Hamsterley Forest Bed and Breakfast

Access Statement

 

Introduction

  • We aim to cater for the needs of all visitors in our home-based bed and breakfast, however,
  • we do not permit smoking.
  • If you have any specific questions, or would like to see our home before making a booking, please feel free to contact us and we will endeavour to help. Contact details are given at the end of this document.

 

Pre-arrival

  • We are located along a single track road (with passing places) which leads to a turning bay 200m past our property. Our location is very peaceful and fairly remote, and not ideally suited to those travelling without their own transport.
  • The nearest shops are in Wolsingham, about 6 miles away.
  • The nearest bus stop is in Hamsterley village about 3 miles away. There is an infrequent bus service to Bishop Auckland, from Hamsterley village (times available on request)
  • The nearest railway station is Bishop Auckland, approximately 11 miles away.
  • There are local taxi firms and we can make advance bookings for you.
  • We regret that we cannot accommodate pets, with the exception of assistance dogs.
  • Menus are available in large print if required. We regret that we do not have the facilities to prepare documents in Braille. 

 

Arrival and Car Parking

  • If possible please advise us of your anticipated arrival time so that we can be sure that we are here to welcome you.
  • Rooms will always be prepared by 3.00p.m. However, if you arrive earlier than this, and your room is not quite ready, you are welcome to relax in the guest lounge/dining room, or in the summerhouse, and we will provide refreshments for you.
  • Parking is signed on your approach. Although there are no marked bays, there is ample parking space. This area is covered by a PIR light for arrival after dark.
  • Parking is on a level gravel drive at the end of the garden, with access to the rooms via a garden gate (with a simple latch on the inside) and a sloping gravel path which passes through part of the garden.
  • We offer assistance with luggage.

 

Main Entrance

  • Each bedroom is accessed by its own exterior door (80cm wide, opening inwards) for which you will be given a key upon arrival.
  • There are no steps at the room entrance, although there is a threshold approximately 2.5cm high.
  • There is a PIR light at the entrance to the rooms.

 

Bedrooms

  • Both bedrooms are on the ground floor and have solid wood flooring with rugs by the side of the bed.
  • There are en-suite facilities in both rooms (shower/W.C./wash basin), the floor in each bathroom being cushioned vinyl. The wash basin has a curved front and is on a pedestal, but otherwise has clear under space 67cm high.
  • All interior doors are 75cm wide.
  • Tea and coffee making facilities and home-made biscuits are provided. Decaffeinated coffee/tea and fruit teas can be supplied.
  • Milk is provided in a mini-fridge, located in the wardrobe. We normally provide semi-skimmed milk but full-cream and skimmed are always available if preferred.
  • Our beds are normally made with feather duvets and pillows, but synthetic duvets and pillows will be provided if you let us know they are needed. There are extra blankets in the wardrobe and hot water bottles in the dressing table.
  • There is a dressing table and stool in each room. The knee hole of the dressing table is 68cm high and 55cm wide. The seat of the stool is 48cm high.
  • Switches and sockets have been installed at suitable heights, fulfilling current accessibility regulations.
  • The T.V. in each room has a remote control and teletext.
  • There is a welcome pack in each bedroom containing further information and emergency contacts.

 

Double Bedroom

  • This room has a double bed with 90cm (or more) access from both sides.
  • The minimum space around the bed is 72cm.
  • There is a wicker chair – the seat is 45cm high.
  • The en-suite has a low level (5cm) shower tray (150 x 80cm) with a smooth floor, however a non-slip mat is provided. The shower screen is fixed, clear glass but coloured tape can be applied to improve visibility. Access to the shower is 53cm wide.

 

Twin Bedroom

  • Because the beds occupy more space, accessibility is less easy, although each bed has at least 85cm access from one side. Apart from between the beds, the minimum space around the beds is 72cm.
  • The en-suite shower is a 90cm quadrant shape with a threshold 15cm high. There are clear glass doors but coloured tape can be applied to improve visibility. Access to the shower is 51cm wide.

 

Gardens

  • We have a large garden (with lawns, flower beds, fruit trees/plots and a vegetable garden) which guests are welcome to enjoy at all times.
  • There are various seating areas and lawns, some of which are accessed without steps.
  • We have a large summerhouse in the garden with a hot tub and a pleasant seating area. It has double doors 165cm wide which open outwards, and a step/threshold 24cm high.
  • The edge of the hot tub is 93cm high. Although there are wooden steps, it would be difficult for anyone with significantly reduced mobility to access the hot tub.

 

Additional Information

  • Please see Fire Risk Assessment for information related to fire safety.
  • We are happy to cater for special diets, or particular likes/dislikes. Please advise us of these before arrival. In some cases of severe allergies this may be impractical.
  • We are happy to refrigerate medication (although for smaller items there is a mini-fridge in the bedroom).
  • We are happy to take delivery of hired equipment if you inform us of details in advance.
  • Mobile phone reception varies from poor to non-existent (depending upon your system) but you are welcome to use our cordless landline telephone which operates within 20m of the house.

 

Contact details