There’s something rather wonderful about being on holiday just a short stroll to the beach, at a place where the staff are like family and it always feels like home. So it’s no wonder that many Searles guests go on to invest in a static caravan or holiday lodge of their own!
As an owner, they and their family can visit more frequently, stay for extended periods of time and, with a choice of accommodation to suit every pace of life and budget, sales manager Matthew Bentley explains why buying a place at Searles appeals to a wide variety of people.
Location, location, location
Hunstanton, Hunston, Hunny – the longer you stay, the shorter the name it seems, and for plenty of owners being part of a local community is just one of the reasons for buying a holiday home in this popular West Norfolk seaside town.
Searles has been making families happy here for over 70 years, since the first post-war holiday-makers came to stroll Hunstanton’s promenade and famous red and white striped cliffs, drop a penny in the slots at the arcades and watch the tide roll in over the sands. Although times have changed, the simple pleasures of a seaside town endure, passed down from generation to generation, and are why owning a spot at Searles appeals to them.
‘Often people stay regularly in Searles’ own hire fleet holiday homes or in the tent and touring areas, they enjoy holidaying here so much that they go on to purchase a their own caravan or lodge,” explains Searles’ sales manager, Matthew Bentley. “Our core customers are usually within a two-hour drive of Searles, although we have had owners as far afield as London, Manchester and even Scotland, and then again as close as Dersingham and King’s Lynn, one owner even lives in Hunstanton but loves the lifestyle Searles offers and the ability for entertaining family and friends. Owners appreciate the quiet refuge which Searles can offer from everyday life and all of the facilities available for themselves and their extended family.
“When I talk to people about why they choose Searles over other holiday parks, many mention the fact that Searles is a family-owned business, the general upkeep of the resort high standards of our facilities and staff. We are a site that crosses all generations. Also our owners areas are for owners family and friends use only, and cannot be rented out. This gives more of a sense of community and you get to know your neighbors rather than have different people turning up all the time.
How to choose a holiday home at Searles
With holiday homes located in a choice of several different areas, owners can purchase a static caravan in the main Leisure Resort area with easy access to the main dining, health & fitness and entertainment facilities, or a lodge in the quieter Country Park alongside Searles’ golf courses, tennis courts, bowls green and fishing lake. Here there are two areas – originally developed in 2000, Fairway Court offers the opportunity to purchase a pre-owned lodge, while the ongoing Redgate Court site enables owners to create their own bespoke lodge, with both areas served by a shared outdoor pool.
“Many owners buy a lodge for their whole family to enjoy, and many have had a holiday home abroad but now want somewhere closer to home with less stress to travel to,” adds Matthew. “With two, three or four bedroom options available, they can host their children and grandchildren and enjoy a multi-generational break.
“These and our static caravans are purely holiday homes and not an owner’s main residence, but guests can stay as often as they like during the open season which runs from Mid February to Early January the following year. I always say purchasing a holiday home at Searles is an investment in lifestyle and somewhere to make memories for you and your family.
“Alongside the pitch fees, which start at just £6,969, the only other costs are insurance, energy costs and gas service. Optional services like winter drain offs or monitored alarm system are available. The Resort is barrier protected with ANPR and we have security cameras manned by our own team during the day and security contractors after hours, so owners can be assured that their safety and security is paramount, which is one of our core family promises.
Buying a static caravan at Searles Leisure Resort
For Bob Cave, buying a static caravan at Searles was a natural decision after many years of staying at the resort’s touring site. “We made a decision to buy a static caravan holiday home this summer, as we have a motorhome and have used the touring park for several years,” says Bob. “We always used to say, ‘All roads lead to Searles,’ as we live in Peterborough and every time we went to different places in the motorhome we always ended up at Searles.
“We looked at lots of resorts and Searles sits in our top ten as we can get there in under two hours from home and it’s a fantastic location where you can see beautiful sunrises in the morning and amazing sunsets in the evening. The resort is so close to the beach and the amenities are fabulous with indoor and outdoor pools, play areas for the children, the Fountain Bar and a short walk to Heacham Manor, plus plenty of entertainment if you want it.
“The Willerby Manor was the right caravan for us and we visit regularly. We were very pleasantly surprised that the school holidays weren’t a riot, as we might have expected, and it was very quiet and relaxing over the summer. We are also impressed by Searles’ commitment to Hunstanton, including the Searles train which runs into the town, and its support of the Princess Theatre. Buying a static caravan at Searles Leisure Resort has been a good decision for us.”
Choosing a lodge at Searles Leisure Resort
Just like many lodge owners, Michelle Tustin’s decision to invest in a pre-owned lodge followed many years’ static caravan ownership at Searles Leisure Resort. “We’d previously had several caravans over 18 years,” says Michelle, “but when the opportunity to buy a lodge in the perfect spot at Fairway Court came up six months ago, we jumped at the chance. We only wish we could have kept our caravan too!
“We live about 200 miles away so it’s a long, three-hour drive from home, but once we get there we enjoy everything about being here – the lodge’s position is idyllic, the staff are welcoming and the surroundings are so relaxing, plus the facilities are amazing.
“The lodge gives us a lot more room as it’s wider and plenty of space around us, so it feels like we’re staying in a private, luxury resort. All the staff get to know you and that’s what makes it so special – it’s how holidays should be!”
