Sports a crisp new interior for buyers to enjoy

Bella Brodie reports

The Ikon is one of Omar’s best-selling residential models, so it’s always a key home to watch whenever it receives a refresh. We loved the last version of the Ikon, but this latest design theme may have a little more universal appeal, with an interior that is pretty hard not to love. It still feels uplifting, with plenty of light flooding through those long, tall windows, and the vaulting throughout adds to the feeling of loftiness. So, in terms of overall impact, it still has plenty, yet somehow it feels a little crisper visually.

With this model, price point is a vital consideration, striking a balance between luxury and affordability to ensure it maintains its record as a star performer from a sales perspective, while also feeling exciting to potential buyers, with plenty of style, inside and out, in true ‘Ikonic’ fashion.

ACCOMMODATION AND LAYOUT

The Ikon is available in sizes ranging from 40’ x 20’ through to 65’ x 22’. The standard layout includes an entrance and exit to and from a large kitchen diner, and a lounge that spans the width of the home at one end, with French doors to access outdoor space. From the kitchen/diner, a small inner hall leads to the family bathroom and second bedroom on one side, and to an airing cupboard on the other, then to the master suite with an en-suite shower room. As with many best-selling models, there is very little wasted space. The model shown here was on show at the Stoneleigh World of Park & Leisure Homes Show in a 45’ x 20’ footprint and was bought by Laird Estates.

EXTERNAL FEATURES

Externally, the Ikon is as aspirational as it is sleek, and that’s why you see so many of them out on parks – they have masses of kerb appeal! Vertical feature CanExel cladding frames the entrance and front door, which sits under a side roof dormer, and there are further clad elements breaking up the run of windows on the side symmetrically, and into the central apex at the end.

INTERNAL FEATURES AND STYLING

As already mentioned, there’s a feeling of light and space thanks to the tall windows and vaulted ceilings throughout, and the level of appointment is pretty pleasing all round. The colourways are soothing, and another element we notice about this version is that it would be really easy to keep clean, thanks to the laminate flooring in the lounge and kitchen/diner, and there’s plenty of storage throughout. The lighting is chic and uncluttered, and they haven’t added cost or clutter for the sake of it, which is probably why it feels so clean and crisp. Undoubtedly, this is one of their more contemporary homes in layout and interior styling, but that’s not taken to extremes; it would still appeal to a traditionalist.

KITCHEN AND DINING AREA

The main entrance opens into the kitchen/diner, with mirrored sliding storage on the left serving as a cloakroom and hidden utility zone. Looking straight ahead is the back door, so the driveway would work equally well on either side. Two large skylights over the breakfast bar add an architectural feel, drawing the eye upward, but ahead, you have a generous array of kitchen cabinetry to absorb, wrapping around the breakfast bar in a ‘U’ shape.

No opportunity to add storage capacity has been missed here, and there is spot lighting that will make it atmospheric at night, so this is a clever balance of visual appeal vs practicality. Integrated appliances include a fridge-freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, eye-level double electric oven, and 4-burner hob with extractor hood. Quality, lined Roman blinds subtly dress the windows, and the laminate flooring feels warm while also offering continuity and impact as you absorb how it runs throughout most of the lodge towards the bedrooms.

Another contemporary touch we haven’t mentioned here is the use of black as an accent tone for depth in the trim of the sliding mirrored cupboards, bar stools, sink, hob, ovens, and handles – it’s inspired and consciously adds character and depth.

LOUNGE

There are double doors to the lounge with inset glazing, so they can either be left open to give the home an open feel or closed to create two separate reception areas. It’s a sociable, flexible home with plenty of space for guests and large families to spend time together, which may be a key consideration for many buyers.

The apex of the vaulted ceiling in the lounge creates a feature wall which is perfect for hosting a central TV, and there’s a lovely wall-mounted electric fire below. Patio doors to one side will mean this space can extend out to a patio or decking area, thrown open in summer to keep things cool. Inside, the roof is clad here, and the windows are symmetrical, with single tie-back curtains on the full-height windows and blinds on a taller glazed section opposite the French doors. That’s dressed with vertical blinds, which will give the occupant the option to shut out the sun on a hot day, and we know from interviewing Ikon buyers that they find this useful. There are none over the French windows, although if they are open, they will offer a bit of cool, fresh air anyway, hopefully, but it might be an extra worth considering if you want additional control of heat and light on hot days. Furniture provided as standard here includes a sideboard, display cabinet, coffee table and mirror, and that’s one of the changes from the last version, which will probably go down pretty well with buyers.

FAMILY BATHROOM

The family bathroom uses black trim again and you may notice that the internal doors also have black handles, doubling down on the design theme consistently but without overpowering the otherwise light and bright theme. There are some lovely little touches here – the bath with taps to the side in black, which opens up both ends for relaxation, and the black trim defining the bath zone is also striking. There’s a large feature radiator in black, and the wall section hosting the washhandbasin and LED lit mirror is also defined by black trim. A suspended vanity unit below the sink offers useful storage. It’s really cleverly executed.

BEDROOMS AND BATHROOMS

The bedrooms in the Ikon are pretty equal in square footage, which will suit couples who want to have a bedroom each, as both rooms are equally lovely. The soothing browns and creams are also dressed with light blue accents, so the modern, contemporary elements are still soothing on the eye. Soft carpeting underfoot marks the transition between zones, while the curtains and blinds are very similar to those on the front of the home, delivering a smooth transition. Mirrored, sliding wardrobes bounce light back into the room, providing a wealth of storage space behind. Nothing jars in this home. In the master, there’s an en-suite shower room matching the main bathroom, with the option of a handheld attachment or the rainfall fitting from above. In the bedrooms, feature wall-mounted headboards add a touch of grandeur, and the coordinated bedding adds a pleasing finishing touch.

OUR VERDICT

Bright and uplifting, this version of the Ikon is as good as any other, and we love the fact that Omar haven’t stuffed it full of unnecessary extras that will push the price point up too much. That said, this could be tweaked either way to adjust the price point without too much difficulty, but with one caveat: that might not be a great idea as the Ikon has struck the perfect balance on impact, making it enticing and likely to appeal to any buyer. This feels slightly more homely than the last vesion, and that bit lighter and brighter, but the more you work your way round it, the more you realise that it’s packing plenty of visual punch, and it’s another solid incarnation, keeping it bang-up-to-date.

KEY FEATURES

Exterior with dormer over a feature, inset front door
Stucco exterior finish with feature CanExel detail and French doors to the lounge
Vaulted ceilings throughout
Spacious kitchen/diner with two large skylights
Contemporary fitted kitchen
Integrated appliances and kitchen island with stools
Large lounge with feature wall-mounted electric fire
Double bedrooms with feature wall-mounted headboards, fitted wardrobes with mirrored sliding doors
Contemporary en-suite shower room and family bathroom

Info point:

Omar Park & Leisure Homes

Pleszko House, London Road, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 ONE

Tel: 01842 810 673

Email: sales@omar.co.uk

www.omar.co.uk

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THE NEWLY-REFRESHED OMAR IKON