Accommodation

This large stone and brick barn is one of a number of historic farm buildings, some of which date back to the 1500s.  It is situated in an idyllic setting on the outskirts of Rookley village, in a valley amid farmland and woodland, only reached down a farm track, half a mile from the road.  It is however within ten minutes drive of the County town of Newport, with large, modern shops, cinema, pubs, restaurants, etc., together with more traditional farmers' markets and old style stores. The town is largely level, with good wheelchair access to most premises.  Several local pubs and restaurants have excellent facilities for disabled customers.

Views from all directions are beautiful, and other than the occasional donkey braying, offers peace and calm.   The building is warm and welcoming, with comfort a priority. 

The accommodation comprises large living area with high, vaulted beamed ceiling .  There is ample, comfortable seating, including three settees and an electric riser/recliner chair, a large television set with "digibox" and DVD player, and a stereo music centre with CD player. Wi-Fi internet access is also available in this area.  

Between the main living room and kitchen is a dining area with pine dining table which will accommodate six - eight people.   Living accommodation is all on the ground floor, with an extra room if required on galleried mezzanine floor (stairs leading from living area), as either a playroom for children, extra seating, or an additional bedroom (this room offers either one or two single beds, as required).  

The dining area leads to a modern, well-equipped kitchen, including hobs, oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine.  The kitchen is well equipped with a wide range of cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery etc., together with items such as coffee makers, blender and food processor.  French windows lead onto decked terrace and lawn, overlooking field with donkeys, backed by woodland.

The twin master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, which has been built in the style of a "wet room" with shower, washbasin and toilet, designed with wheelchair users in mind. Rails have been fitted and a good quality shower chair is available, adjustable to be used in conjunction with the lavatory or as a commode.  This bedroom has two fully adjustable, electric, remote-contolled Volker beds with pressure mattresses and retractable sides as required.  Although these beds have the versatility of hospital beds, they are of an attactive design, with wooden frames, and are equally comfortable for our disabled and able-bodied visitors.  They both feature adjustable platform height, making them extremely convenient for carers.  This room contains a remote-controlled television, fitted double wardrobe, bedside cabinet and dressing table.  French windows lead from this bedroom onto the terrace and garden, with views across the fields to the woodland beyond.

The second double bedroom also has two electric profiling beds, with the option to attach either cot sides or grab handles if required. These beds may be used as two singles, or joined to form one super kingsize (6 foot wide) bed.   There is a remote-controlled television, fitted double wardrobe, bedside cabinet and dressing table. Full-length French windows lead onto the terrace and garden, with views across fields to the woodland.

The third bedroom contains one single bed, fitted wardrobe, bedside cabinet and has views onto gardens.  Although this bed is a standard (non-electric) divan, it can be fitted with either cot sides or grab rails if required.

The second shared bathroom is also in the style of a "wet room", with shower, bath, washbasin and toilet.  The bath has been designed to allow hoist access if required.

The building is centrally heated and fully insulated throughout. A container-planted decked area with garden seating runs for the entire length of the property and gives access to the garden, which contains a good sized gas barbecue.  Padded garden loungers are available.  There is parking for 2-3 cars.

The building has been converted with disabled people in mind - with many facilities included to ensure comfort and safety, including ramps, handrails, four fully adjustable electric remote-controlled beds, electric riser/recliner armchair, shower chair/commode, portable induction loop and carefully chosen colour schemes to assist those with impaired sight or hearing.  There are a number of items stored within the building which may be used if needed, such as raised lavatory seats, adapted cutlery, adjustable bed table, lap tray, v-shaped pillows, special pressure-relieving cushions, Tempur pillow, perching stool, etc.   A wide range of equipment for our disabled visitors is readily available for hire.  The owners are on hand to assist with any queries or assistance if required.

All bedding and towels are provided, together with a welcome pack of essential (and some non-essential, but very nice!) food items, including the freshest free-range eggs from our own hens, home-made bread and a bottle of "Red Barn" locally produced dry white wine.   Washing powder, dishwasher tablets, washing-up liquid, etc. are also provided.  The building is very adaptable to the needs of individual guests, and the style of bedding and layout of bedrooms can be altered to cater for our younger visitors.  Cots, highchair, stairgates and baby monitor are available if required.

The garden area is securely fenced, with immediate access to footpaths through the countryside, and delightful walks. We have a thriving community of red squirrels which can be viewed at close quarters or photographed by wildlife enthusiasts.

Prices for 2009 vary between £850 - £1200 per week (for the accommodation, which comfortably sleeps seven, not per person), depending on the season.  We do get heavily booked in the summer period, so please book early to avoid disappointment.  A non-returnable deposit of £100 is required at the time of booking, with the balance invoiced approximately six weeks before holiday dates.  A £100 security bond against breakages is also requested with the final invoice, but this is returnable at the end of the holiday.  As cancellation within six weeks of travel cannot be refunded, we strongly recommend that visitors take out appropriate holiday insurance.