Pemberton Glenluce (39x13)

Bought a Glenluce new in July '09. Sited price a bit steep, but quality of caravan outweighs this. All appliances and fittings are of good domestic quality (including the supplied TV), the layout is excellent and there is absolutely no wasted space - it's a TARDIS!. Pemberton have even managed to design a second shower into the en suite, which is a real boon when there's 6 people staying.

Mine was supplied with a side patio door as standard (alternative end patio door is an option), which suits the location and makes best use of its decking area. The side patio is such a brilliant feature of this 'van that I'm left wondering why more manufacturers don't offer it as an option.

The Glenluce features Pemberton's highest spec structure and insulation (150mm roof, 50mm walls, 60mm floors) which made it very cosy during the recent Arctic weather and gives the whole thing a very solid feel to compliment the excellent quality of finish. For instance the side wall doesn't shake when the exterior door is shut a bit firmly.

Only minor gripe is the design of the central heating system. IMHO an additional low height radiator is needed under the windows at the end of the caravan in the lounge area to cure an annoying convection draught where cold air falls from the large glass area. This necessitates using the electric fire (£££..) in order to prevent cold feet when sitting in the lounge during cool evenings. The lounge radiator being sited opposite the offending glass area exacerbates this unwanted air circulation, so I intend to fit an additional radiator this summer to solve the problem. It should be a simple job as all the pipes are accessible underneath and there is sufficient boiler capacity to keep everything nice and hot.

Only other things I would frown at Pemberton for is their use of standard tungsten light bulbs ex works and perhaps lack of a room thermostat. I've replaced most bulbs with low energy equivalents at a total cost of under £50 and fitted a programmable wireless room thermostat to cut electricity and gas consumption (£70+ a bottle at my site!). Both were simple jobs. The room 'stat also prevents the boiler from cycling constantly if you need the heating on overnight, which can be annoying for the occupants of bedroom 2.

Would I buy the same model again? 100% yes! Wifey loves it and so do people we let it out to. A real shame it's now been discontinued...