A YORK-BASED luxury holiday home company has invested £1.3 million in seven new lodges at its park near Leyburn..

Park Leisure, of York Business Park, has invested £1.3 million in the Hawkswick development at the holiday park, which is called Yorkshire Dales.

A spokeswoman said the development featured stunning views looking out over the market town of Leyburn, glass wrap around verandas, a tiered setting maximising space around each lodge and evening lighting.

She said the park was pet friendly, private and traffic free, with a short walk to the picturesque River Ure and a gentle 15-minute walk to Leyburn.

“The new development has already enjoyed a high level of interest, with three of the seven lodges having already been sold,” she said.

Yorkshire Dales general manager Mike Clappison said: “The new lodges will be a great and vital asset to our park as it continues to grow and welcome new customers.

“As well as the site’s various family facilities, including a children’s playground, Yorkshire Dales is a gateway to some of the best country walking trails, bridle paths and cycling routes in the UK and we’re at the very heart of that.”

The news comes just weeks after Park Leisure announced a £103million partnership deal with Midlothian Capital Partners (MCP) as the luxury holiday company embarks on its next phase of expansion.

“Park Leisure has 10 sites across the UK in stunning country and coastal locations,” said the spokeswoman.

“Combined with the company’s first-class service, peace of mind warranty and award winning facilities there is something to suit every personality and every budget.”

Nearly 200,000 people are now thought to own a static holiday home in the UK, investing an average of £55,000, according to a survey.

Of those surveyed, half saved for years to fund their dream holiday home with one in ten using their pension and one in five re-mortgaging their first home.

For more information, go to www.parkleisure.co.uk