The picturesque Cotswolds region offers several residential park home options for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle in one of England’s most beautiful areas. Several quality residential parks are scattered throughout this stunning landscape, with communities designed specifically for over-50s living. These contemporary residential park homes combine modern comforts with traditional charm, all within reach of the Cotswolds’ iconic honey-coloured villages and rolling countryside.
Are park homes available in the Cotswolds?
Yes, the Cotswolds region features several well-established residential park home communities. We at Arden Parks operate quality residential parks near the Cotswolds area, with Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park being particularly popular choices. These developments offer a range of modern, single-storey homes within carefully planned communities designed exclusively for residents aged 50 and over.
The market currently features various styles of residential park homes, from cosy one-bedroom units to more spacious two-bedroom designs with open-plan living areas. All our homes are built to British Standard BS3632, ensuring quality construction and excellent energy efficiency. Each development has its own character, with many offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside that makes the Cotswolds such a desirable place to live.
Where are the best park home locations in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds area offers numerous idyllic locations for residential park homes, each with its own charm and character. The region spans six counties with many delightful market towns and villages that make for perfect settings for park home communities.
Broadway, often called the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, is one of the most sought-after locations, and where you’ll find our Broadway Park. This residential park sits just outside this picturesque village, offering residents easy access to Broadway’s excellent amenities, including shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Similarly, our Leedons Residential Park enjoys a prime location near the charming villages and market towns that make the Cotswolds so special. With approximately 150 new park homes already in place and further development underway, this park has transformed into a vibrant community with excellent facilities.
Other popular areas for park homes in the Cotswolds region include locations near Cirencester, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water. These locations offer the perfect balance of peaceful countryside living with convenient access to amenities, making them ideal for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle without feeling isolated.
How much do park homes cost in the Cotswolds?
Residential park homes in the Cotswolds represent a more affordable housing option compared to traditional properties in this sought-after area. At Broadway Park, new homes start from £215,000, while at Leedons Residential Park, prices begin from £250,000. Our most affordable show home is available from £318,000, with details available on our website.
The cost of a park home depends on several factors, including:
- Size and specification of the home (maximum size allowed is 50ft x 22ft)
- Location within the park
- Features and upgrades included
- Interior fixtures and fittings
When considering the cost, it’s worth noting that the purchase price includes connections to mains utilities, a driveway for two cars, groundwork including skirting, steps and path around the home, and a garden shed (6×8). This comprehensive package means you won’t face unexpected additional costs when setting up your new home.
In addition to the purchase price, residents pay a monthly pitch fee. This is currently £187.21 at Broadway Park and £228.57 at Leedons Residential, starting from handover. Most homes fall into Council Tax Band A, representing another cost saving compared to traditional housing. Utility bills are paid separately, with mains natural gas available at Leedons Residential.
What are the benefits of living in a park home in the Cotswolds?
Choosing a residential park home in the Cotswolds offers numerous advantages for those seeking a change of lifestyle. The single-storey living eliminates the need for stairs, making daily life more accessible and comfortable, particularly as you get older.
Park homes also require significantly less maintenance than traditional houses. With modern construction standards and energy-efficient design, these homes are warm in winter and cool in summer, helping to keep utility bills manageable. The smaller footprint doesn’t mean compromising on comfort – today’s park homes feature well-designed spaces that maximize every square foot.
The community atmosphere is another significant benefit. Our parks foster a friendly, supportive environment where neighbours look out for one another. With residents all being 50 or older, you’ll find people at similar life stages with shared interests. This sense of community is complemented by on-site facilities, including:
- Indoor heated swimming pool
- Outdoor bowling green
- Community hall
- Games room
- Tennis court
- Laundrette
- Dog walk and countryside walks
Perhaps the most compelling benefit is waking up each day surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cotswolds countryside. Our parks offer excellent access to nature, with dedicated walking areas and the broader Cotswolds landscape just beyond your doorstep.
Are park homes in the Cotswolds suitable for retirement?
Residential park homes in the Cotswolds provide an excellent retirement option for those aged 50 and over. In fact, they’re specifically designed with the needs of retirees in mind, creating communities where like-minded people can enjoy their retirement years in comfort and security.
The age restriction (minimum age 50) ensures a peaceful atmosphere, while the prohibition on dependent children living on the park maintains the adult-oriented community feel. This creates a tranquil environment perfect for those looking to enjoy their retirement years without the noise and bustle that can come with mixed-age neighbourhoods.
Accessibility is a key feature of park homes, with single-level living eliminating the challenges posed by stairs in conventional houses. The compact yet thoughtfully designed spaces reduce cleaning and maintenance burdens, freeing up your time to enjoy hobbies, socialise, or explore the beautiful Cotswolds surroundings.
The community aspect of our parks provides a built-in social network, helping to combat the isolation that can sometimes affect older people. Regular community activities in the shared facilities foster friendships and a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, the presence of a manager and resident staff year-round provides peace of mind.
With local amenities including doctor’s surgeries, shops, and bus services nearby, practical needs are well catered for, making day-to-day living convenient even if you no longer drive.
What’s the difference between holiday and residential park homes in the Cotswolds?
Understanding the distinction between holiday and residential park homes is essential when considering Cotswold park living. The key difference lies in the legal status and intended use of the property.
Residential park homes are designed to be your permanent, year-round residence. At our parks, residential homes come with a licence for use ‘in perpetuity’ under the Mobile Home Act 1983. This means you can legally make the park home your only or main residence, with full rights as a resident.
As a residential park home owner, you’ll pay council tax (mostly Band A in our parks) and have the same access to local services as any other permanent resident in the area. Your utilities are connected directly to mains services, and you’ll be billed individually for your usage.
By contrast, holiday park homes cannot legally be used as your primary residence. They typically have occupancy restrictions, often limiting stays to 10 or 11 months of the year. Holiday homes don’t qualify for council tax but may incur other charges specific to holiday accommodation.
Construction standards also differ. Our residential park homes comply with British Standard BS3632, which has more stringent requirements for insulation and energy efficiency than holiday home standards. This makes them comfortable and economical to heat year-round.
It’s worth noting that you cannot sublet your residential park home – it must be used exclusively by you as the owner. This helps maintain the close-knit community atmosphere that makes our parks special places to live.
How do I buy a park home in the Cotswolds?
Purchasing a residential park home involves a somewhat different process than buying a traditional house, but we’re here to guide you through each step. The journey typically begins with viewing available properties at our parks, where you can see the quality and layout of different home styles and get a feel for the community atmosphere.
Once you’ve found your ideal home, you’ll receive a Written Statement Under the Mobile Home Act 1983, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a park home owner. Unlike traditional property purchases, you won’t need a mortgage as park homes are bought outright, and you won’t pay stamp duty or need a financial advisor.
It’s important to understand that when you buy a park home, you’re purchasing the home itself, while paying a pitch fee for the land it occupies. This arrangement is protected by law, giving you security of tenure as long as you comply with the park rules.
The timeline from choosing your home to moving in varies. For new homes, it takes approximately 12 weeks for the manufacturer to build your park home, followed by up to 16 weeks from siting on the plot to getting connections and making the home ready for you to move in.
Throughout this process, we’re available to answer any questions and provide support. You can also contact our team to discuss part-exchange options if you’re selling an existing property.
Your Cotswold park home journey: Next steps
If you’re considering making the move to a residential park home in the Cotswolds area, we’re here to help make your journey as smooth as possible. The first step is to arrange a visit to our parks to experience first-hand the quality of homes and the community atmosphere that makes park living so special.
Both Leedons Residential Park and Broadway Park welcome visitors, giving you the opportunity to explore the grounds, view available homes, and chat with our friendly team about the practicalities of park home living. We can explain the specific features of different home models, discuss plot availability, and answer any questions about the purchase process or ongoing costs.
Before your visit, we recommend thinking about what’s most important to you in your new home – whether that’s proximity to facilities, a particular layout, or specific features. This helps us guide you toward options that best match your requirements.
Remember that moving to a park home represents not just a change of address but a lifestyle choice – one that many of our residents find brings greater peace, community connection, and enjoyment of the beautiful Cotswolds surroundings. With lower maintenance requirements and purpose-designed spaces, park homes offer a practical and appealing option for your next chapter.
To arrange your visit or discuss available homes, simply get in touch with our team. We look forward to welcoming you to the Arden Parks community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet to a Cotswolds residential park home?
Yes, pets are generally welcome at our residential parks, though some restrictions may apply. We understand that pets are family members too, and our parks feature dedicated dog walking areas and access to countryside walks, making them perfect for pet owners.
Is there good internet connectivity at Cotswolds park homes?
Our residential parks offer good connectivity options, ensuring you can stay in touch with family and friends or work from home if needed. This is particularly important for many of our residents who value maintaining connections while enjoying countryside living.
What security measures are in place at Cotswolds residential parks?
Security is a priority at our parks, with safety barriers and a manager plus resident staff available year-round. The community design means neighbours naturally look out for one another, creating an additional layer of security and peace of mind.
How energy efficient are modern park homes?
Today’s residential park homes are built to BS3632 standards, which include excellent insulation requirements. This makes them highly energy efficient, helping to keep utility bills manageable while ensuring comfort throughout the seasons.
Can I make modifications to my park home after purchase?
Yes, you can personalize aspects of your park home, though some modifications may require written approval. For example, fences, hedges, or other boundary structures may be erected upon receipt of written approval from the park management.
