The Devastating Impact of Storm Darragh: A Journey at Aberdunant Hall Holiday Park

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, Aberdunant Hall Holiday Park offers a serene escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

For the past eight years, Mark and Dawn Sanders along with Aberdunant’s fluffiest visitor, Bandit the Newfoundland, have called this picturesque park their second home, residing in their cherished Swift Biarritz static caravan.

One of the park’s most compelling features is its location. Surrounded by ancient woodlands and scenic views, it provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and outdoor activities. For Mark and his family, the park is more than just a holiday destination. It’s a place where they feed the birds, listen to the owls at night, and explore the woodland trails. This deep connection to nature is what they love most about their stays at Aberdunant.

Weathering the Storm

In December 2024, Storm Darragh brought devastation to Mark and Dawn’s beloved caravan. A giant oak tree, split by the storm, crashed through the garden and onto the roof, destroying the kitchen and living area. Our Sales Team Manager, Gareth Thomas, visited Aberdunant Hall Holiday Park to assess the storm damage. During his visit, he had a brief conversation with Mark, assuring him that Compass would handle the claim promptly.

“Storm Darragh destroyed the kitchen and living room and opened the roof to the elements, ruining most of our possessions. It also devastated the garden we had lovingly created over eight years.”

Reflecting on the storm’s impact, Mark shared his experience:

“We were evacuated to the hotel when the storm hit as travelling home would have been too dangerous. We were distraught to see the damage to our caravan, but the park and Compass Insurance were there for us and were extremely supportive.”

The incident was a heartbreaking blow, as the caravan had been a labour of love for the family over the past eight years.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges faced, Aberdunant Hall Holiday Park remains a cherished retreat for Mark. Dawn and Bandit.

“Fast forward two months to February 2025, we have a new (preloved) caravan and a new pitch to make more memories. It has taken six full backbreaking days, but we have recovered, repaired, and salvaged as much as we could from the garden and brought it to the new site. The garden will blossom again, and we have officially taken ownership of our new little home. Bandit is very excited to come and see his new patch.”

The resilience they have shown in rebuilding their cherished retreat is a testament to their love for the park and its community. With their new caravan, they look forward to creating many more happy memories in this beautiful haven.

An Update from Aberdunant Hall Holiday Park

It’s July 2025 and now settled into a new caravan, Mark shares an update on how their garden is beginning to bloom once again.

Mark and Dawn have been hard at work bringing their new garden to life and their efforts have paid off. Mark tells us they’re now almost finished, having poured their energy into rebuilding the space from the ground up. The garden is once again a peaceful haven, now regularly visited by some new evening guests who’ve made themselves right at home. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how nature returns and thrives with a little care and patience.