What is an access statement for a holiday cottage?

An access statement is a detailed, factual document that describes exactly how accessible a holiday cottage is — including measurements, layouts, equipment and safety features. Unlike marketing labels such as 'wheelchair friendly', access statements give guests, carers and families the specific information they need to decide whether a property genuinely meets their needs. Our Bench provides access statements for all three cottages: Bench Cottage, Garden Bench and Little Bench.

Do all Our Bench cottages have step-free access?

Yes. All three Our Bench cottages — Bench Cottage, Garden Bench and Little Bench — are single storey with level, step-free access from the off-road parking space to the entrance and throughout the entire property. There are no internal steps, ramps or level changes.

What wet room facilities are provided at Our Bench cottages?

Every Our Bench cottage has a level-access wet room with space for lateral transfers, drop-down grab rails, easy-reach shower controls, non-slip flooring and an adjustable wash basin. Full dimensions and layout details are provided in each cottage's access statement.

What are the safe working loads of the hoists at Our Bench?

Safe working loads for ceiling hoists and all other equipment are clearly stated in each cottage's individual access statement and on the equipment information page. Guests must bring their own slings. At least two people in the party must be trained to use the hoist safely.

Are the kitchens accessible for wheelchair users at Our Bench?

Yes. All Our Bench cottages have open-plan accessible kitchens with lowered worktops, knee space under sinks and hobs, and appliances positioned for ease of use from a wheelchair or seated position.

What fire safety provision is there at Our Bench cottages?

All Our Bench cottages are fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting, internal door thumbturn locks and optional door alarms. Full safety details are included in each cottage's access statement.

How do I get an access statement for an Our Bench cottage?

Access statements for all three cottages are available to download as PDFs from the Our Bench website. Bench Cottage, Garden Bench and Little Bench each have their own individual statement with full measurements, layouts, equipment specifications and safety information. We encourage all guests to read the statement for their chosen cottage before booking, and to contact Helen or Matt directly with any questions.

Are there differences between the three accessible cottages at Our Bench?

Yes. While all three cottages share core access features — step-free access, ceiling hoists, profiling beds, accessible wet rooms and accessible kitchens — there are important differences. These include bed configurations, hoist coverage, bathroom equipment, outdoor spaces, whether gardens are enclosed, and dog suitability. Garden Bench is the only dog-friendly cottage. Bench Cottage has a changing stretcher. Each access statement sets out these differences in full.

Access Statements | Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Cottages

Access Statements for Our Bench Holiday Cottages

Everything you need to know to regarding your access requirements can be found in each cottage's access statement.

Bench Cottage Access Statement Little Bench Access Statement Garden Bench Access Statement

Why we provide Access Statements

Access Statements are detailed, practical guides designed to help guests decide whether a cottage will genuinely meet their access and care needs. Everyone’s requirements are different. Labels like “accessible” or “wheelchair friendly” mean very different things in practice as we have found out through personal experience.

Our Access Statements set out, clearly and honestly, what each cottage offers, how spaces are laid out, and what equipment and features are provided, so guests, families and carers can make informed decisions with confidence. They are not marketing brochures. They are factual documents that describe access, layout, equipment, measurements and safety considerations, and they form part of our duty of care.

We strongly encourage guests to read them fully and to talk things through with us if there is any uncertainty.

Each statement should be read alongside our Terms and Conditions and Cottage Information Pack

“Lots of helpful information provided in advance, which helped make planning the trip and the holiday itself less stressful and more enjoyable.”

From Mr Richard Green

What all three cottages have in common

While each cottage is slightly different, all three share the following core access features.

Step free access throughout
All cottages are single storey with level access from parking areas and no internal steps or ramps
Accessible parking and arrival off road parking is provided, with clear routes to entrances.
All cottages use coded key access, with support available if needed.
Wide doorways and generous circulation space
Door widths, layouts and turning spaces are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and mobility equipment.

“As a wheelchair user I could access the whole property with ease.”

From Ms Nicola Hocking

Fully accessible wet rooms - Each cottage has a level access wet room with lateral transfer space, drop down rails, easy reach shower controls and non slip flooring. Adjustable wash basins are fitted.
Specialist beds and ceiling track hoists - All cottages include profiling or electric riser beds and ceiling track hoists.
Safe working loads apply and are clearly stated in each Access Statement and on the Equipment pages
Adjustable and accessible kitchens - Kitchens are open plan with lowered worktops, knee space under sinks and hobs, and appliances positioned for ease of use.
Riser recliner seating - Each cottage includes an electric riser recliner chair to support comfort and transfers.
Fire safety and reassurance features Smoke alarms, emergency lighting, internal door thumbturn locks and optional door alarms are fitted across all properties.
Equipment available by arrangement - Additional mobility and care equipment can be provided subject to suitability, availability and prior agreement. Guests must bring their own slings for hoists. Clear safety guidance
Important differences between cottages - Although the principles are shared, there are meaningful differences between the cottages, including: bed configurations and room layouts Hoist coverage and bathroom equipment, Outdoor spaces and whether gardens are enclosed Suitability for dogs (Garden Bench only, by prior arrangement)

These details matter, which is why we always recommend reading the individual Access Statement for the cottage you are considering. Read the full Access Statements For full measurements, layouts, equipment specifications and safety information, please read the relevant Access Statement below:

You can read each cottage's individual Access Statement here:

You may find it helpful to make a quick comparison of some of our key accessible features.

Our Bench Cottage Accessibility Comparison

Compare Little Bench, Bench Cottage and Garden Bench at a glance to help choose the layout, equipment and access features that best suit your stay.

Comparison table showing accessibility features for Little Bench, Bench Cottage and Garden Bench.
Feature	Little Bench	Bench Cottage	Garden Bench
Number of Bedrooms	1	2	2
Maximum Occupancy	2–4 guests	Up to 4 guests	Up to 5 guests
Minimum Door Width (Internal)	860 mm	860 mm	860 mm
Front Door Width	790 mm	790 mm	780 mm
Riser / Recliner Chair	Yes	Yes	Yes
Profiling / Carers Bed	1 height adjustable profiling bed	1 height adjustable profiling bed	1 height adjustableprofiling bed
Profiling Bed Height Range	560 mm – 880 mm	560 mm – 880 mm	560 mm – 880 mm
Other Electric Beds	1 electric head & foot riser bed	3 electric head & foot riser beds	3 electric head & foot riser beds
Typical Bed Configuration	Profiling bed + electric bed (can form king)	Profiling bed + electric bed in main room + twin electric beds in second room	Profiling bed + electric bed in main room + twin electric beds + additional single bed
Ceiling Hoist	Freeway ceiling hoist over beds	Freeway ceiling hoist over beds in master bedroom	Freeway ceiling hoist over profiling bed in master bedroom
Second Hoist in Wet Room	No	Yes – bathroom H-track hoist	No
Changing Stretcher	No	Yes – wall mounted folding changing stretcher	No
Wet Room Type	Level access wet room	Level access wet room	Level access wet room
Adjustable Basin	Yes	Yes	Yes
Garden / Outdoor Space	Shared garden	Shared garden	Private enclosed garden
Dog Friendly	Assistance dogs only	Assistance dogs only	Dogs welcome by arrangement
Kitchen Layout	Wheel-under hob & sink, dual height worktops	Wheel-under hob & sink, dual height worktops	Wheel-under hob & sink, dual height worktops
Living Space	Open plan lounge/kitchen	Open plan lounge/kitchen	Open plan lounge/kitchen
Turning Space for wheelchairs	Turning space for wheelchairs, beds can be arranged for maximum access where you need it	Turning space for wheelchairs, beds can be arranged for maximum access where you need it	Turning space for wheelchairs, beds can be arranged for maximum access where you need it
Parking	Tarmac parking for 1 car near entrance - no restricions on road	Tarmac parking for 1 car near entrance - no restricions on road	Bockpaving parking on driveway for 1 car - no restricions on road

Specialist Equipment availale for your holiday, but stored off site

We also have a range of equipment you can access during your stay with us, you can find more details here: Our Bench Equipment - all of which is designed at making your holiday, a little bit easier.

“The cottage had everything we needed and was clearly designed by people who understand the needs of those with disabilities.”

From Mrs Judith Bolesworth

Accessible holidays, thoughtfully designed