A large, fully accessible barn conversion offering holiday accommodation for disabled and non-disabled visitors in North Devon is hosting two open days for businesses and potential guests to view its facilities from 2pm to 5pm on Monday 1st May (Bank Holiday) and Tuesday 2nd May.
Otter Pool Barn is a sympathetic conversion of a large threshing barn, set in the Devon countryside at West Stowford Barton near Ilfracombe, which can sleep 12 to 14 guests. The barn has extensive living accommodation, six bedrooms, three wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, a lift, a swim spa and more than five acres of private land, with a private lake, suitable for fishing and water sports.
Two bedrooms are located downstairs and four upstairs, accessed by the lift, and facilities include four profiling beds, two in bedroom one (with the x-y ceiling hoist) and two in separate rooms upstairs. A mobile hoist is also available if required.
Doors throughout the property are oak and fitted to slide internally in the walls, minimising obstruction and enabling easy use by those with limited mobility. Floors are all level, with durable, low glare, non-slip surfaces ideal for use with walking aids or wheelchairs. External doors are fitted with flush doorsills to enable easy access.
Bathrooms are large and have fully level access showers. The bath in the family bathroom is suitable for use with the mobile hoist. A toilet seat raiser is available and appropriate handles are provided in all bathrooms.
The pool is suitable for use as a hydrotherapy pool and its temperature can be set to suit needs. The linked hot tub allows access for everyone, with a removable partition to move from one part of the pool to the other (a reasonable level of mobility is required to remove/replace the partition) and a sling/chair hoist has been installed (chair provided) to enable access to those unable to get into the pool unassisted. The electrically operated cover allows single person use, as well as ensuring the pool is safely covered when not in use.
The barn has been fitted out to a very high standard. The Great Hall, with its vaulted roof, huge inglenook fireplace and log burning stove is a wonderful place for the family to be together. There is a selection of comfortable chairs and sofas, and the cupboard under the stairs is full of toys. There is a toilet in the room under the stairs, while double glass doors give access to the rear courtyard, outdoor seating and the barbecue.
The snug lounge, (a bit of a mis-description, as it is another large room) is accessed through a pair of double glass doors, with an additional thick curtain, allowing a bit of peace and quiet if you have a noisy group! There is a large TV and a fireplace with an electric stove and yet more comfortable chairs and sofas.
The well-equipped 30ft kitchen/dining room has an oak stable door to the courtyard, pool and nearby car parking areas. At one end of the room there is a wood dining table, that can sit 14 people comfortably, perfect for communal dining. Otter Pool Barn is equipped with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils for at least 18 guests. The granite topped island and work surfaces and electric range cooker give plenty of space for those who love to cook, to prepare banquets for other guests. With every kitchen gadget that may be required, a large, American style, fridge/freezer with ice maker, microwave, coffee machine and plenty of storage for your own food this kitchen will be a pleasure to prepare food and cook in.
Otter Pool Barn opens for its first visitors at the end of April and the open days from 2pm to 5pm on Monday 1st May (Bank Holiday) and Tuesday 2nd May offer you the chance to view the facilities and enjoy a free cream tea.
Otter Pool Barn is thought to be only large, fully accessible property of this nature in the area and the high level of advance bookings already shows that there is a real need for such accommodation to enable extended families to stay together and also to allow residents in longer term care to experience a true holiday. The accessibility features have been made possible with the support of a LEADER grant.
Please call 01271 815000 or email info@choice-cottages.co.uk to book on one of the Otter Pool Barn Open Days or visit otterpoolbarn.co.uk
