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Norwegian Log Buildings

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The no-planning homes keeping multi-generational families together during lockdowns

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  • Sales of Scandi-style log cabin garden annexes soar during lockdowns
  • Ideal for grandparents or other close family and no planning permission needed1
  • Leading annex provider Norwegian Log has seen sales rocket by 35% over the last year and enquiries by 50%
  • Most purchasers are aged over 70 and want to move closer to their children

With lockdowns and travel restrictions making it difficult for families to see their elderly relatives, a Reading-based log cabin company is having to upscale production of its annexes – that provide an affordable, fuss-free property solution to keeping people safely connected – just to match demand.

Helping a growing number of savvy pensioners shrewdly sidestep separation issues, Scandi-style log cabin maker Norwegian Log has seen sales of its annexes soar by 35% last year, compared to 2019. The annexes can be built at the bottom of the garden within months and, because they are cleverly classed as ‘transportable’, in most cases don’t need planning permission1.

As one of the country’s longest established annex providers, Norwegian Log builds bespoke lodges from solid wood, which makes them warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with a ski chalet vibe.

Older generations are reaping the benefits of purchasing these high quality-build annexes as they can be conveniently sited within the garden of a son, daughter or close relative. The elderly residents are then within easy reach if help is needed and long distance drives to see each other can be a thing of the past.

Prices start from just over £50,000 for a one bedroom log annex – a fraction of the cost of a bricks and mortar equivalent – so many downsizing pensioners are able to save sizable sums for their retirement, travel or a rainy day. The cabins are built all on one level and can be fitted out with the latest 21st century fixtures and fittings.

Research from Norwegian Log showed that 50% of pensioners interested in buying an annex this year live between 20-100 miles away from their family, and the main reason for their move was to be closer to their loved ones.

Customer Muriel Seamon owns a two bedroom annex sited in her daughter Jennie’s Kent garden. Jennie Mathews said: “It has really put my mind at rest having mum so close to us through this long lockdown especially over Christmas.  It means she has not been in isolation alone as we are all in her ‘bubble’. We were able to cook Christmas dinner together and spend the day together as a family.

“In the first lockdown we did her shopping for the first month and we would leave it at her door and didn’t go in, but she is fiercely independent and in the end we worked out the safest time for her to shop on her own as she was so determined to do so. I was working from home so it was lovely to work in the garden together during my lunch breaks.”

Annex owner Dave Swift lives in a lodge next to the Somerset home of his daughter Kelly. He said: “One great benefit of living in the family garden is that we are in the same bubble enabling us to meet and help each other out. I am quite sure I would have felt much more isolated had I still been in my previous house.”

Nick Forrester of Norwegian Log said: “Lockdowns have prompted a flood of enquiries from families who realise that living miles away from their elderly relatives, particularly those on their own, makes it very difficult to support them at a time when they need supporting the most. Our annexes can be built in a back garden within weeks and provide peace of mind for both parties.

“The prospect of high residential care costs means that many families were already seeking alternative solutions to looking after their loved ones but the pandemic has made them realise they should do something sooner rather than later.”

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For further information contact: Emma Mason on 07762 117433 emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk

Notes for editors:

1 Planning permission – Norwegian Log’s granny annexes are classed as transportable mobile homes and so if sited within the curtilage of your property – the garden, essentially – for the exclusive use of a family member, you will not need planning permission. The annex has to remain ancillary to the house (i.e. not legally separated for sale or rental to a non-family member). Norwegian Log recommends that you apply for a Certificate of Lawful Use, which confirms that situation, and it provides this service as part of its Granny Annex package. If the annex is NOT a mobile home, you will require planning permission and building regulations approval. The planning office may then dictate the annex’s size, facilities, etc.

 

 

 

 

Cambridgeshire-Lakes-217-Norwegian-Log

Uber-stylish lakeside holiday lodges open in rural Cambridgeshire

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-Luxury Norwegian Log cabins where you can relax in nature under the stars-

A luxury lakeside leisure development, aimed at the booming staycation market, has opened near Gamlingay in south Cambridgeshire. Boasting three bespoke lodges built by Norwegian Log, Cambridgeshire Lakes promises a get-away-from-it-all location with 21st century comforts.

Inside one of the luxury lodges at Cambridgeshire Lakes

With hot tubs with gorgeous countryside views, lavish interiors in three spacious log cabins and a tranquil waterside setting with wild swimming, the new development is sure to be a big hit with visitors wanting weekends away, as well as those after a relaxing, longer break.

Owned by the Alexander family, Cambridgeshire Lakes sits on rolling farmland once held by the Downing family, famed for building Downing Street in London and the founding of Downing College in Cambridge. The seven-acre development is the farm diversification-brainchild of 30-year-old Charlie Alexander, working alongside luxury log cabin company Norwegian Log.

Charlie said: “Within two hours you can reach lots of cities by car from here, so it’s perfectly situated. We’re confident we can easily tap into the luxury staycation market and corporate events.”

Natural springs on the land were used to create the lake as the eye-catching focus for the small development. Charlie then teamed up with Norwegian Log’s design team to create a bespoke look and layout for the three new high-end lodges. Construction started on site in March and by May the build was complete.  “I had done a lot of research on log cabins. Norwegian Log was competitive on price and offered the high quality product that I wanted,” Charlie said. “I also wanted to flex the building to suit the landscape, so slightly lower windows to give a better view of the lake and a larger, open-plan living and kitchen space. Norwegian Log was very happy to help me with that.”

Left to right – Nick Forrester of Norwegian Log and Charlie Alexander of Cambridgeshire Lakes

Nick Forrester, director at Norwegian Log, said: “From the outset, Charlie wanted to create a premium holiday development and opting for our high quality log cabins, he’s achieved this. The quality of the fit-out is excellent and perfect for his target market.”

Finished to an exceptionally high standard, each lodge has two super-king bedrooms with en-suite bath and shower rooms. An open plan living area with log burner also houses a high-spec kitchen. Outside, each lodge has a private hot tub and panoramic views from the spacious decking area.  Guests can also enjoy wild swimming in the clear lake, which is strikingly blue thanks to the local blue clay soil.

The lake at Cambridgeshire Lakes

The lodges are open now for bookings. “The high quality wood gives that luxury look and really makes you feel like you are on holiday, like a traditional ski chalet, but with wonderful views of the rolling Cambridgeshire countryside,” said Charlie.

www.norwegianlog.co.uk  01189 669 236

ENDS

For further information contact Emma Mason on emma@emmasonpr.co.uk 07762 117433

Notes for editors: Since the 1980s, Norwegian Log Buildings has been erecting buildings across the UK. It has supplied over 1,000 buildings to private clients, companies, holiday parks, local authorities, charities and public bodies. With a 30-strong team, the firm is based in Reading, Berkshire.

Further information on Cambridgeshire Lakes can be found at www.cambridgeshirelakes.co.uk

Joseph-Borlase-outside-new-building

New Scandi-style shop and reception proves a sales hit for holiday park

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An award-winning Oxfordshire touring and camping park has seen an increase in sales thanks to a new contemporary reception building from Reading-based Norwegian Log Buildings.

Swiss Farm Touring & Camping Park in Henley-on-Thames now boasts a 21st century reception building and shop built from solid log, guaranteeing visitors a warm and efficient welcome. The site has been a stalwart of the Oxfordshire tourism industry since the 1940s when Londoners would holiday in traditional bell tents on its large site near the River Thames.

Swiss Farm's new shop
Swiss Farm’s new shop

“We just love it,” says Swiss Farm owner Joseph Borlese. “Shop sales have increased and we can display things so much better.”

The smart Scandi-style reception building boasts a spacious front desk area, two staff offices, store room, camping supplies and grocery shop, small kitchen and toilet facilities. Joseph opted to have the building constructed on-site by Norwegian Log, but it could have been delivered in modular parts and then erected at the entrance to the 20-acre, family-run park – flexible solutions for a busy, commercial premises.

A far cry from the old set up which saw some reception staff working in a small conservatory and others in a cabin. “It was fine when the business was small but we’d outgrown it,” he says. The park, a previous AA campsite of the year South East winner, is regularly full over the summer months and does brisk trade throughout the rest of the year.

“I chose Norwegian Log as I love the contemporary design. We have future developments planned over the next few years, so a new log reception building was the logical first step. Having the planning application carried out by Norwegian Log made perfect sense as they didn’t need to communicate with any third parties and I could just let them get on with it. With a busy growing business to run, it was very helpful to be able to delegate this part of the process to Nick and his team,” Joseph said.

The new reception building & shop
The new reception building & shop

Customers can buy freshly baked bread, local produce and essential groceries in the shop area, as well as specialist accessories for tents, caravans and leisure. Two double access doors lead from the 15m x 7m log building onto the surrounding car parking areas. “This new building is just so much more welcoming and easier for everyone,” concludes Joseph.

Nick Forrester of Norwegian Log Buildings, which supplies commercial customers and homeowners, said: “It’s great to see a family business investing in the future and benefitting already from its savvy decision. As our buildings our built from really high quality, solid log, they last a lifetime, require hardly any maintenance and have low running costs. And we can deliver them in modules meaning minimal disruption on site – all a real win-win for businesses.”

Norwegian Log Buildings www.norwegianlog.co.uk Tel: 0118 966 9236

Ends

For further information on Norwegian Log Buildings contact Emma Mason on emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk or 07762 117433 www.emmamasonpr.co.uk.

 

 

Transportable-Parker-front

Want a modern home for farm or smallholding? New range launched by Norwegian Log Buildings

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A contemporary range of transportable, solid log homes is being launched by Norwegian Log Buildings – made in the UK and ideal for farm or smallholding.

The new concept transportable homes have an on-trend, modern look with all the quality construction benefits of a solid log building. Designs include angled elevations and space saving internal walls with panoramic double glazing and bi-fold doors. Factory assembled in Berkshire, the units can be delivered and assembled within 7-10 days.

Environmental benefits include natural insulation – log keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer – low running costs, an indefinite lifespan and minimal maintenance, unlike many park homes, caravans and prefabs.

Norwegian Log has been producing traditionally styled solid log buildings for many years but this is its first contemporary and transportable product range to be built in the UK. Nick Forrester, managing director at Norwegian Log Buildings, said: “We’ve got more than 30 years’ experience of supplying traditional cabins to the holiday industry, and log homes as accommodation for staff and family to landowners and farms. Our new contemporary range is aimed at customers who want a more modern style of home and we’re delighted to be able to launch it this Autumn.”

The homes are fully compliant with the ‘Caravan Act’ as mobile homes and exempt from Building Regulations, so ideal for a rural setting. The value of log homes also generally moves in line with the property market, rather than depreciating rapidly over a few years.

Case study – Wheatley Farm Shop

Dave and Carol Parker of Wheatley Farm Shop
Dave and Carol Parker of Wheatley Farm Shop

Dave and Carol Parker have two special reasons to celebrate 2016 – the 30th anniversary of their well-known Oxfordshire farm shop and the delivery of the very first British-made Norwegian Log contemporary, transportable home as their ‘forever home’.

The Parkers run Wheatley Farm Shop on the outskirts of Oxford and are settling into their unique home, the first of its kind in the UK. Nestled between the farm shop’s barns and neighbouring field, the eco-friendly solid log building fits perfectly within its semi-rural surroundings.

With an eye-catching glass frontage, the home boasts a large open plan living area with wood burning stove, modern sleek kitchen, sophisticated master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and shower room, bathroom and utility/boot room. Large bi-fold doors lead out onto a glass-fronted deck area, a perfect spot for watching the wildlife in the surrounding fields.  “It’s so lovely having the doors wide open, sitting there with a glass of wine in the evening,” said Carol.

Norwegian Log's new transportable home range
Norwegian Log’s new transportable home range

Designed and constructed by Norwegian Log at its Reading manufacturing site, the building is the first in a new range of transportable homes launched by the Thames Valley firm. “Our farm shop is constructed from wood and so we already knew how well insulated these natural buildings are and how well they perform. We did think initially about a bricks and mortar house, but quickly realised that a log home would give us the building we wanted without having to compromise on our lifestyle, so a win, win,” said Carol. “Another reason we wanted to opt for a log building was to tie in with the other buildings on the site, our shop and barns.”

After visiting Norwegian Log’s Reading show home and deciding the contemporary design was for them, the Parkers were granted planning permission within months.  Their home was delivered to Wheatley in two ‘modular’ sections and then lifted into place by crane.  “It was so exciting seeing it delivered,” remarked Carol. “Everybody loves it, it blends in so well and is very low key. I’m constantly showing customers around and I’ve had nothing but compliments. In fact, several of my friends have been tearful, they’ve loved it so much.”

Their home marks a new chapter in the farm shop’s history. Started by her parents, Hazel and Wally Boater, 30 years ago as a market garden selling home-grown produce, the popular business now boasts a coffee shop, garden centre, and animal feed and pet food barn. Dave and Carol are here to stay. “We’ve made sure our new home has been designed for the future so we’ve included a walk-in shower, no steps and we can easily install access ramps. It’s our forever home!” she added.

ENDS

For further information on Norwegian Log Buildings contact Emma Mason on emma@emmamasonpr.co.uk or 07762 117433 www.emmamasonpr.co.uk.

Norwegian Log Buildings www.norwegianlog.co.uk Tel: 0118 966 9236

 

Notes for editors: Since the 1980s, Norwegian Log Buildings has been erecting buildings, classrooms and pool enclosures for schools across the UK. It has also supplied over 1,000 buildings to private clients, companies, holiday parks, local authorities, charities and public bodies. With a 30-strong team, the firm is based in Reading, Berkshire.