park home search West Norfolk
- Friday, 19 December 2008
- 0 Comments
We want...
‘What we really enjoy most about Hardwick Bridge is its strong sense of community. To us the people are as important as the place we are living. Ideally, we'd like a two bedroom home with a garden.'
We can afford...
‘If we were looking for a home again, our budget would be £160k. We sold our bricks and mortar home a few years ago, just before prices began to dip.'
Location 1
Anchor Park
This small and tranquil park is situated in the rural village of Snettisham on the West Norfolk coast
Anchor Park has been owned and managed by the same family for the past 60 years, with Ronan Leslie the current manager, who was born on the park and lives here to this day. Ronan prides himself on the park's many awards, including a David Bellamy Conservation Silver Award and a ten-year Gold Shield award.
Occupying a former four-acre garden and surrounded by trees, the site is a picturesque and peaceful one comprising only 43 pitches, with homes available only to over 50s.
The River Ingol runs along the border, with a bridge leading over to what will soon be a bowling green. A specially created nature reserve garden allows residents to stroll through trees along the bank or sit and watch the abundant resident wildlife.
At the heart of the site is the licensed club, where residents and visitors come to socialise, play bingo or listen to live music. Many residents are also at the heart of the local village community, taking part in its gardening and cricket clubs.
Contact details
Anchor Park, Station Road, Snettisham,
King's Lynn PE31 7QH
Contact: Ronan Leslie
Tel: 01485 541 250
Less than 15 minutes away
Hunstanton (‘Sunny Hunny')
This delightful Edwardian seaside resort lays claim to being the only east coast resort in England where the sun can be seen to set over the sea. Also has one of the best beaches in Norfolk.
The north Norfolk coast
Stretching for 43 miles, the North Norfolk coastline is one of the most unspoilt in the UK, with much of it designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sandringham House
Norfolk's most famous stately home, Sandring- ham is the much-loved country retreat of The Queen at the heart of a 20,000-acre estate, attracting thousands of visitors a year.
What did the Posnetts think?
Our concerns...
‘Although the village has got several shops, you would probably need a car to get to down to the supermarket.'
‘We were actually a little worried that the owner lived on the park. It might make the place feel more like his home than ours!'
But I love...
‘Ronan is clearly passionate about the place, sacrificing some of the plots to create lots of leafy corners and planting masses of trees.'
‘We loved the arboretum and bridge in particular, perfect for an afternoon stroll.'
‘We also enjoyed a very nice lunch in a café in Snettisham, which we could certainly get used to.'
Location 2
Plumtree Park
This delightful new development is situated in the peaceful town of Marham, eight miles west of Swaffham owned by Crickmore Parks, who own four other parks in the county area, Plumtree was regenerated six years ago to a high standard, from a run-down site to the impressive development it is today, complete with street lighting and expert landscaping.
The park is situated in the centre of the village so it's convenient for all local amenities, including a doctor's surgery, village store and post office, all within walking distance. For those residents not wishing to drive any more, there is a bus stop handily located directly opposite the entrance of the park.
RAF Marham is about a mile away and has additional shops. Fortunately, the park is not under the flight path so you don't really hear the planes.
For bowls enthusiasts, the social and bowls club is just 500 yards away, while nature lovers will appreciate the adjacent village common, which is a thriving wildlife haven. The park was awarded the Silver David Bellamy Conservation Award.
Contact details
Plumtree Park, The Street, Marham,
King's Lynn PE33 9JH
Contact: Crickmore Parks
Tel: 01223 425 936
Less than 15 minutes away
King's Lynn
With shops, a hospital and a wealth of amenities, King's Lynn is a vibrant commercial centre set in a town steeped in history. The town centre recently underwent a multi-million pound redevelopment.
Swaffham
An elegant town whose market place still has its Georgian buildings and a domed rotunda. It also served as the location for the 2006 ITV series ‘Kingdom', starring Stephen Fry.
Thetford forest
The largest lowland pine forest in the country, Thetford Forest is popular with walkers and mountain bikers all year round. The nearby Centre Parcs resort also brings many visitors.
What did the Posnetts think?
Our concerns...
‘Although the site isn't directly under the flight path of the nearby RAF base, I'm still a bit worried about noise pollution from air shows and training exercises which deviate from the path.'
‘While residents were certainly friendly, we would have hoped for a club house.'
But I love...
‘The green qualities are impressive. We loved the fish pond, communal garden and the common behind the park.'
‘The community spirit here is fantastic. Everyone knows everyone and are a really friendly bunch, which can be more important than the place itself.
‘The homes themselves are nicely spaced out, and the nearby bus stop is very handy.'
And now for our favourite...
Plumtree Park
‘There was such a feeling of community here and the public transport is better. We know how well Colin Crickmore looks after his parks and so would be confident moving here.'
Our favourite bits
The residents - everyone was so nice and friendly, and made us feel very welcome.
Brian the warden has a train track in his garden and we're building one too so he'd be useful to have around.
It reminds us of home. We are happy where we are at the moment, but know we'd be happy here too.
What does Robert think?
‘I have to admit I preferred Anchor Park. Snettisham is in a lovely part of Norfolk and I loved the way the owner has gone to great lengths to create such a charming green oasis. If I was going to develop my own park, I'd do it like that one. However, it was the community spirit of Plumtree Park, along with its own green credentials which did it for the Posnetts, and you can't argue with that.'
Other parks we considered
Hardwick Bridge Park
This is where the Posnetts currently reside, close to King's Lynn town centre, where they were the first residents to move in. It is now undergoing a total refurbishment that will complete the park, with a total of 68 park homes.
Innisfree Park Homes
This park sounded promising, but the owner was away and there was no one else able to show us round. Not much online to go on either, except to inform us it has 63 park homes.
Orchard MHP
This site, close to Plumtree Park, also sounded good but again, the owner unfortunately was away when we wanted to visit.
Want to be our guinea pig?
Looking for your perfect park and want our help? Write to us at Help Me Find A Park Home, Park Home and Holiday Caravan,
IPC Media, Leon House,
233 High Street,
Croydon CR9 1HZ.
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