Frequently Asked Questions
If any of your questions are not answered here, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01556 620 636 or to send an email via the contact details page.
Materials & Structure | Interiors & Exteriors | Maintenance | After Purchase | The Site | Finance | Legal |
Annual Charges
Materials and Structure
Norwegian Lodges:
Q. What is the quality of the lodge structure?The logs are cut from premium grade slow grown Baltic pine with very tight growth rings. This grade of timber is only used for high quality products.
Q. What materials are used?Each log is laminated for extra stability and weather resistance.
Q. What is the lodges’ environmental impact?Being natural timber, 90% of the construction materials are carbon neutral, machining takes place in Norway to maximise transport efficiency.
Q. What is the life expectancy of my lodge?Over 75 years, or indefinitely if caringly maintained.
Pinelog Lodges:
Q. What is the quality of the lodge structure?The lodges are built in Derbyshire at one of the UK’s most highly regarded manufacturers. The developer has been buying from Pinelog for over 20 years and has experienced an excellent product standard throughout.o
Q. What materials are used?The timber frame is well insulated and finished with Siberian larch applied in the traditional ‘larch lap’ method – a centuries old and very weather resistant technique. Internally the pine lining offers a very warm feel. Decorated plasterboard wall finish is also available.
Q. What is the lodges’ environmental impact?The extensive use of timber rather than manufactured products helps to keep these lodges environmentally friendly.
Q. What is the life expectancy of my lodge?50 years or more.
Boston Lodges:
Q. What is the quality of the lodge structure?The lodges are built by Willerby, a very well known manufacturer based in Hull, they are UK market leaders.
Q. What materials are used?The unusual exterior is ‘canexel’ shiplap style planking that is completely impervious to weather damage. We immersed some in water for a week and remembered it 3 months later. It was as new!
Q. What is the lodges’ environmental impact?
The extensive use of the canexel finish will reduce maintenance to almost nothing and helps to keep these lodges environmentally friendly.
Q. What is the life expectancy of my lodge?30 years or more.
Interiors and Exteriors
Norwegian Lodges:
Q. What are the optional aspects of the lodge and how can I tailor them?Size and layout are entirely open to re-design. We have already designed in utility rooms, saunas, offices, garden and bike stores and walk in wardrobes. We have yet to add a wine cellar though!
Kitchens and bathrooms are optional (though included in most of our guide prices), as lodges can be provided for the client to self complete.
Electrical, plumbing and heating systems are ‘designed in’, with the logs pre-drilled for the cabling so it is precisely where customers require with no unsightly areas.
Log fires, gas fires, gas central heating, - we offer them all.
Pinelog Lodges:
Q. What are the optional aspects of the lodge?Size and layout are very flexible, indeed we expect to adjust dimensions of rooms, of kitchens and of bathrooms to suit clients own choice.
Boston Lodges:
Q. What are the optional aspects of the lodge?To keep the lodges at the very attractive low price the basic structure is to a fixed layout. That said, the range of fixtures and fittings, the entire kitchen, the heating systems, insulation and the exterior are all open to revision.
Garden areas and communications at all lodges:
Outside, the garden areas are laid out to customers own specifications as far as possible, with extensive granite works a special and unique feature.
Norwegian Lodges sit on plots of around 1/6th of an acre. Pinelog and Boston plots are smaller, but well screened and may be just as beautifully landscaped.
Q. What is the mobile phone and TV reception like?Generally the signal is good for mobiles and there is direct line of sight to the TV transmitter to most lodges.
Q. What about WiFi?We have installed a distribution system offering a multitude of choices.
Q. Disabled access?This can be catered for to provide a level wheelchair access, we can also ensure lodges are built to any level of disability clients may require.
Maintenance
Q. How do I maintain my lodge?Norwegian lodges require a rub down and re-lacquer every 3 years or so. Pinelogs are designed not to be re-lacquered. Bostons should only be washed
Q. What Insurance will I need?We offer ‘new-for-old’ cover at rates around 0.5%.
Q. Security?We operate a 24hour surveillance alarm system, you can have your lodge added to this at modest cost, around £400 installation charge, and £90pa service and monitoring fee.
Q. How do I pay for Gas and Electricity (or oil)?Gas is taken from your private 1200litre bulk tank, you order this as required direct with Calor Gas, (in fact tanks have a telemetry device attached so Calor know the level and come as required). Electricity is via ourselves but invoiced at cost. Oil is not available.
Q. Recommended tradesmen?Yes, we can make recommendations for every trade.
Q. Have post delivered to my lodge?Yes, for Norwegians. Pinelog and Boston lodge mail is left at reception.
After purchase
Q. Can I sublet? Friends use? Joint ownership?Norwegian: yes, you own the freehold, only neighbourly courtesy (etc) determines how you use the lodge.
Pinelog and Boston: yes, but arranged through us.
Q. Can we use Lodges all year round?Yes, but only as a second or holiday home.
Q. Can I bring pets?Yes (other than neighbourly restrictions as above)!
Q. Can I bring children?Of course!
The site
Q. Can I choose where my lodge is sited?Yes, we have a wide selection of plots available, with some spectacular views.
Q. What other facilities are available?Golf, tearoom, play areas, cycle trails, fishing, trekking, and amazing forest and coastal trails, a real ‘outside’ experience. And some nice pubs too!
Q. Does my lodge include parking?Yes, for at least 2 average sized family cars.
Q. How Long is the Park open for?The weather is often wonderfully crisp & clear. As all new Holiday Homes are fully heated, why -waste the quietest time of year.
Finance
Q. Can you help me get finance?Yes, there are several specialist financiers who will consider a loan using your other assets as security.
Legal
Q. What are the differences between buying a house and buying a lodge?Norwegian: the differences are very small. You own your land and have the protection of a ‘Deed of Conditions’ which protects you against other Owners failing to maintain their lodge or plot. In addition there is a restriction against using the lodge as your principal residence.
Pinelog and Boston: the purchase is seen as a private matter, much like buying a car or a yacht, however you enter an agreement with us concerning the period you have the right to keep your lodge at Kippford (generally from 25 to 50 years).
Q. What are the steps to buying a lodge?Norwegian: Interested clients may reserve a plot with a 5% deposit, fully refundable for any reason for a period of 31 days, following our normal policy, to allow the layout and land boundaries to be confirmed and for purchasers’ Solicitors to examine and attend to missives. Full legal information is available from our Solicitors, Biggart Baillie Solicitors, 7 Castle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3AP.
Pinelog and Boston: Documentation is held at our office and we recommend interested parties request a copy and seek legal advice in advance of making a decision to purchase, however all paperwork can be completed on the premises.
Q. What warranties? Guarantees?Norwegian: There is a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty plus the opportunity to enter in to a 25 year service inspection plan.
Pinelog and Boston: The warranties are generally for up to 10 years.
Q. You mention ‘freehold’ in relation to Norwegian lodges, what does this mean, do I own the lodge and the plot?Yes, that is correct, and you are free to sell without reference to any third party.
Q. Do you adhere to a code of practice? What are my rights/how interests are protected? Are you licensed?This does not apply to Norwegian Lodges. For Pinelog and Boston lodges our membership of the ‘British Holiday & Home Parks Association’ and your agreement with us which has been drawn up with the approval of the Office of Fair Trading provides you with considerable protection.
Q. What happens if want to sell the lodge?As stated above with Norwegian lodges you do not have to refer to any third party (other than your solicitor). With Pinelog and Boston lodges you have to sell through the Park Office who do charge a commission (sums vary) but who often find a buyer.
Purchase Cost and annual charges:
Q. What does the price include?Norwegian: The land, landscaped and planted if you like; and the lodge which will be completed to your specifications either to include kitchen and bathrooms or ready for you to have your own installed. The gas tank will be connected, though the tank supply is a separate charge (around £500).
Pinelog and Boston: The landscaping of the plot will be complete with good planting around; and your lodge will be complete (almost always) with a large wrap-around deck and lathing all round to complete the setting. The gas tank will be connected, though the tank supply is a separate charge (around £500).
Q. Site fees and when do they increase?Norwegian: There are no site fees for Norwegian lodges as you buy the land, however a charge of £360pa is paid for access road connection and servicing of water and waste supplies and supply of (mains) water, grass cutting and refuse collection, etc.
Pinelog and Boston: Annual Pitch fees are £3,280, and rates about £710, they are reviewed in October for the following calendar year.
