Overview

A very reasonably priced recently refurbished cottage (originally farm outbuildings) in a rural setting a few miles outside historic Framlingham but within an easy drive of the Suffolk coast. Can be rented alone or in combination with the 2 other larger (non-accessible) adjoining properties.

Transport & Parking

Parking is on grass (not hard standing) across the drive way immediately in front of the cottages. Spaces are not reserved for each cottage, so where you can park may depend to some extent on other guests but I am sure if you needed to park as close as possible this could be arranged. I have "a drive chair" from car and I just had to be a bit careful that my ramp was coming down on the drive rather than the uneven grass. I would say you need a car to stay at this property as it is very rural and a car drive to shops, eating places etc.

Access

No problem accessing the cottage in a wheelchair or moving round in the cottage in a wheelchair (I was in a 6 wheel mid wheel powerchair.) I was concerned about mess my wheels might cause on the pale carpet in the lounge and bedroom and suggested a larger carpet runner than was there to dry wheels. Wheelchair access to the rear patio is through a gate at the far end of the adjoining property. Kitchen is not adapted as such but is open plan into the living area. Oven is under worktop where there is a 4 ring electric hob. Kitchen well kitted out. You are asked on your booking if you want one king size bed or two singles (they are divans). Plenty of storage in bedroom. We found cottage clean, comfortable, warm and snug during a week when the weather turned unusually cold for September. Wet room is relatively small with level floor that I did find a bit slippy when wet but as I had taken a non slip mat I was ok. A small shower seat was provided. One grab rail on the left (as you face the wall). My biggest concern was not causing a flood with the shower which I thought could easily happen. I suggested a long handled squeezy would be good for pushing the water down the drain. Sink in en suite has space underneath for sitting at. There is a washing machine in the ensuite and a washing line outside.

Toilets

Loo in the ensuite is quite low. Left side transfer. Grab rails both sides. I was offered a raiser seat. There is a second loo in the utility room off the living area which is higher but does not have grab rails.

Staff

The owners Tina and Chris have only recently bought Boundary Farm and refurbished the cottages for their first guests at Easter 2017. They are keen to encourage wheelchair users, they responded very quickly to the few queries we had and thanked us for our suggestions. If you have questions about the suitability of the accommodation for you, I would encourage you to ring and speak to them.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Over the years we have stayed at a large number of self-catering properties. Recently it seems many have gone high end luxury with corresponding high rentals. Cart Lodge is not one of these, neither is it a factory made accessible cabin and should not be compared with such. It is an adapted farm building, the layout is a bit quirky, clean and comfortable with a rental price that reflects this. It worked for me as a wheelchair user with standing balance who can get around on a walking frame indoors. It gave us a lovely holiday in a beautiful part of the country at a reasonable price when most equivalent properties are not accessible to us. Many eateries and shops in this part of the world are old buildings with not good access but we found sufficient to keep us fed and happy. We would recommend you do your homework before you go as wi-fi in rural Suffolk is poor.

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