In the UK, where quaint villages and picturesque coastal landscapes intertwine, the notion of living in a holiday home year-round is captivating to the imagination of those seeking a unique lifestyle. But can you live in a holiday home for 12 months of the year? The myriad of rules and regulations regarding second homes and holiday homes doesn’t make this an easy question to answer.
As a leading holiday park company dedicated to crafting idyllic retreats, here at Tingdene Lifestyle we have delved into the possibilities and perks of whether you can live in a holiday home all year round.
Lodges at Broadlands Park & Marina are available for 12 month holiday use
What is the difference between a holiday home and a second home?
In short, while a holiday home is specifically associated with holidays and leisure, a second home is a more general term that refers to any additional property beyond a person’s primary residence. A second home can serve various purposes, including being used as a holiday home.
A second home will often specifically refer to a house or property within residential communities, that is purchased for use as an alternative primary residence or for holidays and letting. This is the subject of much debate in and around tourist hotspots like Cornwall and Norfolk, and can contribute to housing problems.
However here at Tingdene, we provide dedicated holiday parks with a variety of holiday homes ranging from caravans and lodges to brick-built villas and apartments, which coexist alongside residential communities.
Caravan parks often have a limited season - North Denes Caravan Park is closed for overnight stays between early Jan and late Feb
Can I live in my holiday home?
Most holiday parks generally do not allow permanent residency, and a primary address has to be provided when purchasing a holiday home. We have a list of Tingdene holiday parks and their seasonal usage towards the end of this article.
What is 12 month holiday occupancy?
12-month holiday occupancy typically means there are no limits to the dates or time spent in a holiday home, either by the owners or by paying holiday guests in the case of using the holiday home as a letting property. This means that you can visit your home or let it commercially at any time of the year.
Lodges at Waveney River Centre are available for 12 month holiday use
12 months’ holiday use doesn’t mean permanent residency
However, 12 months’ holiday use does not mean that you can use your holiday home continuously for a whole year, or as your main residence.
Many holiday parks have 12 month seasons, depending on the types of dwelling within them. Because demand has increased, and people choose to holiday all year round rather than just the summer months, lots of holiday parks don’t close at all. Some areas of the UK are very popular with holidaymakers even during the winter. For example, those parks close to areas of natural beauty and picturesque coastlines, much like the Broads National Park (home to Broadlands Park & Marina and Waveney River Centre) or the North Yorkshire coast (home to Redcar Beach Caravan Park).
It is down to the local authority in the area to decide how long a holiday park can open for. This is because these authorities and councils take control of local planning permission. Even if holiday park owners want to stay open all year round, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can!
Some parks take the time to shut down during the winter, but those that don’t are very popular with holiday homeowners who are keen to make use of their holiday homes for as long as possible. Many parks that choose to shut down over the winter use the time to carry out essential maintenance. Typically, caravan parks have a closed season in the winter, or some even close for 6 months!
The season at Redcar Caravan Beach Park is between 1st March and 4th January
Ultimately, the dream of living in a holiday home throughout the year is not always possible, and not without its challenges. From legal considerations to community integration and sustainability, careful planning is the key to transforming a holiday retreat into a year-round sanctuary. While challenges may abound, the prospect of waking up every day in a place that feels like a perpetual holiday can be a powerful motivator to turn this dream into a reality.
The benefits of owning a Tingdene holiday home
Embracing Nature's Tapestry
From vibrant spring blossoms to the rich hues of autumn, each season unfolds a new chapter in the scenic beauty surrounding your holiday home. Tingdene holiday parks are strategically located in areas of natural beauty, often close to the coast, ensuring a constant connection to the great outdoors.
Community Spirit
Using your holiday home year-round brings with it the challenge of integrating into the local community. Many holiday destinations experience a fluctuating population throughout the year, and establishing year-round roots requires efforts to become part of the community fabric. Engaging with local events, participating in community initiatives, and contributing positively to the neighbourhood can aid in the process of integration.
One of the misconceptions about holiday homes is the notion of isolation. Contrary to this, our holiday home communities foster a strong sense of camaraderie. Spending time in a close-knit neighbourhood throughout the year means forging lasting friendships, celebrating communal events, and creating a sense of belonging.
Freedom to Roam
Choosing a holiday home gives you the freedom to explore and roam. The UK's diverse landscapes are at your doorstep, and the ability to embark on impromptu adventures is a luxury often reserved for those who choose an unconventional living arrangement.
The Allure of Year-Round Escape
The idea of residing in a holiday home year-round carries a unique charm. For those enamoured by the tranquillity of the countryside or the allure of the coast, the prospect of making spending unlimited days in such an environment is undeniably appealing. The thought of waking up to the sound of waves crashing or birdsong every day can be a powerful motivator.
Remote Working and Flexibility
The rise of remote work has opened new possibilities for those considering spending time at a holiday home. With the flexibility to work from anywhere, individuals can escape the urban hustle and create a work-life balance amidst the scenic beauty of a holiday retreat.
Reliable internet connectivity and other remote work essentials must be ensured for a smooth transition of course, which can certainly be possible when you have your own space to work with.
You can go all year round, but summer is of course the most popular time to enjoy the Broads National Park at Broadlands Park & Marina or Waveney River Centre
How long are the seasons at a Tingdene holiday park?
Here at Tingdene Lifestyle, we have some beautiful locations to choose from. Seasons for Tingdene holiday parks with holiday homes available for purchase are as follows:
Waveney River Centre, Norfolk
All properties at Waveney River Centre are available for 12 months holiday use. Lodges and apartments are to be a second home only, and a primary address must be provided.
Broadlands Park & Marina, Suffolk
Villas & Carlton lodges at Broadlands Park & Marina are available for 12 months holiday use as a second home only - primary address must be provided.
The caravan season at Broadlands Park & Marina is from 1st April (or Easter, whichever earlier) until 31st October. Caravans can be used at the weekends for owners only (no lettings) between 1st November and 31st March.
South Shore, East Yorkshire
Brand new seafront holiday homes at South Shore holiday park on the Bridlington coast are available for 12 months holiday use as a second home only, and primary address must be provided.
Caldecott Hall Country Park, Norfolk
Caravans at Caldecott Hall Country Park are available any time between 10th February and 10th January. Caravans can be visited during the day in the off seasons, meaning no overnight stays are permitted between 10th January and 10th February annually.
The brand new Natura Lodges and Barn Cottages at Caldecott Hall Country Park will be available for 12 months holiday use as a second home, therefore a primary address must be provided.
North Denes Caravan Park, Suffolk
North Denes Caravan Park runs a season between 1st March and 15th January, with no overnight stays permitted from 16th January and 28th February every year.
Redcar Beach Caravan Park, North Yorkshire
Redcar Beach Caravan Park is open fully between 1st March and 4th January. Caravan owners are able to visit their caravans between 5th January and 28th February, but overnight stays are not permitted during off season.
Mablethorpe Chalet & Caravan Park
Chalets at Mablethorpe Chalet & Caravan Park are available for both 12 month holiday use, or residential use. Many residents at Mablethorpe let their chalets for paying holiday guests, use their holiday homes seasonally, or in fact reside there full time.
Caravans at Mablethorpe Chalet & Caravan Park are available for holiday use or lettings between 1st March and 31st October.
Saddlebrook Chase Caravan Park, Essex
The open season for caravans at Saddlebrook Chase Caravan Park is between 1st March and 15th January with owners able to visit during day times only between 16th January and 28th February.
Contact us today to talk more about your holiday home dreams.