In fact, according to Visit Britain, it is estimated that one in six people in England and Wales have an activity-limiting health problem or a disability. What’s more, we are an ageing population and this older sector represents a huge slice of the holiday cottage market.
It makes sense to design a layout that works for those with reduced mobility, it can also add appeal to your holiday home. It’s estimated the accessible tourism market is worth £12bn in England alone!
Ground Floor Bedrooms and Bathrooms
If you are able to add a ground-floor en-suite bedroom, this can be a huge plus point. For larger properties, this will mean your holiday home will appeal to those groups with older grandparents in the party.
For smaller one-bedroom properties you’ll appeal to retired couples looking for a short break.
Wet rooms are a better choice over a bath; as well as offering easier access they also fit into a smaller space and can look very stylish.
Make sure bathroom tiles are non-slip and you include a bath mat. Offering to include suction handrails and a shower seat are also a good option; these provide a low-cost option that can be easily stored away when not required.
Accessible bedrooms and bathrooms in holiday homes can still look great!
If there are stairs in the property then the simple addition of a handrail can help to make your property suitable for people with some mobility issues
The Visit England Guide – One Step ahead (looks at accommodating older and less mobile guests) states:
“Provide at least one handrail next to the steps or stairs (both sides are better) that easy to grip, there should be sufficient space for a firm hold but your arm shouldn’t be able to slip through”
To ensure your property appeals to the reduced mobility market, you’ll need to give some extra thought to the layout. Routes through your property should be clear of obstructions, with plenty of room for guests to easily move around.
The Visit England Guide – One Step ahead again states:
“Ensure the bedroom provides clear space to walk around without bumping into furniture, are the windows easily reached, and are they simple to operate”
If you’re considering going wheelchair friendly then you’ll have to think about entrance ramps and ensure external/internal doors are of sufficient width. It’s also important to think about cupboard heights and the height of other fixtures and fittings in the bathrooms and bedrooms.
It’s very important to also ensure that outside areas are also accessible. Ensure all pathways are level and well maintained, and they are adequately lit as guests may well arrive later in the day, especially during the Winter months, and need to clearly see where they are going.
Parking is also important, so try to make this as close to the property as possible
Accessibility Guide
Creating an access guide and a floor plan will help guests determine whether your property is the right one for them. It will also assist you in appraising how accessible your holiday home is.
Holiday at Home is the booking agent for a unique collection of luxury holiday homes across North Yorkshire.
If you need any assistance with your holiday home please contact our friendly team on 01748 850333.
If you are considering a new holiday home, are you buying for rental income, capital growth or a lifestyle investment? There's plenty to consider when identifying the perfect property, and here's some top tips to consider during your search...
From the decor to the bed headboards, we have compliments about many of our cottage interiors. Feel free to take as little or as much inspiration as you wish, and take a bit of Holiday at Home design home with you.
The Holiday at Home journey started in 2009 with the launch of Brompton Lakes lodges, and has grown to include nearly 70 five-star luxury holiday cottages and lakeside lodges across North Yorkshire.
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyA charming one-bedroom cottage with hot tub in a beautifully peaceful setting, Whitwell Nook has everything you need for a couple's break in Yorkshire. The...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
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Dog FriendlyTucked away in the private grounds of Sun Hill Lodges, this Leyburn log cabin sleeps up to four guests and is the perfect dog-friendly countryside...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
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5Large groups love Waterloo Lodge, which is a fantastic place for a multi-generational celebration with family and friends in beautiful North Yorkshire. Within easy reach...
Ripon, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyThe Big Green Barn is our largest group getaway, formed by two adjoining houses Wheatsheaf Barn and Field Cottage. Linked via an interconnecting door, the...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
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Dog FriendlyA gorgeous country cottage on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Sun Hill Cottage is a stylish home with plenty of features including a hot...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
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Dog FriendlyThis one-bedroom luxury log cabin with a hot tub in Yorkshire is the perfect romantic retreat for you and your partner to spend a few...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
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Dog FriendlyWilliam is our only two-bedroom log cabin with a Scandinavian-style barrel sauna, a hot tub and an outdoor shower, a fun addition for groups of...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyAn idyllic country cottage in North Yorkshire, complete with beautiful grounds and a bubbling hot tub. Georgia boasts spacious open plan living with a bold...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyPercy is a stunning lodge with a hot tub at Brompton Lakes, Yorkshire sleeping up to 6 guests. The open plan living area features a...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
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Dog FriendlyEach luxury log cabin at Sun Hill Lodges, North Yorkshire is set on a private plot with unrivalled views across the surrounding countryside, and Ninetta...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
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Dog FriendlyA blissful spot for a glorious break to the Yorkshire countryside, Alborada at Sun Hill Lodges offers a truly peaceful getaway. Fantastic views over the...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
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2Lola is a South facing luxury lodge with an impressive view, overlooking a small island and is close to the River Swale. It has a...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyA blissful destination, nestled in the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, this farmhouse has been renovated to the highest standards. With a host of quirky...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
6
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Dog FriendlyJuniper is a south-facing luxury lodge on the impressive lakefront at Brompton Lakes. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretch the length of the lodge, opening onto private decking...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
12
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Dog FriendlyA luxurious large lodge for a group of friends or the entire family, Twenty One is a perfect space for gathering. There are two private...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
6
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Dog FriendlyWilliam is a luxury lodge overlooking the lakes and south facing at Brompton Lakes. The living area features a log burner and is open plan...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyDragonfly is a rural retreat for up to 8 guests. Tucked away in the quiet Yorkshire countryside, it promises a unique opportunity to recharge your...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
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Dog FriendlyThis luxury two-bedroom barn conversion features a large garden with a hot tub and makes the perfect escape. Enjoy open-plan living to truly make the...
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