Accessible barn conversion in Dorset in Blandford Forum

This beautifully restored, single-storey former farm building offers charming and comfortable accessible accommodation in the peaceful Dorset countryside.

Awarded a 2022 Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Gold Award, the cottage has been thoughtfully adapted to provide a welcoming holiday home for guests with mobility requirements, without compromising on its traditional character.

The property features a cosy living and dining area, an accessible wet room and specially adapted kitchen facilities, including lowered appliances, light switches and electrical sockets.

There is also a shared indoor heated splash pool with a pool hoist, which can be booked for private use by guests.

The cottage is one of three accessible holiday properties within the same courtyard, making it an excellent option for families or larger groups travelling together.

• Zip-and-link single beds which can be arranged together to create a super king-size bed.
• Fully height-adjustable electric profiling bed available free of charge on request.
• Bed height raisers available.
• Additional mobility equipment available on request.

Living and dining area

• Cosy living and dining space.
• Comfortable high-backed chairs with armrests available.
• Accessible layout.
• Lowered light switches and electrical sockets.

Kitchen

• Accessible kitchen appliances.
• Lowered kitchen facilities for easier access.
• Kitchen perching stool available on request.
• Child's step stool available.

Accessible wet room

• Fully accessible wet-room-style shower.
• Shower chair available on request.
• Reclining shower and commode chair available.
• Additional toilet seat raisers available.
• Suitable space for mobility equipment.

The cottage has been designed with accessibility and comfort in mind, offering a range of useful adaptations and specialist equipment.

• Single-storey accommodation.
• Wheelchair access.
• Level access throughout.
• Wheel-in shower.
• Grab rails.
• Accessible kitchen facilities.
• Lowered light switches positioned at 1100mm.
• Electrical sockets positioned at 900mm.
• Doorways with approximately 760mm clear opening.
• Electric profiling bed available free of charge on request.
• Mobile hoists available.
• Shower chairs and commode chairs available.
• Bed height raisers.
• Toilet seat raisers.
• High-backed chairs with armrests.
• Kitchen perching stool.

Additional mobility equipment

Further specialist equipment can be arranged, subject to availability:

• Oxford Advance mobile hoists.
• Oxford Switch stand aid.
• Cricket aid.
• Airflow mattress.
• Wheeled shower chairs.
• Aquatec Dual VIP Tilt in Space chair.
• Reacher/grabber.
• Magnifier.
• Shoe horn.

Please note that guests using the mobile hoists must bring their own sling or harness. Additional equipment should be requested in advance.

• Free superfast broadband Wi-Fi.
• One well-behaved dog welcome per cottage.
• No-smoking policy throughout the cottages and buildings.
• Local care agency available for guests requiring additional support (care is not provided by the property owners).

Shared indoor swimming pool

One of the standout features of this accommodation is the indoor heated splash pool, available exclusively to guests staying at the three cottages.

• Heated indoor swimming pool.
• Pool hoist for guests requiring assistance.
• Guests must bring their own sling or harness.
• Wide steps and handrails for easier access.
• Poolside seating area.
• Can be booked for private use at preferred times.
• Open from April to September.

This is a lovely additional facility, allowing guests to enjoy swimming in a more private and relaxed environment.

The property is situated in the peaceful hamlet of Woolland, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of North Dorset.

Surrounded by rolling countryside, woodland, nature reserves and picturesque villages, it is an ideal destination for guests looking to escape the busyness of everyday life.

The area offers beautiful scenery, wildlife, winding country lanes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Nearby attractions and things to do

• Dorset Jurassic Coast: Explore England's first natural World Heritage Site, famous for its dramatic coastline, beautiful beaches and fascinating geological history.
• Isle of Purbeck: A stunning area of Dorset offering picturesque villages, coastal scenery and beautiful countryside.
• Monkey World: A popular primate rescue centre offering a fantastic family day out.
• Dorset Heavy Horse Centre and Farm Park: Discover traditional heavy horses and enjoy a lovely countryside attraction.
• The Royal Signals Museum: Explore military communications history and fascinating exhibitions.
• CoolPlay: A popular indoor play centre, ideal for younger visitors.
• Thomas Hardy's birthplace: Discover the life and literary history of one of Dorset's most famous authors.
• Local nature reserves: Enjoy the surrounding wildlife, woodland and beautiful countryside views.

Food and drink nearby

Dorset is well known for its locally produced food and traditional country hospitality.

Guests can enjoy:

• Traditional country pubs serving home-cooked meals.
• Local restaurants and cafés.
• Farm shops selling fresh, locally sourced produce.
• Farmers' markets offering regional food and speciality products.
• Beautiful countryside spots for a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea.