The Bailey Retreat is the most luxurious offering from the Bristol-based caravan manufacturers, offering a level of comfort that is not widely seen on the UK market. This model has been designated a ‘leisure home’, meaning that it is not meant to be towed by its owner. Instead, this twin-axle model is sited professionally and only moved every year or so.
This new type of caravanning allows for much more luxury, as weight is no longer an issue, and so the caravan can be much larger than a traditional tourer. In fact, the Bailey Retreat measures nearly 9m from nose to tail, and just under 2.5m from side to side. The result is 25% more internal space than you would get on a top-of-the-range twin-axle touring caravan.
Internal luxury
Luxury touches in the Bailey Retreat include a larger C-shaped lounge area in the nose end, which can be converted into a large double bed. Furthermore, there is a highly spacious central washroom area, which can be sectioned off from the rest of the ‘van for added
privacy. Other premium features include Alde central heating, a ceramic toilet bowl, and an external gas point for connecting a barbecue.
In terms of entertainment, there are two CD players in either end of the van, with dual-cone speakers, and a dedicated TV shelf in the front living area, while the caravan comes pre-wired for a satellite dish to be mounted on the roof.
Built to last
As with every other model in the Bailey Caravans portfolio, the Retreat is made using the company’s unique Alu-Tech construction method, which improves the vehicle’s resistance to water ingress and offers Grade III levels of thermal insulation.
Furthermore, this leisure home is protected by a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty and an extended bodyshell integrity guarantee.
Premium paring
Bailey launched the Retreat range in February 2012 at the NCC Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Show with an initial choice of two twin-axle layouts. The Bailey Retreat Willow is a four-berth option with a fixed double bed in the rear, arranged in an island configuration. This means that there is enough room for twin wardrobes on either side of the bed. Furthermore, this model boasts an innovative breakfast bar opposite the fully-stocked kitchenette. This dedicated dining area comes complete with removable swivelling stools.
For larger families, the six-berth Bailey Retreat Sycamore boasts a transverse fixed double bed in the rear, as well as a convertible double dinette in the centre, replacing the breakfast bar option found in the Willow.
Both models feature a fully-stocked kitchen, with a dual fuel hob, oven and grill, as well as a large chest fridge freezer and a 700W stainless steel microwave. Interior styling comes in the form of Walnut-coloured wood, deep-pile carpets and ‘Sherwood’ style floral upholstery with co-ordinating curtains and scatter cushions.
Weights in the Bailey Retreat range start at 2,163kg for the four-berth Willow layout, rising to 2,287kg for the six-berth Sycamore.
In April 2012, it was announced that Bailey Retreat prices would be affected by the Government’s tax rise on static caravans. As a result, prices in this luxury leisure home range could rise by around 20 per cent from October 1st 2012 onwards to come in line with the new higher rate of VAT.
For more details, news, rumour and discussions on the Bailey Retreat, join our community group for Bailey Caravan Owners.
