Access Statement for Stoats Holiday Cottage
Address: Stoats, Old River Way, Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex TN36 4LJ
Introduction
Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex. We aim to provide a warm welcome and comfortable accommodation for all our guests, including those with limited mobility or specific access needs.
This Access Statement is designed to help you decide whether our property meets your individual requirements. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Property Overview
- Type: Semi-detached bungalow (single-storey)
- Age: Approx. 40 years
- Location: Quiet, unadopted lane off Sea Road
- Sleeps: Up to 9 guests in 4 bedrooms
- Parking: Off-road for 4+ cars
Arrival & Parking
- Approach: From Sea Road, turn into Old River Way, then right; Stoats is the last property on the left.
- Driveway: Approx. 30m long, gently sloping, gravelled, with adjacent lawn.
- Parking: Ample space for 4 cars.
- Entrance: Clearly signposted. Small step (approx. 2.5 inches / 6.5cm) to the front door with a small ramp. Keysafe is at waist level to the right of the front door.
Access & Internal Layout
- Level Access: Entire property is on one level – no internal steps
- Room Access: All rooms are accessible from the central hallway.
- Turning Circles: While all rooms are accessible, turning circles may be tight for wheelchair users. Please contact us for specific measurements if needed.
- Flooring:
- Carpets in bedrooms and living areas, no loose rugs.
- Laminate flooring in kitchen, hallways, and bathrooms
- Lighting: Good natural light throughout, plus ceiling and reading lights
Living & Dining Area
- Spacious open-plan lounge/dining area directly opposite the front door.
- Seating includes:
- Two large sofas and one high-backed armchair (all with arms and cushions)
- Solid wood dining table and chairs
- Technology:
- TV/DVD combo
- Free Wi-Fi (router in lounge)
- No landline.
- Lighting includes ceiling fans with lights and additional reading lights.
- Adjustable wall-mounted thermostat for air source heat pump central heating.
Bedrooms
All bedrooms have windows with pleasant views, bedside lighting, and storage space.
- Bedroom 1:
- King-size bed (can be split into 2 singles upon request)
- En-suite with bath/shower (non-slip mats and handrail), WC, basin
- Walk-in wardrobe, ceiling fan, bedside cabinets, reading lights, TV
- Bedroom 2:
- Bunk beds (double lower, single upper)
- Chest of drawers, shelves, hanging space, reading lights, TV.
- Bedroom 3:
- Two single beds
- Wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside cabinet, reading lights
- Bedroom 4:
- Two single beds
- Chest of drawers, hanging space, bedside cabinet, reading lights
Bedding & Linen:
- All beds are made up with quality cotton bed linen, hypoallergenic duvets, and fleece blankets available.
- Each guest is provided with a bath towel and hand towel.
- Two tea towels are provided in the kitchen.
Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1 (En-suite to Bedroom 1):
- Bath with hand shower, handrail, WC, and basin
- Bathroom 2 (Shared):
- Walk-in shower cubicle (step up approx. 15cm), handrail at entrance
- WC and basin
- Non-slip mat available for use in shower
Kitchen
- Spacious, fully equipped kitchen with:
- Electric oven & induction hob
- Microwave, toaster, kettle
- Under-counter fridge + large fridge/freezer
- Dishwasher
- Ample crockery, cutlery, cookware, and utensils
Garden & Outdoor Areas
- Rear Garden Access:
- Via kitchen back door (step down approx. 17cm) or side gate from front drive.
- Garden path: Flat concrete.
- Sun Terrace:
- Raised approx. 10cm, furnished with table, chairs, and umbrella
- Utility Area (2 low steps, combined height approx. 17cm):
- Shingle or grass to access from garden
- Washing machine, detergent, pegs, drying rack and laundry line
- Storage for bikes, golf clubs, and garden cushions
- Lockable
- Rear Garden:
- Close-fenced, flat lawn with shrubs
- Overlooks nature reserve and orchard (SSSI – Site of Special Scientific Interest)
- External lighting (movement-activated, controlled from inside)
- Front Garden:
- Children’s log cabin (turn-screw release only on outside)
- Cabin is visible from lounge front window
Please Note:
There are nearby watercourses, including one beside the front garden and another directly across Old River Way. These are not securely fenced and may pose a risk to unsupervised children.
Child-Friendly Features
- Highchair and travel cot available on request
- Children’s play cabin in front garden
- Caution advised near watercourses and cabin door mechanism
Additional Information
- Key collection instructions provided before arrival
- Guests retain a key for the duration of their stay
- Dogs allowed (with prior agreement). There is no charge for assistance dogs.
- Smoking is not permitted inside the property
Public Transport Links
- Rail:
- Winchelsea Station (1 mile) on Marshlink line (Hastings ↔ Ashford)
- Rye Station (3 miles) offers more frequent services
- Marshlink connects to Brighton, London, Dover, and more
- Bus:
- Stops located on Sea Road, near the entrance to Old River Way
- Services to local towns and destinations
- Full timetables available in the welcome folder and online
- Taxi:
- Local taxi service available in the village
Local Area Around Stoats
- Winchelsea Beach is a small, quiet village with:
- Two pub/restaurants, fish and chip shop
- Convenience store (open daily, normally 7am-10pm)
- Post Office, church, village hall, children’s park
- Local Attractions:
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Winchelsea Beach are accessible on foot:
- Via Morlais Ridge Nature Reserve and the shingle fields
- or along Sea Road and Dogs Hill Road
- or via Castle Farm near the north end of Old River Way
- Disabled parking available at Dogs Hill Road car park
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Winchelsea Beach are accessible on foot:
- Mobility Equipment:
- Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (Discovery Centre): Loan of wheelchairs and mobility scooters – advance booking recommended to ensure charged and available
- Rye Cycle Hire: Also offers wheelchair hire
- Walks & Info:
- Local walks and attraction info in guest folder
- Beach towels and boots not provided — please bring your own
Assistance Dogs
- Stoats is a dog-friendly property
- There is no charge for Assistance Dogs
Suggestions & Feedback
We welcome suggestions on how to make this Access Statement or our property more accessible. A suggestion book is available inside the property, or feel free to contact us directly at any time.
If you have specific access needs or questions not addressed here, please contact us directly. We’re happy to help you plan your stay.
Have a great holiday!
Hazel Bentall