ABSTRACT
This chapter draws upon recent research to examine the role static caravans play within British second home ownership. Evidence suggests how, irrespective of a person’s income, two thirds of caravan purchasers have little desire for more traditional forms of second home. Clearly there are reasons beyond price which explain such an investment. At their broadest, caravans were found to be desirable for escape, salvation, control and opportunity, but a number of further concepts emerged to extend our current understanding of second homes. Within caravans, space and time were perceived to hold greater value, and by virtue of their compactness, life was generally considered to be more organised, tidier, simplified and as a consequence more enjoyable than that which can be experienced in a conventional home. Many of the alluring features which are inherent in their design created an environment in which living was seemingly miniaturised and adventuresome. Remarkably, the lack of space and permanence were not shortcomings, but attributes, providing as much an attachment with the type of space and memories of previous occasions enjoyed in them, as any desire for a particular location. All purchasers were found to yearn for some guilt-free leisure time, but the static caravan provided a unique arena within which that leisure could be and importantly, is expected to be transacted.
