Disabled Accommodation for Groups or Large Families
At Our Bench Accessible Self Catering in the New Forest, we are often asked if we can provide accommodation for larger families and groups with carers. Over the years, we’ve created a range of solutions that have been tried and tested by our guests.
Holidays with Carers
If you have your own carers and need them with you on holiday, we recommend booking two cottages: one as the family base and the other for the carers. This option has several advantages:
- Families can enjoy quality time on holiday with familiar carers on call when required.
- Carers have their own sleeping, cooking and living area, giving them space for rest and downtime. For 24-hour carers, this means they can sleep during the day in peace.
- We can provide a list of local carers and care agencies you can contact directly. Many are familiar with Our Bench cottages and have supported past guests.
Holidays with Larger Families
Booking early and reserving two cottages together is highly recommended for larger or extended families. Benefits include:
- The disabled guest has a quiet space to rest, take extra time getting ready, or manage care needs without pressure.
- Families can make amazing holiday memories together while still having space for privacy and relaxation.
Holidays for Residential Users
Residents of care homes or assisted living accommodation deserve holidays too. The New Forest offers wonderful places to explore, and Our Bench cottages provide an ideal solution. Residents can enjoy independence and their own space, while carers either stay in the neighbouring cottage or use the second bedroom.
Our Bench Holiday Solutions
- Family of up to 5 with 2 carers: Book Garden Bench for the family. The master bedroom includes a profiling bed and ceiling hoist, while the second bedroom can be a double (ideal for parents). Book Little Bench for carers, located next door with twin beds and just a 1-minute walk away. This allows carers to be independent while remaining on call.
- Family of up to 4 plus grandparents: Book Bench Cottage and Little Bench together. These cottages share a wall and a garden. Bench Cottage offers two ceiling hoists, a profiling bed and an optional changing table, while Little Bench provides a double or twin beds with a hoist. This setup allows grandparents to stay close by, offering support while parents enjoy a break.
- Group of up to 9 guests: Book Bench Cottage and Garden Bench. This provides two profiling beds, three ceiling hoists and a changing table. Garden Bench’s patio area is perfect for BBQs, with outside seating for six (extra chairs available from the dining area). Each cottage has its own kitchen and lounge, allowing for both shared meals and quiet downtime.
- Groups of up to 11 guests: Book all three cottages. This option is ideal for residential units or large families with multiple care needs. The flexible setup ensures carers have their own space, while guests can enjoy independence. Please note: departure time is 10 am so we can prepare the cottages for the next arrivals.
Explore each of our accessible holiday cottages to find out more
Bench Cottage
- Sleeps up to 4
- Profiling bed; head-and-foot riser beds accessible by ceiling hoist
- Second twin bedroom
- Accessible wet room with H-track hoist and changing table
- Height-adjustable washbasin
- Wheelchair-friendly kitchen
- Open plan living space with riser recliner chair
Garden Bench
- Sleeps up to 5
- Profiling bed / carer’s bed with discreet ceiling hoist
- Accessible 2nd bedroom with triple beds
- Three head and foot riser beds & riser recliner chair
- Private, secure garden with sunny patio, dogs welcome
- Traditional wood-burner for winter breaks
- Off road parking with EV charger available
Little Bench
- Sleeps up to 2
- Profiling bed; head-and-foot riser beds accessible by ceiling hoist
- King or twin bed options
- Accessible wet room with optional shower chair
- Riser-recliner chair
- Level access throughout
- Quiet outdoor space & garden to enjoy
