Forget the old log cabins… today’s homes are luxurious and stylish, says Brian Page.

Once upon a time log cabins used to be the preserve of Scandinavians and lumberjacks and people who read Health & Efficiency magazine (if you’ve never heard of it ask your dad).

Today “log cabin” has become something of a generic name for the holiday homes that have sprung up all around the country.

It’s also very much a misleading tag because today’s leisure lodges (to give them their official name) are luxurious, spacious homes with some superb design features and modern comforts.

As we discovered last Sunday when we popped into the open weekend exhibition at the Advent Leisure Homes headquarters at Monk’s Cross, York.

Eye-opening doesn’t do justice to our experience.

The Advent collection is stunning – from stylishly fitted kitchens to large, light and airy lounges to double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms to marvellous decking areas.

Advent is part of the York-based Shepherd Group and big brother’s quality control is very much in evidence throughout each of the seven Lodge styles we ambled around.

We loved them all but if we were pressed to name a favourite it would be the Valerian which is bigger than some traditional houses we have lived in – and a lot more stylish.

There’s a spacious lounge with lots of lovely light pouring in from all sides, including glass doors and full length windows, a dining area and a ultra-modern kitchen. There are two good sized bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite with walk-in shower and a house bathroom. A study/office area was cleverly fitted in as well.

And there is a wide decking area all around with an extended decking patio/sitting area to the front.

But then, as the Advent people tell us, the design range is extremely flexible. Once you have found the spot for your leisure lodge you can mix and match from the various designs on offer to create the perfect place to meet your needs. You can also choose from a range of interior designs, colours and fittings.

What more do you want?

Oh, prices? Well, as with the styles on offer there is a wide range of prices, from £120,000 up to £190,000 (of the examples we viewed).

What’s more – as we will reveal in our next New Homes supplement – you can find Advent leisure lodges on residential parks with full year-round living.

Watch this space!

• For more information on Advent Leisure Homes, phone 01904 626611.