Accessibility
The following statement describes access procedures for facilities at Beechmount Country House, Near Sawrey and are designed to take into consideration as many aspects of disability with regard to the building and the facilities offered for all guests.
As proprietors we would wish for all residents to have a comfortable stay with us and will attempt to do our best to provide for all. All issues that may arise with regard to disability access will be fully considered for each individual.
Access Statement
Beechmount Country House is a traditional Lakeland built house dating from the end of the 19th century. It has retained its features and building shape as part of the conservation area that makes up the village of Near Sawrey and the larger Lake District National Park authority. It is impracticable to make wholesale changes to this multi levelled traditional build and to alter the character of this arts and craft designed property. We do however intend to make the house as accessible as we can , in order that as many people as possible can enjoy a stay in our wonderful home , located in a beautiful unspoilt area of the National Park.
General Information
- We do not allow pets due to the nature of the property and possible infringement on the holidays of others who are residents in the house
- Breakfast has a buffet style self service, and is supplemented by waiter service. Breakfast can be totally served if required
- Mobile phone usage is limited within the surrounding countryside. Orange or Vodaphone coverage is recommended. There is a public phone box located 10 metres from the front entrance of the house
- Public transport in the area is limited (particularly in the winter months) Timetables for public transport are displayed at the village bus stop for the months that it is provided
- Use of the Windermere Ferry can be limited in severe weather or at times of repair and maintenance. We will contact them for residents to check if the ferry is running
- Visitor attractions with disabled access can be found on www.golakes.co.uk and on literature provided in the house for residents
Emergency Actions
- The property does not currently require a fire certificate, however there has been a comprehensive risk assessment undertaken with the advice of a consultant company taken into full consideration
- At present there are mains connected smoke detectors in all rooms . These include emergency lights for guidance in the event of a fire
- All areas have access to fully maintained fire extinguishers. The advice to all residents is to vacate the house and only to use these in the event of being unable to bypass the fire
- All rooms contain fire procedure/actions and evacuation areas in the event of a fire
- All external doors are able to access the outside of the building
Mobility Access
- Mobility access is limited due to the nature of the stone/slate steps on the outside of the building. Where ever possible handrails are installed to help with external steps
- The large car park to the house is a gravelled area and is uneven in places. This is lit by a PIR lighting system that works during the hours of darkness and on dull days. Steps from the car park lead to the main house
- All dropping off points require that residents have to use stone/slate steps although the lower self catering cottage is on a level with the car park with an initial 12 cm rise to access this
- The steps leading from the front of the house, the car park and within the house all vary in height from 18cm at the lowest to 28cm at the highest
- There is no way to access the main house other than by the use of any steps. A ramping system would be unable to be installed do to regulation covering the build
Accessibility within the main house
- The only accessible rooms are the main residents lounge and dining area on entrance through the main reception areas
- All residential bedrooms are accessed by a double kite winder staircase with 3 flights of 6 stairs on to a main landing
- Staircase is carpeted area
- All rooms are accessible from the main landing although two of the rooms are inadequate in size to accommodate adequate use of a wheelchair
Accessibility to the grounds and surrounding area
- All areas of the grounds are by use of stone/slate stairways including access from the front lounge through the two French doors
- There are 8 levels involving a variety of steps throughout the garden. All steps vary in width, height and depth and in 6 are unable to be handrailed
Hearing Impairment
Accessibility
- There is a TV and DVD player, radio and CD player provided in all rooms , including the main lounge. These will accept a variety of headphone systems
- Guest are always escorted to their rooms where all issues connected to the house are explained and all written information is given and explained to EAL or disability
Sight Impairment
Accessibility
- Additional lighting can be provided on request for all residents
- Guest are initially escorted to their rooms where all hazards/issues concerning any disability problem can be discussed and hopefully resolved
Toilet/Washing Facilities
- All rooms have access to individual en-suite facilities. However these are not wheelchair accessible for showers or hand basins
- Toilet facilities are not adapted for wheelchair access due to the nature of the en-suite designs and size restrictions
WE WILL DO OUR VERY BEST TO ACCOMMODATE ALL RESIDENTS