Offering self-catering excellence in a quiet residential setting, Havendale is a beautifully designed holiday home created for everyone to enjoy. Thoughtfully inclusive by design, accessibility is seamlessly integrated without compromising on style, comfort, or luxury. Equipment is available on request and stored, so that if guests without access needs visit, it is a perfect holiday home for all to enjoy.
"This is such a beautiful property for everyone to enjoy. Its inclusive design means accessibility feels effortless and completely natural. "A cosy and welcoming retreat you’ll never want to leave".
Havendale is a truly special ‘home from home’ in the heart of Derbyshire. While perfectly suited for guests with access requirements, it is equally loved by families, couples, and friends seeking a peaceful, high-quality stay. Established by a family who are passionate, experienced, and genuinely care about disabled people, Havendale goes beyond accommodation — it offers comfort, dignity, and a place where everyone feels they belong. Havendale, the first accessible self catering holiday property in Chesterfield, within minutes from the bustling medieval market town. The bungalow is 10 minutes from the Peak District National Park and within 15 to 25 minutes of major tourism offerings being perfectly located to explore Derbyshire. It is also within easy reach of Sheffield, Nottingham, Barnsley, and Rotherham with close access to the M1 motorway. Regular trains connect quickly to places such as Derby, Leeds and Meadowhall Retail Outlet.
The Owners of Havendale
After a long time in the making, Gillian and Russell Scotford are delighted to finally share their vision of creating a luxury accessible holiday property with you. They know first-hand what good a relaxing holiday can do for families under the stresses of life with loved ones with access needs. That’s why they created Havendale, to make relaxation accessible for everyone, because we all deserve a break and a chance to enjoy life, no matter our circumstances. Gillian and Russell’s goal was to create a comfortable space that integrates Accessibility throughout, so a holiday is seamless and stress-free. They believe accessibility doesn’t have to feel clinical, it can also be luxurious and a beautiful thing. Gillian encourages guests to reach out during their stay if they have any questions, need assistance or require any extra equipment which will make their stay easier. Being a Mum and business owner, she is always on the go and happy to help you have an enjoyable stay in any way she can. Get in contact via email, phone call or message, or refer to your ‘Havendale Welcome Pack’ for further information.
'100 Days Out'
Havendale is situated in the heart of the Peak District and Derbyshire, and close by over 100 Accessible Days Out across a wide variety of venues, attractions, activities and eateries. Many of these 100 sites have partnered with Havendale owner Gillian Scotford and founder of Accessible Derbyshire, who have made their sites more accessible for all in the recent years. Gillian is passionate about sharing these accessible gems with you, and helping you have a great day out, just as she has for years with her family, and her late son Thomas who this beautiful bungalow is dedicated to. All of these sites are within driving distance, making them easy to access from your ‘home away from home’; Havendale. While staying at the holiday property, take the opportunity to explore the delights of the Peak District and discover what makes it so special.
Changing Places Toilets
There are approximately 50 ‘Days Out’ with Changing Places Hoisted Toilets situated in Derbyshire, Peak District, Sheffield, Rotherham and Nottinghamshire, surrounding the holiday home. The nearest facility to the property is Chesterfield Market Hall, around a 15 minute walk.
Wheelchair Access
Havendale is designed to facilitate seamless wheelchair access across the property; eliminating barriers, eliminating stress. The concrete ramp into the front door has a 3 degree short slope, provides level access through the main door measuring 850mm clear opening width (20mm threshold but portable threshold ramp available) from arrival on the drive into the property, flowing seamlessly into the large accessible kitchen, living and sitting areas, wheelchair accessible bedroom, and spacious wet room shower. The width of the path at the side of the house is 850mm, and the side gate has an opening width of 850mm. There is sufficient, 1500mm x 1500mm wheelchair circulation space in the hall foyer, kitchen diner, lounge and accessible bedroom. There are lever door handles situated 1m high around the property.
Accessible Bedroom
The entrance into this bedroom is a straight-on approach from the hallway, measuring 810mm at its narrowest. In the ensuite accessible bathroom there is a wetroom with a shower chair and Closomat toilet. The furniture within the bedroom is all on 360-degree lockable casters. This enables a flexible approach to suit individual needs with ease of movement. There is a lowered, wheelchair accessible clothing rail. The bedside lamp is within easy reach of the bed. There is a Smart TV. There is direct access onto the patio. There are multiple plug sockets. There is an extension cable with USB ports. The beds all have a waterproof mattress cover. Extra sheets are available. A washer-dryer is available for emergency use only. Additional waterproof bed and quilt covers are available on request. There are black-out blinds in all the bedrooms. An additional single mattress is available on request should anyone need to place this in the accessible bedroom to be near their loved one in cases of emergency. The Scotford family are fully aware that people have the need to move furniture etc to meet their individual needs so please feel comfortable in doing so!
Accessible Ensuite Bathroom
In the wheelchair accessible ensuite, there is a 1000mm+ right-hand transfer space onto the Closomat toilet. The seat height is 490mm from the floor, but there is a Shower-Commode chair which can be wheeled around the bathroom and used over the toilet. The outward-opening door into the wetroom measures 870mm wide. As you enter the wetroom, there is a 930mm gap between the sink and the toilet where there is a 1300mm x 1700mm wheelchair circulation space. The shower area is in excess of 1000mm x 1000mm. There is only a 600mm side transfer space to manoeuvre onto the Hewi pull-down shower seat, but for those that need more space, the shower chair on wheels can be used as a seat. Grab rails situated at 680mm high surround the pull-down shower seat and Closomat toilet. There are built-in hand-grip support holes at the sink either side. The height of the sink is 740mm, with 710mm to the underside.
Accessible Kitchen
Havendale’s kitchen diner has many accessible features such as a worksurface at 850mm and a lowered space under the hob for wheelchair users. There are pull-out lowered work surfaces at 760mm high, pull-down cabinets and pull-out cabinets for easy access. The oven is a NEFF ‘Hide and Slide’, with a pull-out surface underneath to place hot dishes. The large oak dining table is on 360-degree lockable casters to allow flexible space. There is a wheelchair accessible opening on one side of the table with 700mm to the underside. A dining chair with armrests is available on request, but all the other dining chairs do not have armrests and are 450mm high. There is Easy-Grip equipment available such as tin and jar openers and also fine China, double-handed beakers and large handle cutlery is available on request.
Are any areas of the property not wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The ensuite single room situated next to the kitchen is designed for a single guest, in a smaller, more private space which is down one step and not wheelchair accessible. This is designed as an extra guest room for a carer or non-wheelchair user companion.
The Master Bedroom has level access into the room via a door of 770mm wide, but with a restricted turning space from the 850mm corridor into the doorway. However, there is sufficient wheelchair access at the side of the bed (1300mm), but no ensuite bathroom here. The Master Bedroom is not a typical ‘wheelchair accessible bedroom’ but may be suitable for guests who prefer a more spacious sleeping area. Bed raises are available on request.
Accessibility Equipment
Gillian and Russell have put their hearts and souls into this property, trying their best to provide everything people of all disability backgrounds will need, not just wheelchair users. At Havendale, you will find a wide variety of accessibility equipment either permanently installed, at the ready found in storage within the property, or available via a quick message to the helpful owners. Browse the website under the ‘Property Features’ tab to explore the extensive list. The hoist is LOLER tested every 6 months by Clark and Partners to ensure its safety.
Equipment Weight Capacities & Measurements
The Shower/Commode chair on wheels has a seat height of 500mm with a seat width of 430mm and depth of 450mm. The maximum weight is 190kg. This fits over the Closomat Wash-Dry Toilet. The ‘Birdie Evo Compact’ hoist by Invacare has a weight capacity of 150kg. The Hewi pull-down shower seat in the wetroom has a weight capacity of 150kg, measures 450mm wide and 390mm depth and has a seat height of 490mm. The Adjustamatic height-adjustable, electric profile bed with bed rails has a weight capacity of 150kg. There is a 125mm clearance under here which fits the property's own mobile hoist, but bed raisers are available on request. The leg of the mobile hoist measures 110mm high. The grab support on the sink has a strength capacity of 150kg.
The Sara Stedy is a non powered manual transfer aid allowing safe transfer between chair, bed, toilet etc. This is available on request.
The Prism Tilt in Space toileting shower chair has a weight capacity of 150kg. This is available on request.
Beds, Mattresses & Pillows
The comfort of all our guests and the quality of sleep is paramount to your stay at Havendale. Adjustamatic are renowned luxury adjustable bed manufacturers who have produced British Made beds for over 60 years. Experience the ultimate in sleep luxury. Pillow menus available on request. A mattress topper is available on request, but we feel that you will not require this!
Are the doors extra wide?
The width of the front door into the property is 850mm. The door width into the lounge and kitchen is in excess of 850mm.The bi-fold door into the rear garden is 3m wide with a 30mm threshold (threshold ramp available) and the door from the accessible bedroom onto the rear patio is 860mm. Please be aware that the restricted width of the corridor leading to the accessible bedroom is 810mm with a straight-on approach. The pathway at the side of the house onto the rear patio is 800mm wide.
Is Havendale suitable for guests with sight loss?
Yes. The interior design of Havendale is sleek and modern, with pleasant tones and colours providing good contrast and visibility. The extra single guest bedroom next to the kitchen is specifically designed for guests with sight loss, as colour contrast is emphasised here to facilitate easy access. The lighting is 200 Lux in the kitchen and bathrooms and there are several classic white lamps, including a clip-on reading spotlight.
Is Havendale suitable for guests with hearing loss?
The Havendale website is of W3C Accessibility Standard. Subtitles are available on the TVs. There is a portable hearing loop. There is also a Bluetooth Sony Speaker which is portable and good for use when watching TV and listening to the programme dialogue right next to your seat for easier hearing. The speaker has up to 13 hours power once charged.
Is Havendale suitable for guests with Dementia?
Havendale is comfortable for everyone. With good lighting and clear navigation around the property, it is an easy environment to feel at home in. There is a secure rear garden with lockable side gates. Please note there is a Thumb turn lock on the front door and accessible bedroom/patio door. This is for fire safety purposes. We have fitted a full-length curtain to cover the door to hopefully remove the sight of the escape route for guests with Dementia. There are neutral door threshold mats. The bed in the accessible bedroom can be moved so that there is sight of the toilet straight ahead, for guests with Dementia. Dementia Friendly signage is available on request. The natural stone bungalow, real slate fireplace and log burning cosy stove have a traditional comforting feel. Birdsong and sensory planting bring joy to all our visitors.
Is Havendale suitable for guests with Autism?
Havendale is all about our guests comfort and enjoyment. The décor and colour scheme of the holiday property is modern and attractive, with a hint of cosy and n all-round soothing feel. There is soft lighting around the bungalow with sensory lighting in the skylight and portable sensory bath lights. Under the skylight area there is also a cosy corner with plush seating and soft fabrics tucked away from the kitchen. Blackout bedroom blinds provide security and comfort, and weighted blankets are available on request. There is good Wi-Fi throughout the property and a ROMPA Sensory Box full of sensory, entertaining delights. Outside, the secure rear garden is secure and gated and has sensory planting throughout, with a relaxing backdrop of the blue sky and sound of peaceful birdsong. To prepare for your visit, a Sensory Story, video tour and lots of photography are available, along with the help of this guide. Familiarisation visits from owner Gillian Scotford can also be arranged.
Can I bring my dog to Havendale?
Havendale would request that dogs are not allowed on the sofas and beds. However, green dog blankets are provided to ensure sofas and beds stay protected. There are dog Welcome Treats, feeding bowls for dog food and water provided in the kitchen area. Please use the lawn area in the rear garden as a dog spend area. This will ensure that no accidental messes are found on the large, mature front garden. Please note that the rear lawn has 3 steps to access and dogs of wheelchair users may need to use the front lawn as an alternative.
Health & Safety
There is emergency backup lighting which comes on for 4 hours in case of an emergency. The oak doors are not fire doors but are fire-resistant temporarily for 20 minutes to enable time to make an emergency exit. Emergency fire exits are located via the main front door of the property, the bi-fold door connecting to the rear garden, as well as the door connecting to the accessible bedroom. There is a large, opening window in the single bedroom to gain access to the outside. The property is all on ground-floor level.
Is there Sensory Lighting?
Yes. There is sensory lighting in the roof lights in the kitchen, and Sensory Lighting Bath Floats are provided for in the bathtub.
Is there a variety of seating available?
Yes. There is a Duresta ‘Love Seat’ at 400mm high, and the G-Plan Sofa and armchair are 500mm high in the lounge. These are recliners and give head, lumber and leg support. Addition footrest is available for the ‘Loveseat’. The crème sofa in the kitchen is 420mm high. The dining seats are 450mm high and there is a pink bedroom chair which is 320mm high and movable around the property. There is a dining chair with armrests available on request.
Gluten Free
On request we will provide gluten free items in our welcome pack.
Does Havendale have a food blender?
A Ninja Detect Power Blender Pro 2.1 litre jug is available.
Disclaimer: All information provided in this Access MiniGuide belongs to the business owner who manages this listing. AccessibleUK accepts no responsibility for any incorrect information supplied.
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