Disabled-Friendly Cottage in Barnard Castle

A very warm welcome awaits you at this accessible cottage situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The cottage is one of four occupying a large barn conversion on a lovely working farm. Within easy reach of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Durham and York, it’s an ideal holiday destination, whether you are looking for a relaxing break, action-packed holiday or just enjoy exploring the beautiful countryside.

The cottages were designed by a wheelchair user who understands the challenges of accessibility. The access to the cottages is exceptional, and the purpose-built footpaths make the farm accessible so that everyone can enjoy the magnificent views. As the owners have personal disability experience, they take great pleasure in welcoming guests who may be in a wheelchair or just less able to walk without help.

Access features

Level entry access

Doorways 850 to 900mm wide

Atleast 1500mm turning circle

Through lifts

Kitchens adapted for wheelchair users with access under hob and sink, work surfaces and oven at wheelchair useable height.

Assistance dogs

Rise and Recline chair

Level entry wetroom

Moveable grab rails

Other equipment which must be requested at the time of booking includes:

Reliant 250 Mobile Hoist

Toileting slings

Universal Hammock slings

Shower / commode chair

Shower / commode chair self propelling

Heavy duty shower / commode chair self propelling

 Toilet surround – height adjustable

Raised toilet seat 2”

Raised toilet seat 4”

Raised toilet seat 6”

Neptune bath chair

Adjustable grab rails

Portable bed sides – metal

‘Elephant Feet’ for raising the bed height – 3” and 6”

Monkey Pole for over bed

Perching Stool

Over the bed table

Walking frame

Manual wheelchair

These are all free of charge

The cottage faces east and has been designed with an exceptionally spacious living area upstairs so as to get the best views down the valley. This includes a dining area for at least six people, very useful when a family is sharing two cottages, whilst the sitting area has a large settee plus two arm chairs. The kitchen area contains the equipment which would be expected by the modern family. There is also a cloakroom upstairs. The two bedrooms downstairs have either double or twin beds, subject to personal preference. The cottage has a very large wet room with shower, WC and hand basin. The property can be joined to the neighbouring cottage, which sleeps two, for a larger family gathering.

Accessibility

The cottage has a level-entry front door. Parking is at the front door.

The barn has been rated under the National Accessible scheme as suitable for:

• Older and less-mobile guests
• Part-time wheelchair users
• Assisted wheelchair users

• Awarded 4-star Gold by VisitEngland
• Total flexibility on your arrival and departure days
• Short breaks available
• Free WiFi
• Widescreen TV and DVD player
• Very spacious cottage designed to give maximum possible access for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday
• Exceptionally spacious living area
• Through lift and a wet room
• Prices include all linen, towels and heating costs
• Quality ‘welcome pack’

The local area offers a wide range of activities and attractions:

• Beamish Museum, Bowes Museum, Durham Cathedral, Auckland Castle, York Minster and the Lake District are some of the destinations within easy reach.
• Local activities include:
  • Bird watching – black grouse, curlew, lapwing and oystercatcher are regular visitors.
  • Cycling – many routes signposted, often over very quiet roads.
  • Fishing – both reservoir and river fishing available nearby under licence.
  • Walking – purpose-made paths on the farm, which is on the Bowes loop of the Pennine Way and many other footpaths in the near locality including Teesdale Way and Greta Walk.
• Beautiful quiet country roads in some of England’s wildest countryside with magnificent scenery where wildlife is plentiful.
• Beautiful, clean unpolluted air helps some visitors to breathe more easily.
• The cottage is situated on a working farm which has been in the Highest Environmental Scheme for over 20 years to help protect the beautiful countryside where it is situated.