It’s easy living, really high quality and cheap as chips to run

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Graham Ely seems to have the perfect recipe for retirement. Staying in his cosy Norwegian Log cabin holiday home close to family and friends in Dorset, he also travels widely around Europe, safe in the knowledge his living costs are low, and completely carefree to explore, play golf and enjoy life to the full.

Three years ago he decided to downsize and saw a lodge holiday home at Merley House Holiday Park near Wimborne on Rightmove. He liked the security, quiet surroundings and adequate parking and when he looked around an existing Norwegian Log building on the holiday site, his mind was made up.

“I could see straight away that these were the crème de la crème. This is what I wanted, something solid that would really last”, he says. “I got in touch with Norwegian Log and they sent me a brochure and I liked the fact you can design what you wanted. It was all pretty easy and pain-free. I waited three to four months for ordering and then it took six weeks to erect. The process was as smooth as silk and the team was fantastic.”

Norwegian Log homes cleverly comply with the Caravan Act so can be sited in leisure developments like Merley House Holiday Park, as well as in residential areas for family annexes.

Sitting in his large and airy open-plan living area, he says: “It was the first time I’d lived on my own. The place is just fantastic, it’s really warm and it has everything you want. The accuracy of the build work is incredible. I’m just really surprised the government doesn’t buy loads to house families, or more younger people don’t buy them, as they are just brilliant!”

His solidly-built, traditional-style log home boasts three bedrooms, two bathrooms, galley kitchen, utility space, hallway and a large outdoor decking area.

“My friends and family weren’t sure to begin with when I told them I was moving here but all of them have walked in and said ‘wow’!” he laughs.

Graham was keen to keep his running costs as low as possible, so the building has double thickness walls and insulation, making it really cosy. “It’s easy living, really high quality and cheap as chips to run. It’s cool in the summer and warm in winter and never cold. All my bills are less than £1,000 a year,” he says.

And with a welcoming community at Merley House Holiday Park, he’s making the most of his retirement. ”I’ve made more friends here than in my last house which I lived in for 30 years!”