Wheelchair and impaired mobility access

Only the ground floor (apartments 2 & 3) is accessible by wheelchair. We have tried to make any adjustments that were possible during the conversion of the apartments, working within the constraints of an existing Victorian building:

Apartment 2 (3 bedrooms):

• The whole of the apartment is on one level.
• Within the apartment itself doorways (including the front door) are 33" / 84cm wide.
• There are grab rails next to the bath and toilet in the main bathroom, which has sufficient space for a wheelchair.
• Light switches are at 36" / 91.5cm height and electrical sockets at 24" / 61cm height.
• Fire escape is via the main hallway and front door.

Apartment 3 (1 bedroom):

• Other than the sunroom access, the apartment is all one level. Access to the sunroom is via 2 steps, each 8" / 20cm high.
• There are grab rails next to the bath and toilet in the main bathroom, which has sufficient space for a wheelchair.
• Light switches are at 36" / 91.5cm height and electrical sockets at 24" / 61cm height.
• Fire escape is via the main hallway and front door.

Common areas:

• Access from the pavement has been sloped to remove steps.
• The front door step is 2" / 5cm high. We can organise a ramp if required.
• Lights are on automatic sensors.

Please note also that fire regulations mean that all front doors, bedroom doors and doors leading to a kitchen area must be fire doors. This means that they are heavy with self-closers.

You can park outside of the property on Arcade Road to load & unload, and there is some restricted parking on Arcade Road itself. The nearest car park is Jubilee Gardens which is approximately 75 metres away (just off the Promenade). Arcade Road is a hill leading from The Promenade to the top end of Fore Street and then the High Street. The Promenade and seafront areas are level. The High Street is mainly level with a slope at the far end. Distance from the property to the Promenade (seafront, pubs, restaurants, takeaway, theatre etc) is approximately 30 metres. Distance from the property to the High Street (shops, cinema, banks etc) is approximately 100 metres.

Wheelchairs (manual & electric), motorised scooters & other equipment are available from Mobility Services, Ilfracombe Volunteer Centre on the High Street. Call 01271 866300, fax 01271 866369 or email volunteer-centre@tiscali.co.uk. Open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10.00 – 1.00 & 2.00 – 4.00. The wheelchair loan service is non profit making and operates on a donation basis. First come first served so worth making contact in advance. Loans are up to two weeks between Easter & the end of September, longer term loans may be available during the winter. We can help if you need anything picked up in advance of your stay or dropped off afterwards.

Hearing aid induction loop

Fitted in the open plan living area (by the TV) of apartments 3, 4, 5, 7 & 8. The amplifier unit is available only in one apartment at a time due to interference between units. Please let us know if you require this unit.

Sight impaired

Our brochure and other information are also available in large print and as a talking CD upon request. Doors and doorframes have been painted in contrasting shades to aid vision.

Assistance dogs

Welcome in all apartments but please let us know in advance.

Is there anything else you would like to know? Is there anything else we can do to make your stay more comfortable & enjoyable? Please contact us.