Caravan Park Lease
The park is let by Aberdeenshire Council, with the property forming part of the Common Good Fund. The current lease is a 25-year lease on standard commercial terms with 17 years left unexpired from July 2022. The passing rent is £20,339/annum (no VAT payable) quarterly in advance. Rent is currently paid on a monthly basis.
Aberdeenshire Council have been informed of the current proprietors’ desire to sell and are supportive of the assignation. The assignation of the interest in the lease will be subject to approval by Aberdeenshire Council.
Aberdeenshire Council own the majority of the current infrastructure, which has been maintained and improved by the current proprietors.
The lease & license to operate allow operation of the park for 11 months of the year only (closed for February).
A summary of accounts and copy of the lease & license can be provided to serious interested parties post-viewing.
Park Description
The park extends to 2.05 ha (5.06 ac) with space and license provision for 101 caravan sites, split 42/59 between static caravans & touring sites respectively. The majority of the static caravans occupy their respective sites on a seasonal license basis, whilst the majority of the touring sites are short-term holiday lets (though there are a small number of seasonal touring sites). An additional area in the west allows the site to cater for tents too.
Servicing the touring/camping sites are two recently and substantially refurbished (in line with BH&HPA guidelines)shower & toilet blocks. Along with the shower/toilet facilities (which also have baby-changing & disabled facilities) are laundry, waste disposal, recycling, Elsan disposal, water points, washing-up points and outdoor showers .
A shop unit close to the entrance of the park generates a significant and important source of income, providing essentials, drinks, snacks and children’s toys. A Calor Gas cage is also in situ with gas sold on-site and being a popular outlet with customers travelling from outwith the park to use this facility.
A council maintained playpark and links green lies immediately to the east of the park and is freely accessible for use. The park is extremely well connected by path network, with the National Cycle Network Route 1 passing directly through the park itself.
Goodwill & Online Presence
The current proprietors have developed a strong positive reputation for the park. The Facebook page currently has 3,272 followers with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. On Google, the park averages 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 483 reviews.
The proprietors hold a database of 7,500 customers with the primary source of new bookings (away from repeat business) being the proprietary website (banfflinkscaravanpark.co.uk) which incorporates the Campstead booking system.
The current proprietors are existing members of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) and the park has been assessed as a 4x Pennant Rating (87%) with the AA (also listed with the ACSI).
All terms of the lease and license to operate are understood to be complied with, along with all other statutory requirements.
A reliable and respected brokerage service has been developed on-site in collaboration with local caravan dealers, with the current proprietors having sourced new/replacement vans for several existing site occupiers during their tenure.
Plant & Equipment
The current Proprietors have installed a wardens lodge, which they currently occupy as part of the running of the park. This is a Willerby Pinehurst 40x20ft with 2x bedrooms (one ensuite), kitchen/living room, utility room & bathroom. This lodge was new in 2017 and a new combi boiler has been very recently installed (carrying a 7 year warranty). Available furnished.
The business owns and operates 6 holiday lodge caravans on the park. There are 4x 3-bedroom and 2x 2-bedroom caravans with the oldest being new in 2018. Additional details are available on request.
A range of plant & machinery sufficient and appropriate to the running of the park is available.
It is the Proprietors’ preference that the above items are taken on by separate negotiation, but can arrange for these to be removed from site prior to in-go.
Two pre-fabricated storage units have been integrated into the rear of the shop, which provides essential storage and office space for the shop and wider park’s requirements.
A timber garage building for the housing of maintenance equipment has been put in situ for the storage of machinery.
It is the Proprietors’ preference that the above items are taken on by separate negotiation as these are well integrated into the ongoing running of the business.