I was recently invited to spend a few days at The Coach House - one of the accessible properties within the Harrods Cornish Cottages brand.
Based in Penhallow - on the coastal road between Truro & Newquay - The Coach House provides a perfect base for exploring Cornwall. Or if you're a local like me... it makes an equally great staycation!
The Coach House has been built with accessibility in mind and is M3I rated on the National Accessible Scheme for Visit England - which basically means it is suitable for wheelchair users.
Soooo.... yay me!
Check out my highlights video below, to see how I got on:
Accessible Equipment
Prior to my visit, I was sent an in-depth guide full of accessible equipment which was available to request. This included mobility items such as a profiling bed, shower chair, hoist and commode.
Other visual and audio facilities were also available, such as a vibrating pillow fire alarm, large lined note pads and a talking clock.
I was beyond impressed with this service, as it's so rare to find accommodation with such well-catered for facilities. All my requests were received with kindness, and the equipment was set ready in place prior to my arrival.
Initial Thoughts
When I first pulled up to the property, I was instantly impressed with it's grand entrance. I loved the long driveway, and my brain has since unlocked a new desire to live in a gated community!
Whenever I go somewhere new, one of my main concerns is always the parking. Upon arrival I was relieved to see plenty of space in the courtyard, with a designated disabled bay right outside the cottage. It was great to see electric charging facilities available too.
Hot Tub & Hoist
Whilst most reviews would probably start at the front door and work their way through, I'm jumping straight to my personal highlight... the hot tub!
This was an absolute winner for me. It was my first time using a Voyager hoist and EasyTrack gantry system too - which was incredibly simple to use with support from my family.
I could have easily spent my entire stay relaxing in those bubbles!
The Kitchen
Despite not being much of a chef myself, I do love a good kitchen. One of my favourite features was definitely the height adjustable surfaces, for both the electric hob and sink.
This is a real game changer for wheelchair users like myself, who often struggle to get their knees underneath surfaces.
The kitchen also had facilities such as a tilting kettle, low level storage cupboards and a side opening oven.
The Living Room
My favourite part about the living room area were the two rise & recline chairs. Whilst I was hesitant to try them at first... I am so glad I did!
It's not very often I find comfort outside of my wheelchair, but these chairs were something else. If I could have smuggled one home in my bag, I absolutely would haha.
Furnished with high quality furniture and solid oak beams, the cottage has a traditional homely vibe, but with a modern twist. There is also free WiFi and smart TV's in both the living room and bedrooms.
The Bedroom
The Coach House has two main bedrooms, which can sleep up to 4 guests in total.
The king-sized room is specifically designed to accommodate the use of a mobile hoist if required. There is also plenty of turning space for wheelchair users, leading straight into the en-suite bathroom.
The Bathroom
You know you're getting older when you get excited over bathroom facilities...
I was so impressed by the size of The Coach House wet room. Positioned in the right-hand corner of the room was a comfort height toilet, with chrome grab handles for support.
I personally chose to bring my own shower chair. However, you can request any of the following bathroom equipment depending on your needs:
* Raised toilet seat and frame
* Padded toilet seat with straps
* Freestanding shower stool
* Self-propelled shower chair / commode
* Invacare Aquatec Tilt-in-Space shower chair
Available with a pelvic belt, chest belt and lateral supports.
The Coach House also has a standard bath, underfloor heating and a mirror with motion sensor lights. In addition to this, there is a second, smaller bathroom near the living room area.
Dog Friendly
One of the key features for me when looking at self-catering accommodation, is whether or not it is dog friendly. I was so pleased to hear that The Coach House welcomes dogs with no extra cost.
Ralph thoroughly enjoyed his stay, and I could relax knowing he had plenty of space to roam free in a private, enclosed garden.
Upon arrival, there was also a large doggy biscuit waiting on the dining room table, alongside some complimentary Cornish goodies for us hoooomans. It really is small gestures like this, that make a huge difference.
Pricing & Online Booking
On their website [www.harrods-cornwall.co.uk] there is an availability calendar, where prices are displayed once you select your required start date.
Prices vary depending on the length of stay, as well as the time of the year. All quotes include the use of the hot tub and accessibility equipment – there are no ‘hidden extras’.
I spoke with a member of their team who said: "We realise that being a ‘Luxury’ accommodation provider we are outside of the budget of some potential guests. However, we are always happy to suggest available dates for guests who have a specific budget. We also run an annual competition to win a short break in one of our cottages."
Their next giveaway will be going live in November, so make sure you keep an eye on their social media pages for that!
Other Cottages
Harrods Cornish Cottages is a family run business - consisting of 5 self-catering cottages - all different in their design and facilities.
Located in Penhallow, all 5 cottages are just a short drive away from Cornish attractions such as Perranporth beach, Healeys Cyder Farm and Callestick Ice Cream Parlour.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I was so impressed with everything The Coach House had to offer.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, which was ultimately down to the impressive facilities available. Being able to travel without having to transport my own equipment, such as a profiling bed, was such a refreshing experience.
The team were incredibly friendly and supportive, whilst also respecting our privacy during the stay. Depending on your budget, I would absolutely recommend The Coach House if you're in need of a little Cornish break!
Disclaimer:
This trip was kindly gifted to me via Harrods Cornish Cottages. As always, my opinions are entirely my own.