Cauldron Barn Farm Park in Swanage, Dorset, is holding a number of open days inviting everyone to come and visit the former 1960s caravan park that has now been extensively redeveloped into a residential park for the over 50s.
Tucked away behind the Cauldron Barn estate, it’s easy not to know about the community that has been described as more like a village on the edge of the town.
Countryside location with views over to the Purbeck hills
There’s park homes already available on site to buy for around £330,000, or people can choose a vacant plot and commission a bespoke property
Dramatic views
Remembered more as a caravan park, many may be surprised to see how far the site has been improved with all the self contained, fully insulated and double glazed homes that are connected to mains services.
There’s parking, well kept gardens and of course, still the dramatic views over to Ballard Down.
Now there’s an opportunity to come and look round with open days being held from 10 am to 4 pm on:
- Saturday 27th April 2024
- Saturday 1st June 2024
- Saturday 21st September 2024
A number of park homes are available to view
Park manager Emma Blackwood
“Spread the word”
The park manager Emma Blackwood, who’s worked at the park for more than 20 years, said:
“We’re encouraging anyone who’s interested to pop in for a cuppa, a chat and to pick up a brochure. We just want to spread the word about what we can offer.
“There’s also a chance to look around a park home – lots find it very interesting to see just how well fitted out they are with luxury kitchens and ensuites, some even have a separate study or hobby room.
“We have many people who visited when it was a holiday caravan park and have now come back to stay, as well as local people that want to downsize and not have to worry about maintenance.
“Some come and look around for themselves but also others who are interested for a relative who wants to move down to Swanage.”
The attraction of the turnkey home with great views is easy to understand
Modern bathrooms and ensuites
An open plan kitchen or the option of a separate kitchen available
Live all year round
Cauldron Barn Farm Park was established as a popular holiday caravan site in the early 1960s.
In 2008 it was bought by Berkeley Leisure Group, and it’s now one of 54 parks that are owned by the company, which stretch from Cumbria to Cornwall.
The company has since redeveloped the Swanage site into a residential park, where people over 50 can live all year round.
The grounds have been redesigned to create more of a village layout and there’s a communal room for functions, table tennis and fitness classes.
There’s also room for pets, with residents allowed a cat or a dog.
An vintage brochure may evoke fond caravan holiday memories for some
The team looking forward to welcoming visitors to the open days. Left to right: Admin assistant Tina Norval, park foreman Gary Surface and park manager Emma Blackwood
“Community spirit”
Emma added:
“We have a great community here with an active residents association that has organised among other things, platinum jubilee and coronation celebrations.
“During the pandemic, residents were able to sit on their balconies and chat over the gardens to each other, which meant that there was much less isolation than living in a block of flats. Residents all shopped for each other and that still continues today.
“As well as the community spirit, I think most appreciate our ideal location. We’re set in beautiful countryside and it’s just a 15 minute level walk to the beach and the town.”
Royal celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee
It’s a development of 99 residential park homes set over 14 acres and there’s even a top celebrity neighbour!
Further information
- More about Cauldron Barn Farm Park, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1QQ and how to find it
