A Place in the Country
From summer sunshine to a winter wonderland, this tranquil corner of Lancashire offers the perfect escape whatever the season, writes Kate Ford. Photography: Vanessa Fry
Imagine sitting on your decked terrace overlooking a lake where water hens and ducks are swimming freely and there’s even a heron fishing for its lunch. You look up to wave to your neighbours walking their dog and catch a glimpse of the Lancashire fells in the distance. All is peaceful.
This is the way of life at Woodlands Country Park, an idyllic community of attractive wooden lodges set in 40 acres of rolling countryside with its own woodland, lakes and waterways. All the lodges here have their own gardens and private space, many on the water’s edge and others with their own private wooded area.
Walking around the park, it’s immediately clear that people take great care of their properties. Visit in the summer time and, everywhere you look, you’ll see gardens packed with colour; there are clematis scrambling up fences and over arches, window boxes and hanging baskets are tumbling with colourful displays. It really is a beautiful setting.
Despite that much sought-after ‘middle of nowhere’ feeling, you’re within easy reach of the pretty town of Garstang, with its eclectic collection of shops and eateries, weekly market, leisure centre and golf course. The Lake District, Blackpool and Lytham St.Annes are also close by so you can enjoy days out aplenty from your relaxing rural retreat.
Woodlands Country Park is a family business and, since the retirement of her father, it’s now managed by Natalie Cox. “It’s a very friendly and supportive environment,” says Natalie. “We have people who have been here for over 10 years, and lots of strong and lasting friendships have been made.”
Woodlands is open all year round and each season offers something new to see. All the lodges are centrally heated, with double glazing and modern kitchens. Properties currently available to buy range from £67,000 to £185,000.
They include a three-bedroom lodge on a large plot with a stunning garden, its own pond and wooded area, and another which has an outdoor hot tub and fabulous views over the waterway and all its resident wildlife.
The best way to appreciate the tranquillity and beauty of Woodlands is to see it for yourself. Natalie is holding open days on 12th August and 23rd September, from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can walk around the park, experience the views and see inside the lodges which are for sale.
“These are luxury lodges in very generous plots and they offer a very high standard of living,” says Natalie. “Many of our residents came to us after visiting similar parks elsewhere and they always say they love the space they have here, with room for friends and family to visit.”
Which is important, obviously, because if you’ve found your dream retreat, you’ll want to share it with the people you love.
Woodlands Country Park
Skitham Lane, Pilling PR3 6BD
01995 601100
www.woodlandscountrypark.com
