There is plenty to see and do in Matakana and Eilean Donan R&R is the perfect place to relax and base yourself from. Judith (it’s creator) has multiple sclerosis and gets around with the use of a walking frame and a wheelchair. This makes her the perfect person to build a fully accessible home as she knows what is needed to ensure good access. On my visit, she was enjoying a weekend with her family up from Fielding. Judith has tried to think of everything even down to the toilet seat raisers! And I think she has created the ideal accessible accommodation to give anyone a home away from home.
The Accommodation
The accommodation boasts three spacious bedrooms with accessible bathrooms, fully-equipped lounge/living, kitchen, laundry, spacious garaging and no-lip access through ranch sliders to a wrap around deck from every room. Judity has included lots of fantastic additions like touch sensitive lamps by all the beds. And Air-conditioning throughout the house which she pointed out was so important to regulate temperature for ultimate comfort. Judith decided to buy everything new for the holiday house so everything inside was carefully chosen with mobility needs in mind.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is designed with both the wheelchair user and able-bodied companion in mind. There is an area along the bench at seating level to allow wheelchair users to help prep the meal and be part of everything that happens in the kitchen. Equipment like microwave, kettle, cups, plates and utensils are all at seating level access to allow wheelchair users to make their own cup of tea or coffee in the morning if they wish. The main dining table is solid and at a good height to slide your wheelchair under with comfort.
The Lounge/Living
The area is carpeted but at a good thickness to wheel around with ease. Plenty of space around furniture to manoeuvre and welcoming comfy leather settee.
Laundry & Separate Toilet
The laundry boasts a brand new washing machine, dryer and washer basin with easy access out to the washing line and massive linen cupboard. The toilet has grab rails and wheelchair access under the sink. The doorways and halls have ample widths to move through and around.
“Judith points out that access has been carefully designed in such a way to enable an able-bodied partner the chance to have a lie in”
The Bedrooms
There are three spacious sized bedrooms with queen size beds. Bedroom 1 and 2 share a fully accessible bathroom between them. This configuration is ideal for caregivers to be separate but close at hand when needed. Every entry has a door that slides fully to provide good access. Each room has its own controlled air conditioning and very clever touch-sensitive bedside lamps. The rooms boast ranch sliding doors to access the expansive decks. It is hard to spot a barrier in sight just effortless access inside and out. Bedroom 1 has a queen bed that allows ample room underneath to enable a mobile hoist to be used if needed.
The Bathrooms
Bathrooms are well thought out providing access to a full wet-floor shower with either a shower chair or fold down shower seat with supporting armrests. A toilet seat raiser is available to raise the height 40 cm and 80 cm. There is plenty of room to turn around and access all areas with wide sliding door entries. Note that the bathroom for bedroom 3 has features designed for those that are less wheelchair dependent.
Internal Access
Judith is keen to promote full wheelchair access and understands the importance of internal access when it’s raining. She is looking at installing a lift in the garage to negotiate two steps to enter the house.
I am sure as time goes by she will be adding additional ‘accessibility’ touches to the house as more and more guests enjoy the comforts of a home from home.
For more information feel free to visit their website.
Things to do in the area
Other Accessible Accommodation in the area
- The Leigh Holiday House
- Warkworth Lodge