Access Statement for Hazel Cottage Bed & Breakfast

INTRODUCTION

This statement is a summary of what we provide, to help you to decide whether Hazel Cottage meets your own particular access requirements. While all guests are welcome and we aim to cater for all your needs, unfortunately the door widths make Hazel Cottage unsuitable for those who are dependent on wheelchairs. If you have any questions, please call us and we will try to help. Our contact details are given below.

PRE-ARRIVAL

• Our website - www.hazelcottagedorset.co.uk - provides information about Hazel Cottage and the local area, including photos of the guest rooms.
• For more information, please feel free to contact us by phone - 01300 341618 - or by e-mail - charles.cordy@hazelcottage.ndo.co.uk. We are happy to provide brochures, menus etc. in large-print format.
• There are no regular bus services close to Hazel Cottage.
• There are train stations at Dorchester South (Waterloo - Weymouth line) and Maiden Newton (Bristol - Weymouth line). We are happy to meet you at either station by prior arrangement, or we can provide the phone numbers of local taxi firms.
• Because public transport is so limited, most guests arrive by car. We send directions for finding Hazel Cottage with your booking confirmation.

ARRIVAL AND CAR PARKING FACILITIES

• Car parking is available in Waterside Lane, the cul-de-sac that leads to Hazel Cottage. Please park as close to the left-hand side as possible, to leave room for cars to pass.
• From the parking area, there is a short walk (50 metres or so) to the front door; this consists of flat tarmac, followed by a gently sloping gravel path. A hand-rail is provided on the steepest part. Please take care, especially after dark. There are outside lights and we provide torches for guests' use.
• We are happy to help guests with luggage.

MAIN ENTRANCE & RECEPTION

• The front entrance is 780 mm (30.5 inches) wide, with a step which is 250 mm (10 inches) high.
• The entrance hall and reception area is spacious and fully carpeted, and seating is provided.

PUBLIC AREAS - GENERAL

• The ground floor is level throughout, giving easy access between the entrance hall and the lounge/breakfast-room, as well as the ground-floor bedroom (Room 2).
• The upstairs bedroom (Room 1) is up a flight of 13 steps.
• All rooms are well lit.

PUBLIC AREAS - WC

• Both guest rooms have ensuite WCs on the same level as the bedrooms.

LOUNGE AND BREAKFAST-ROOM

• The conservatory serves as the breakfast-room and is available as a guest lounge at all times. It is directly accessible from the entrance hall and is on the same level.
• The room has ample space room for manoeuvrability. Furniture is flexible and can be moved on request.
• Menus are available in large print.

BEDROOMS

• We have two guest bedrooms, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor.

Bedroom 1

• Bedroom 1 is on the first floor, up a flight of 13 steps. The height of each step is 200 mm (8 inches). The stairs have a handrail on the right-hand side ascending. Bedroom 1, which has a 655 mm (26 inches) doorway, can be arranged as a double or twin room, and a third bed can be provided. With the exception of the extra bed, the mattresses are orthopaedic and zip-and-link. There is an en-suite bath/shower/WC, and the bedroom and bathroom are level, with a fitted short-pile carpet throughout.
• The bedroom has lighting at the bedside and there is a range of storage at various heights. There is a two-seater sofa and a television with remote control and Teletext.
• The bath and basin have lever taps. The bath height is 535 mm (21 inches). A non-slip mat is provided for the bath and a detachable grab-handle is also available.
• The shower cubicle has a step of 195 mm (71/2 inches). The shower has a fixed grab-handle and a non-slip mat is available. It is operated by a simple on/off button and the shower head is height-adjustable.
• A steel toilet support surround is available.

Bedroom 2

• Bedroom 2 is on the ground floor, level with the hall from which access is via a 655 mm (26 inches) doorway. It is a double room with an ensuite shower/WC. The floor is level throughout, with a fitted short-pile carpet in the bedroom and tiles in the shower-room. The mattresses are zip-and-link.
• The bedroom has lighting at the bedside and there is a range of storage at various heights. There are two chairs and a television with remote control and Teletext.
• The shower cubicle has a step of 240 mm (91/2 inches). The shower has a fixed grab-handle and a non-slip mat is available. It is operated by a lever switch and the shower head is height-adjustable.
• A steel toilet support surround is available.

LAUNDRY

• Guests are welcome to use our washing machine, ironing board and drying facilities on request

GROUNDS AND GARDENS

• Hazel Cottage has a large garden which guests are welcome to use. It is mainly flat and has a number of seating areas, one of which is on the terrace just outside the conservatory, down a step of 250 mm (10 inches)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• We can cater for most dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, gluten-free) if you let us know in advance.
• We are happy to provide any of our information in large-print format.
• Hazel Cottage is a non-smoking B&B.
• Hazel Cottage has an audible fire/smoke-alarm system. If you have particular needs in the event of an emergency, please let us know when you arrive.
• Guests are welcome to store small items of food/medication in our fridge or freezer by arrangement.
• The most reliable mobile phone networks in this area are O2 and T-Mobile.
• Guests are welcome to spend time at Hazel Cottage during the day if they would like to rest or relax.

OUR COMMITMENT

• We are committed to meeting the access needs of our guests as fully as we can. We will continue to assess and improve disability access whenever possible.
• We hope this statement gives you enough information to enable you to decide whether Hazel Cottage meets your access needs. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss anything in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01300 341618.