We have the Adria Altea 542 2007. It has a double bunk at the back with a side dinette and this area can be screened off from the rest of the van which is perfect for growing children 15 and 11. The bunks are an excellent size and the whole quality of the van we found to be far superior to the likes of Bailley which we also considered at the time of purchase. This has definately been the right choice for us.
another vote for the altea 542 DT. We are really happy with it as it is our first van but great for our family (kids 5 and 3). The bunk beds are a good size and as we are a family of 4 there is plenty of storage when we don't have the awning up. The washroom is a really good size and shower pretty decent too. We find the kitchen is fine, the oven is good, not alot of workspace but i use the side dinette table as extra work space. We also eat there as big enough just about for the four of us. We very nearly bought a Ranger but decided the Adria was the best layout and best value (got a good deal as bought before the prices went up due to the exchange rate).
As for dealers, we are South Hampshire and the only dealers near us are Roundstone caravans in Horsham and Charmouth caravans nr Lyme Regis. We went to both to view them so not exactly on our doorstep but good to see them in the flesh.
Hope that helps
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Another one for the Adria 542DT. We love ours. So modern and plenty of open space. Its a six berth but there is only have 5 of us so the the rear dinette stays up all the time. Its great for a family and VERY well built. The bunks are left up and the kids are shut off behind a curtain at night giving us the rest of the van. I can't believe they cab fit such a HUGE washroom. It fits at least an adult and 2 kids so great for shower time. I love the shape of them. It looks a bit different which we like!
I love the 2010 models as they have polyester sidewalls and are very kid proof. I asked for the blank from the outside mains socket and it's amazing how much abuse it takes without a mark!. Those dings from awning poles and bikes a thing of the past!
I too have an Adria Altea a 542 UK (2008). The one thing I will mention to any newbies is that they don't have heating which runs on electric, (I can't speak for the newer ones). You either use gas or find some other form of electric heating e.g a fan heater, or oil filled radiators (we use both) rather than using our gas when we've paid for electric.
I don't know about new ones, but it's something we didn't know (and the dealer didn't tell us) when we bought our van, although it wouldn't have been a deal breaker anyway!
We looked at the Freedom dealers last year, we had a little freedom and wanted to get something bigger, only problem, I think, is when you come to sell it on, I don't think a Caravelair would hold its price as well as a Bailey or be as easy to sell on. We went for the Bailey.
Thanks for all the replies. Am almost certain we will buy an Adria Altea 542DK. Think we'll have to buy new but will also keep eye open for used. One dealer Charmouth Caravans are listing it for less inc. starter pack worth £800 so will call them tomorrow!
Will probably post a few other questions as time goes on.. exciting!