Access Statement for Chapel Cottage B&B
Introduction
At Chapel Cottage we offer friendly, comfortable and private bed and breakfast accommodation available throughout the year in a 160 year-old cottage. By virtue of its age and construction - and in particular the steep staircase to the bedrooms - we regret that the accommodation is not suitable for wheelchair users nor for those with severe mobility problems. By the same token, nor is it suitable for young children. We so not accept children under the age of ten.
Remember that Chapel Cottage is a domestic property, so please do not expect sophisticated signage, induction loops and so on. However, we do our best to accommodate the needs of all our guests and are always happy to go the extra mile to assist those with special needs.
This Access Statement has been prepared on the understanding that wheelchair access to the property is not possible, and hence is it is principally directed at the visually impaired and those who are hard of hearing, or who have minor mobility problems. The statement follows the standard format, which means that some of the headings are not applicable to Chapel Cottage.
Pre-arrival
We can send all our correspondence and emails in large print format; please let us know if you require this facility. In addition, our Website can be viewed in large text format: just click on 'View' and then on 'Text Size' in the drop down menu - select the text size best suited to your requirements. Hard copy of our Access Statement is available on request, and, should you so wish, a copy will be available when you arrive.
The nearest railway station is at Darsham (which is on the Liverpool Street/Lowestoft line). It is about a mile north of the village.
Although there is no taxi service in the village, taxis can be hired from nearby towns such as Leiston, Halesworth and Saxmundham - all less than a 10-minute drive.
There are local bus services, for example to and from Norwich and Aldeburgh, but these are not best suited for travelling to the village. The nearest bus stop is about 500 yards from the cottage.
Arrival & car parking facilities
For guests arriving by car, unrestricted street parking is available right outside the front door. Ample off-road parking is also available - prior reservation is not required.
On arrival, knock at the front door! You will be provided with your own front door key for the duration of your stay.
We are always pleased to help guests with their bags and belongings.
We do not accept pets, but can accommodate guide dogs (subject to prior arrangement).
Main entrance & reception
Chapel Cottage is a domestic home with a normal front door that leads into the hall and thence to the guests' parlour. The bedrooms are on the first floor. As noted above, due to the nature of the building, we regret we cannot cater for guests with severe mobility problems, nor for those who are confined to wheel chairs.
Public areas - general (internal)
As already described, the cottage is just that - guests have sole use of the guest accommodation, including the parlour - where there is a television/CD/Video player (with Teletext, and remote controls). The TV has most of the Freeview channels.
The stairs are steep, but there is a grab rail as well as a handrail.
Public areas - WC
• Not applicable.
Dining
Guests take breakfast in the parlour. We politely ask guests not to bring their own foods and drinks into the cottage.
Special dietary needs
We can cater for special dietary requirements, such as gluten-free foods; however we do need prior warning of these needs.
There may be traces of nuts in our foods.
Shop, restaurant, café, bar & lounges / treatment room(s) / leisure facilities
• Not applicable.
Laundry
We are, on request, able to launder guests' clothing. An ironing board is available on request, and we have facilities to dry wet clothing.
Outdoor/external facilities
There is a paved courtyard which guests may use in the summer, and there is access to the garden. However, the garden is not level and there is a stream at the bottom of it – this means the visually impaired would need to be guided to and around the garden.
Conference & meeting rooms, banqueting, clubs/entertainment
• Not provided.
Bedrooms
There is one double and one single bedroom. The bedrooms and bathroom/WC are all accessed from the landing. Floors are carpeted.
No specific provision of anti-allergy bedding is made, but we can provide non-feathered bedding for guests with feather allergies.
Tea and coffee making facilities are provided, with an electric kettle to heat the water. There is a silent refrigerator for guests' water, milk and any medicines or other items they wish to keep cool.
There are audible and visual smoke detectors in the cottage. These apart, any alarms are raised in person.
Telephones are not provided in the cottage, but the signals of the main mobile ’phone providers are strong in all parts of the property. Internet access via our home hub is available on request for guests who have laptops with wireless network adapters.
Bathroom, shower-room & WC (shared)
The cottage shower-room and WC is on the first floor with the bedrooms. There is a walk-in shower cubicle.
Self-catering kitchen
• Not provided.
Caravans, holiday homes & twin units / touring facilities (holiday parks)
• Not applicable
Boats - narrow boat, cruiser & hotel boat
• Not applicable.
Attractions (displays, exhibits, rides etc.)
• Not applicable.
Grounds and gardens
As mentioned above, there is a paved courtyard which guests may use in the summer, and there is access to the garden, although the garden is not level, and there is a stream at the bottom of the garden. This means the visually impaired would need to be guided to and around the garden.
Additional information
Although we do not accept dogs or other pets, we provide for guide dogs by prior arrangement.
Future Plans
• Not applicable.
Contact Information
• Suffolk doctors on call: 01728 830526
• Emergency number to contact proprietor: 01728 667096
• Local carers: Not applicable - contact us if you need the services of a carer.
• Local equipment hire companies: Not applicable .
• Local public transport numbers: Not applicable - contact us if you want information on bus or train services.
• Local accessible taxi numbers: If guests wish to make bookings prior to their arrival, we can do this on their behalf.
