Which caravan layout is best for me?
Caravan layouts are as fascinating as they are complex. For each type of bed configuration, there are a number of different options for the floorplan depending upon how you arrange your bathroom, kitchen, and lounge around these. For new owners, this is often unfamiliar territory, so we're here to help.
We've got a whole host of new and used holiday homes provided by the best manufacturers in the UK. With so many choices, how do you decide which caravan layout is best? Well, our first advice would be to choose a bed configuration. To help you select this, think about not only how many of you there are in the family, but also how many overnight guests you’re likely to host.
There are many other factors that change the layout of a caravan such as the location and size of the washroom and kitchen, as well as what specifications you want for the caravan fittings. These all depend on how you want to use the caravan, which is of course a matter of personal preference. As such, the purpose of this guide is not to tell you which is the best or most popular floorplan, but simply to lay out some of the layouts, and to show you what options are available.
Permanent island bed
It’s great to have the luxury of being able to get out of bed without having to wake your partner. That’s why island beds are involved in several of the most popular caravan interior layouts. Here are two of the most popular.
The transverse island bed
The transverse island bed is arguably the floorplan of the moment. With a full-width washroom at the end of the caravan and settees at the front, is very popular among couples who want the comfort of a double bed as well as convenient washroom facilities, and generous living space. This layout can also be used as a four-berth if the settees are long enough to offer two single beds. The only drawback of this is if you have guests staying with you then they will have to walk from the front, past your fixed bed, in order to use the facilities. Alternatively, the island bed could be placed at the rear of the caravan, with a split washroom (toilet room one side, shower the other) in the middle. Thanks to the toilet location in this layout, guests will be able to use the facilities more easily.
The L-shaped lounge
Another twist on this caravan layout can be achieved with the addition of an L-shaped lounge at the front. This layout gives limitless legroom and makes the TV the focal point of the room. This will suit those who enjoy watching the small screen, however, it may mean that the option to sleep an extra two people is sacrificed.
Permanent bunk beds
It’s every kid’s favourite! Bunk beds have never gone out of fashion, mainly because they’re as practical as they are fun. There are several different variations of this caravan layout, but perhaps the most common involves rear bunk beds.
The extra space provided by layering two beds on top of each other means that the adjacent wall is usually occupied by a corner washroom at the back. The seating area at the front can then be used as a double bed, meaning this layout can sleep four, or even six if you use the seating in the central dinette (sometimes U-shaped) as a single or double.
Permanent French bed
A French bed in a caravan is a double bed found at the back of the home but in a sideways position against one wall. French beds were once the most popular choice for caravan owners because they allow for a lot of interior seating that can also be converted into extra beds. However, gradually this floor plan has made way for central island beds and twin beds which now dominate the market.
This floor plan does still have its fans though, especially among those who like a side dinette and front seating that mean you can switch easily between dining and lounging. Also, while the overall mattress dimensions are compromised, the French bed’s cutaway gives easier access to the washroom. Another variation swaps out the twin settees at the front with an L-shaped lounge area for extra leg room.
Permanent single beds
This static caravan layout is for prospective owners who fancy some single beds and access to a full-scale washroom. In most cases the front seating can also be converted into a double bed, so this means that as a four berth, it’s very comfortable for all four guests.
Typically, caravans with this layout will tend to be longer and it allows an easy walkthrough from the lounge to the washroom. The downside of this floorplan is that the central kitchen facilities can sometimes be a little compromised in favour of bed and settee space. Another variant on this layout puts twin single beds right at the back of the caravan with split washroom facilities bisecting the caravan. An option that divides opinion, it's worth considering when you do your research.
No permanent beds
Another option for owners who don’t expect too many overnight visitors at their caravan is the rear washroom, side kitchen, and twin settee caravan layout. In this static caravan layout, there are no permanent beds, instead the two settees in the front lounge can be converted into a double bed (transverse or lengthways), for use by the owners.
This extremely space-efficient classic two-berth layout is practical for shorter caravan lengths as it makes the most of internal storage and allows for greater bathroom space.
If you have questions about buying a holiday home, please don't hesitate to contact us. Call us or request a call back, we'd love to hear from you.
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Important information
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
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