The market for accessible holiday homes is ever increasing. 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.
There are specific Visit England guidelines that must be adhered to, to ensure they are suitable for a variety of levels of disability which you can find by clicking here.
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
You’ll find help with this here the step-by-step guides will help you to produce your own guide.
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.
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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.
Richmond, North Yorkshire 
6 
3 
2 
Dog Friendly
William is a luxury lodge overlooking the lakes and south facing at Brompton Lakes. The living area features a log burner and is open plan...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
6
3
2
Dog Friendly
Percy is a stunning hot tub lodge at Brompton Lakes sleeping up to 6 guests. The open plan living area features a log burner in...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
10
5
4
Dog Friendly
A stunning five-bedroom barn conversion with spacious and light living areas, fantastic interiors, and a garden hot tub. Receiving national press for its style and...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
2
1
1
Dog Friendly
Nestled in stunning countryside with far-reaching views is this one-bedroom romantic hideaway with an alfresco hot tub and cosy log burner. Ideally located close to...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
4
2
2
Dog Friendly
Make yourself at home at our latest rural retreat; The Stables at Woodlands Farm, offering the ultimate space for up to four guests to unwind...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
4
2
2 Lola is a South facing luxury lodge with an impressive view, overlooking a small island and is close to the River Swale. It has a...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
6
3
2
Dog Friendly
An idyllic country cottage in North Yorkshire, complete with beautiful grounds and a bubbling hot tub. Georgia boasts spacious open plan living with a bold...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
12
6
5 Large 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...
Leyburn, Yorkshire Dales
2
1
1
Dog Friendly
Perfect for couples looking to escape to the glorious countryside, relax and reconnect at Spindrifter which boasts style and comfort. Fantastic views over the North...
Darlington, North Yorkshire
8
4
2
Dog Friendly
A stunning design and luxury features include the garden hot tub, fire pit, grounds and gorgeous bathrooms. The Barn North Yorkshire is fantastic for families...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
8
4
4
Dog Friendly
One of three large holiday homes at Greenbank Barns, Shorthorn is perfect for a celebration or family holiday, sleeping up to 8 guests. Enjoy stunning...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
4
2
1
Dog Friendly
A chic and cosy holiday cottage, this light spacious barn conversion has open living and a bubbling hot tub in the enclosed garden. Enjoy the...
Ripon, Yorkshire Dales
6
3
3 Standing majestically in extensive grounds, this hot tub hideaway on the outskirts of Ripon, North Yorkshire offers a tranquil escape. One half of the Unbridled...
Ripon, Yorkshire Dales
4
2
2 At this boutique retreat in Ripon, North Yorkshire, experience the perfect blend of idyllic country living and city life. Riding Boots balances contemporary design and...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
6
3
2 A south-facing luxury lodge in Yorkshire, Lulu has an impressive view overlooking a small island in the centre of the lake that is teeming with...
Richmond, North Yorkshire
4
2
2
Dog Friendly
This 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...
Near Richmond, North Yorkshire
8
4
4
Dog Friendly
Dragonfly 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
6
3
2
Dog Friendly
Flora is a luxury lodge with impressive lakeside views at Brompton Lakes luxury lodges in Yorkshire. Well located for exploring Richmond and the local area,...
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