riversdale access statement . . .

Riversdale was built in 1830 as part of a “gentleman’s residence”, complete with stables and servants’ quarters.  The main walls are solid Lakeland stone, over 24” thick in places. 

Although many adaptations have been made over the years since then, the essential character of the property remains as it was when it was built.  Whilst we have done as much as we can to make our house as accessible as possible for all, we are unable to alter some aspects without making fundamental changes to the structure.

For example, all the bedrooms are on the first floor and it is impractical to install lift access to these.  Therefore we may not be able to accommodate those with severe mobility impairment.  However, other changes have been made and we hope that you will find the following information of assistance.

As a small business, we are able to provide a personalised service to meet specific needs if required – please let us know at the time of booking to enable us to do what we can for you. 

Pre-Arrival

You may contact us by post, by phone (015394 35619) or by
e-mail (info@riversdalegrasmere.co.uk).

We can provide all our printed material in large print format.  Our breakfast menu is also available in Braille.

Arrival and Access to the House

Our car park has spaces for three cars – one per guest bedroom.  One space has a wide access route on one side of the car.  Although not marked out, the spaces are easily identifiable.  The surface is of gravel, using riverbed stone, and is all on the level.  There are no streetlights in the vicinity, but we do provide some lighting of our own.

For those arriving by bus, there is a stop within 50 metres of our house.  The nearest train station is at Windermere, 8 miles away, with connections to the bus service and a taxi rank.  We are not aware of any of the local buses or taxis being adapted for ease of access at this time.

Guests are greeted upon arrival and escorted to their room.  All facilities are described and this information is repeated in an information folder in every bedroom.  Assistance with luggage can be provided, and guests are given their own key for access throughout their stay.

There is a small step (10cm) from the car park to the path leading to the house, with a single gate across.  The path is constructed from concrete slabs and is basically level.  There is one further step (10cm) at the entrance to the house, where the doorway measures 81cm in width.  This door is usually locked with a standard Yale type lock.  

Once in the house, the Guest Lounge and Dining Room are on the Ground Floor, whilst all bedrooms are on the First Floor.  This is accessed by means of a staircase consisting of 12 stairs, each of 22cm in height, 25cm in depth and 80cm in width.  There is a handrail on one side.

There are good colour contrasts throughout the house and it is well lit during normal operating hours.  Low level lighting operates from approximately 11.00pm to 7.00am, during which time there is no lighting in the car park.

Ground Floor

This is all on one level, and is carpeted throughout with a short pile carpet.  Access to the Guest Lounge and Dining Room is 76cm wide.  The dining tables are each set for two people, but these can be brought together for larger groups if required. 

We operate a full service standard at all meals but we do not serve any meals in the bedrooms.  Special dietary needs can usually be accommodated, but please let us know in advance.

First Floor

Each bedroom has its own characteristics and these are described in detail below.  Each room is on one level, with flooring of short pile carpet throughout.  We have endeavoured to ensure that lighting levels are good throughout and that colour contrasts are maintained wherever possible.

There is a colour tv, with radio and alarm clock built in, controlled by a remote control and featuring teletext.  A headphone can be provided with advance notice.  A cordless kettle and a small fridge are also standard in every room.

Standard Double Room

This has a 4’6” double bed, with a height of 60cm.  There is good circulation space to one side – the other side is restricted to 50cm.  A two-seater sofa is provided.  Guests should be aware that the floor of this room slopes slightly due to the age of the building.  The entrance door measures 63cm wide.

The en-suite shower room is accessed through a 63cm wide door, which opens outwards.  The shower cubicle has a step of 13cm and measures 100cm by 70cm internally.  A shower seat can be provided.  The toilet is 42cm high, while the basin is rounded at the front and set into a vanity unit, 85cm high.

Standard Twin-bedded Room

This has two 3’ wide beds, with a 50cm gap between them.  They are 60cm high.  Two single seats (without arms) are provided.  The entrance door measures 73cm wide.

The en-suite bathroom has an entrance door measuring 63cm, which opens inwards.  The bath has handgrips on both sides and the bath edge is 55cm high.  A shower attachment is fitted.   The basin is curved at the front, with a clear underspace – it is 83cm high.  The toilet is 41cm high.

Superior Double Room

This has a 5’0” wide double bed, with a height of 60cm.  There is circulation space on both sides of 50cm and 90cm with a minimum of 2m by 3m free floorspace in the room.  A two-seater settee and a single chair (no arms) are provided.  The entrance door is 78cm wide.

The en-suite bathroom has an entrance door measuring 61cm, which opens inwards.  The bath has handgrips on both sides and the bath edge is 53cm high.  There is an electric shower over one end.  The basin is nearly flat at the front, with a clear underspace – it is 82cm high.  The toilet is 40cm high.

Garden

There is a patio area for the use of guests, with a level surface of paving slabs.  Seating is provided, all with arms.

Additional Information

We welcome registered assistance dogs, when notified at the time of booking.  No other pets are allowed in the property or grounds. 

We cater exclusively for non-smokers (you may rest assured that this is rigorously enforced) so there is no detriment to those with respiratory conditions.

There is an audible fire alarm system throughout the house; we ask that guests who are hard of hearing notify us upon arrival so that alternative arrangements can be made.

We cater for our registered guests only and, in order to maintain their security and comfort, we are not open to non-residents at any time. 

Mobile phone reception is reasonable for Vodaphone, but otherwise poor.

As a small concern, we endeavour to meet your needs as far as we are able, but the house is not permanently manned throughout the day, nor are we able to provide specialist care.  If you have any concerns or queries, please contact us to discuss these.