10 tips for designing a luxury lodge for a holiday park

Pinelog’s design team has been creating luxury timber lodges for holiday parks for nearly 40 years, creating functional, sustainable, and beautiful buildings that stand the test of time.

When it comes to designing a holiday park lodge, there are several key considerations that can make a world of difference.

Here are the top 10 pieces of advice from the Pinelog design team to ensure your lodge is both practical, stylish, gives you years of enjoyment and, importantly, keeps you and your guests returning.

1. Making sure the lodge sizes and features fit with your guest market

Choosing the right lodge sizes and features are crucial for ensuring a successful holiday park experience that meets the needs of your target guests.

Couples seeking a romantic getaway often prefer stylish one-bedroom lodges with luxurious additions such as saunas, private decking, and outdoor space for a hot tub – creating the perfect retreat for relaxation and privacy.

While the family market requires spacious three and four-bedroom lodges with large, open-plan living areas that encourage social activities.

Practical features, such as dedicated spaces for muddy boots and coats, enhance convenience, while dog-friendly facilities, like pet showers, cater to families bringing their four-legged companions. These facilities help create a well-rounded experience for visitors and increase the appeal of your park.

2. Prioritise sustainability

Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s using energy-efficient materials, installing renewable energy solutions, or designing for minimal environmental impact, a sustainable approach should be woven into the very fabric of the design. Choose timber from sustainably managed forests, incorporate insulation to reduce energy consumption, and integrate eco-friendly technologies to ensure your lodge is not only environmentally responsible but cost-effective in the long run.

3. Design for economical heating

A holiday lodge needs to be comfortable year-round to maximise rental income, and heating efficiency is key to achieving this while also minimising running costs. Consider the latest insulation techniques, energy efficient panel heaters, or wood burners safely located that can keep the lodge cosy without breaking the bank. Heating should be integrated smartly to complement the building’s overall design.

4. Maximise views with generous windows

One of the main attractions of a holiday lodge is its location, so take full advantage of the surrounding vista by incorporating large, strategically placed windows. Floor-to-ceiling windows not only enhance the aesthetics of the space but also create a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor environment. Whether it’s overlooking a tranquil forest or a stunning lake, generous energy efficient glazing can help bring the outdoors in, providing an immersive experience.

5. Design a functional layout

When designing the interior, aim for a layout that maximises functionality and flow. An approach which works well in Pinelog’s lodges is to arrange the dining, kitchen, and living areas in a triangle, allowing for easy access and a natural flow between these central spaces. This layout promotes sociability and convenience, especially when hosting families or groups.

6. Generous bedroom space

Bedrooms should be a sanctuary. Designing spacious, comfortable bedrooms allows guests to unwind and recharge after a day of exploration. Don’t skimp on room size, even in compact lodges. Well-sized bedrooms contribute to the overall comfort and luxury of the lodge, and generous storage space is essential for longer stays.

7. Compact Shower/Bathrooms for Maximum Living Space

While bedrooms should be spacious, bathrooms could be compact but highly functional. Space-saving designs, such as walk-in showers, windows in the roof space, rather than walls, and smart use of vertical and under sink storage, can help maximise the living area. By keeping bathrooms efficient, you can increase the available space in other areas of the lodge, creating a more open and airy feel.

8. Use high-quality internal materials

Choosing high-quality materials for the interior is essential not only for aesthetics but also for longevity. Materials that are durable, easy to maintain, and capable of withstanding wear and tear will ensure your lodge remains in top condition for years to come. Moreover, if you decide to sell your lodge at a later date, investing in quality materials will improve its resale value and provide a return on investment.

9. Natural, low-maintenance materials

Both inside and outside the lodge, the use of natural materials such as timber, ceramic panels, and metal all give a lodge contemporary appeal that will stand the test of time. These materials not only look beautiful but are also durable and easy to maintain. The key is to select materials that will age well, continuing to look good as they weather and mature over time, reducing the need for extensive upkeep.

10. Think about how the lodge will be used

Are you designing the lodge for personal use, or is it for rental purposes? This decision will significantly influence the layout, finishings, and the facilities you incorporate. A rental lodge might require more durable, easy-to-maintain finishes, while a personal lodge could offer more flexibility in design to suit specific tastes and needs. Always keep the intended purpose in mind to ensure you create a space that is both practical and enjoyable for all users.

Designing a luxury timber lodge for a holiday park requires a thoughtful approach to balance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. It is through our team’s passion for design, that Pinelog has grown to be recognised as a leading designer and manufacturer of luxury timber lodges and visitor buildings that perform well and look good, year in, year out.

By considering the Pinelog design team’s advice when designing your lodge, you can create a space that delivers on comfort, style, and lasting value. Whether you’re designing for personal use or creating a rental investment, our design principles will help ensure that your lodge stands out and keeps you and your guests returning.

If you’re a holiday park looking to provide guests with luxury timber lodge accommodation, speak to Pinelog’s expert design team to find out how we can help. Call us on 01246 942842 or get in touch here