A surge in the number of holidaymakers choosing staycations over foreign breaks has led to a boom in business for a company which makes luxury lodges.

Prestige manufactures boutique lodges, decked out with high spec kitchens, en suite bathrooms, roof terraces and hot tubs, from its factory in Rushden, Northamptonshire.

Offering the comfort of a luxurious home, in scenic locations across the UK, and with access to the swimming pools, golf courses and restaurants boasted by holiday parks, they provide an appealing alternative to a trip abroad.

Prestige’s factory was forced to shut during lockdown, but despite this and the economic downturn the firm is selling more lodges than ever.

The company, which counts more than 1,000 holiday parks around the country as clients, has also enjoyed a significant rise in the number of enquiries they’ve received, and taken on new staff to cope with the increased demand.

Prestige’s founder, Silvano Geranio, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time.

“We’re busy, expanding, and enjoying increased interest in our lodges.

“They are typically bought by holiday parks to either rent out or sell to retail customers.

“Traditionally, they haven’t been recognised as fashionable, and have been associated with older, retired holidaymakers.

“But nothing could be further from the truth. Our lodges are made to the highest of standards and appeal to everyone.

“They represent the height of comfort and luxury, and are attractive to all, young and old.

“The lodges are also very safe when it comes to social distancing, and great for those who might feel nervous about taking a holiday further afield.

“They are completely self-contained, spaced a minimum six metres apart from one another and provide everything anyone could need.”

In the past six months Prestige, which has a turnover of £45million and is the UK’s biggest manufacturer of high end holiday lodges, has seen an increase in sales of more than 10% when compared to the same period last year.

They have taken on 25 new staff, and sales enquiries have risen by more than 17% between January and July this year compared to the same time in 2019.

Ros Pritchard, Director General of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association Ltd, said: “As holiday parks have reopened, we are seeing a rise in popularity for our self-contained holiday accommodation where a household can get away together and enjoy the great outdoors.

“From holiday caravans to luxury lodges, treehouses to hobbit holes, BH&HPA member holiday parks are reporting increasing holiday bookings.

“We are hoping staycations will be the first choice next year and the signs are already positive according to 2021 bookings.”

The company recently built floating lodges at Sawley Waterside & Marina in Nottinghamshire and Priory Waterside & Marina in Bedford, which has led to interest from traditional house builders.

Silvano, who established his business 31 years ago, added: “The great thing about lodges is that they are home from home accommodation but better with open plan living in fantastic locations.

“They’re extremely versatile, and the perfect antidote to the havoc coronavirus has wreaked on the holiday industry and people’s plans to have a break.”

*FOR ANY EXTRA INFO / INTERVIEWS ETC. PLEASE CONTACT Victoria Williams, News and Features Editor, North News and Pictures 0191 265 7624 / 07712784326