeling and really makes the caravan and park a welcoming place when we are there."

Ken just loves his holiday home and on a day like today it's not hard to see why, but what about when it rains as it invariably does in the UK?  "Weather is never an issue, you can always put a coat on!" exclaims Ken, a man clearly not afraid of the cold.  "The region has its own attractions whatever the weather.  We've been up here a few times during the snow and it looks simply beautiful.  Likewise even in rain, wind or fog Todber has a dramatic appeal." And as Ken highlights if it's not nice enough to be outdoors the location of Todber is so ideal that owners can visit a variety of towns, museums and shopping centres all within an hour's drive. 

I ask Ken if he would recommend this type of holiday home ownership to others.  "We already have" he proudly tells me, "In fact some of our friends have even had holidays here and stayed in one of the holiday lodges at Todber to see if they would also like to purchase.  I'd recommend this to anyone, the services offered on site are great, any request is attended to.  We've always found the management to be efficient and effective without being overpowering."

And in making recommendations does Ken feel this is an ideal investment opportunity for people?  "No definitely not.  People could view it as an investment but when we recommend, it's about a lifestyle choice, providing somewhere people can relieve the pressures of everyday life.  When we first bought here we had no idea how much we would enjoy the relaxation of Todber but it takes over from the moment we arrive."

He continues "It's also great for families.  We're retired but have grandchildren ranging from 15 months to 16 years in age and they all love it.  Also as dog owners we know it's great for pets too.  

In just 15 months Ken and his family have become huge fans of their holiday home.  So much so that Ken tells me they are always rearranging their diaries so they can visit more often, guessing that they visit on average eight or nine days out of every month.  "All in all though what we really come here for is an escape from every day life.  For rest, relaxation and total peace and quiet."

Factbox:

• New holiday homes at Todber start from £19,995 and the site offers the choice of caravans or lodges. 
• Annual site fees are £1,641.15 for a caravan which pays for general maintenance of the grounds, communal areas and entertainment.
• Insurance, rates, electric and gas is additional.
• Todber's season runs from 1st March – 6th January.

For more information and brochures call 015395 69834 or visit www.todberholidaypark.co.uk