Restricted mobility? more information here…………………

This section describes in detail the approach and property for people who may have limited mobility. We do not claim to be fully wheelchair-accessible but have had wheelchair users who reported no problems. There is no charge for Assistance dogs.

Full address: Stoats, Old River Way, Winchelsea Beach, East Sussex TN36 4LJ

Stoats is a modernised semi-detached bungalow some 40 years old, situated in a quiet unadopted lane, Old River Way, off Sea Road, Winchelsea Beach.

Approach to the property and car parking

When entering Old River way from Sea Road, turn right and Stoats is the last house on the left. There is a wide gateway and a sign clearly identifying the house as Stoats. The drive, with adjacent lawn to the right, is about 30 metres long, gravelled and slopes gently. The drive has ample parking for at least four cars.
The drive continues to the step outside the front door, which has a small raised threshold.
Instructions for acquiring the key are provided prior to arrival, and a key is given to visitors so they may gain access to the property at all times during their stay.
Inside the house, the floor is close carpeted apart from the kitchen, bathrooms, hallway and main corridor, which have synthetic laminate floors. There are no steps within the house, which is on one level.
Opposite the front door is the large lounge/dining room, which has a solid wood dining table and chairs; chairs of different types are placed in bedrooms for the convenience of guests. A high chair and travel cot are available to borrow on request. There are two large sofas and an armchair, all with arms and high backs, and additional loose cushions. The room thermostat is an easily controlled simple‚ intelligent thermostat‚ which you are welcome to alter to suit your comfort. There is also a combined TV/DVD player and Internet router (free wifi), and additional reading lights. The overhead lights double as ceiling fans. There is no landline phone connection in the house, but there is a public phone box in Sea Road next to the northbound bus stop (map in guest information folder).
There are four bedrooms:

One double bedroom with en-suite bathroom/washbasin/WC; there is a handrail on the wall beside the bath and non-skid strips on the floor of the bath. The bath taps have a hand shower attachement. The bed is king-sized; on request with notice it can be split into 2 singles, and there is a large walk-in wardrobe. The ceiling light is also a fan, and there are individual reading lights and bedside cabinets.
One bedroom with a double lower bunk with single bed above, chest of drawers, shelves, and hanging space, reading lights.
One bedroom with two single beds, wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside cabinet and reading lights, radio and iPod dock.
One bedroom with two single beds, chest of drawers, hanging space, bedside cabinet and reading lights.
All beds have good quality cotton bed linen, low allergy duvets and pillows and fleece blankets are also available to use (stored in the walk-in wardrobe). Pillows vary in consistency to account for guests’ preferences. A hand and a bath towel are provided for each guest, and two tea towels.
Bathroom 2: WC, washbasin, large walk-in shower with step up approximately 15cms into the cabinet; handrail by shower door opening. non-slip extra floor mat for shower.

Kitchen: floor- and wall- mounted cupboards, large electric oven under large gas hob. Gas boiler in cupboard, carbon monoxide alarm. Under-counter fridge, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, electric kettle. There is a generous supply of pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, crockery and kitchen utensils.

All rooms have windows with pleasant outlooks.

Back door from kitchen to garden, step down is approximately 17cms high.

The garden path is wood planks separated by gravel strips, to a large flat paved sun terrace with garden armchairs, table and umbrella (it is raised by approximately 10cms). Plkanks may be slippery in wet weather.
The path diverges as a gravel surface to access the utility area (2 steps up combined approx 17cms) where a washing machine, laundry detergent and basket, pegs and washing line are available. Bicycles and golf clubs can also be stored in this lockable area, as can garden cushions if rain is likely.

The garden can also be accessed through the wooden side gate, which is normally latched and bolted from the garden side. There are a number of movement-activated outside lights, which are controlled by switches inside the front and back doors. The rear garden is close-fenced throughout, and has lawn and some shrubs and other plants.

The private, secluded rear garden partly overlooks an overgrown orchard and partly a local nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
In the front garden is a children’s ‘log cabin’ for the use of smaller guests.

Please be aware:
It is possible for children to shut each other into the cabin as the turn screw release is on the outside of the cabin. The cabin is visible from the front window of the lounge.
There are many watercourses in the area; one runs beside the front garden and is not effectively barred to children, and there is one across Old River Way directly opposite the entrance to Stoats.

Public transport links:
The main railway line runs from Hastings to Ashford using the Marshlink service. The local station is Winchelsea (1 mile), or Rye (3 miles) for a more frequent service. Marshlink connects with other main line services to Brighton, London or Dover, as well as many other destinations.
Bus stops are in Sea Road very close to the exit from Old River Way, and visit numerous local destinations. Detailed information is in the guest welcome folder or via the Internet. There is also a taxi service in the village.

General area round Stoats

Winchelsea Beach is a very small village with 2 pub/restaurants, and convenience store open 7 days a week, a Post office, church, village hall and park with a children‚ playground, all within easy walking distance of Stoats.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and Winchelsea Beach can be reached either by going ‚ cross country‚ through Morlais Ridge Nature Reserve, and across the shingle field, or along Sea Road and Dogs Hill Road. There are disabled and other parking spaces at the end of Dogs Hill Road. Wheelchairs and electric scooters can be borrowed from Lime Kiln Cottage at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve but need to be booked in advance to ensure they are charged. Wheelchairs can also be hired from Rye Cycle Hire.

There is local information about walks and local attractions in the guest information folder. You may need boots or beach towels, as these are not provided.

We hope this information tells you what you need to know about access to Stoats. If you have any suggestions as to how we could make it more informative, please tell us; there is a suggestion book in the property.