Yasemen Kaner-White visits with her mother
Gwithian, Cornwall – Driving up, we saw a set of immaculate modern wooden houses in a pretty, secluded clearing. When we got to ours, conveniently we were able to park outside and were delighted to find a wooden ramp for mum to go along, past the hot tub (bonus!) straight into the house.
The front door, wide enough for mum to scoot in with ease in her electric scooter, revealed a bright and airy, well-appointed, spacious, open-plan kitchen, lounge cum dining room. The kitchen houses a quirky lighthouse scene clock, baby blue Smeg fridge and every kitchen amenity you’d want – from a coffee machine to a fruit bowl, not forgetting the Cornish cream in the fridge, locally-made strawberry jam and scones which were a lovely touch. The dining room was roomy enough for mum to park alongside the large glass dining table, transfer to one of the leather upholstered chic chairs to enjoy a home cooked meal. The lounge has a gorgeous wood burner which we lit that night, gathered on the long comfortable leather sofa to watch a film on the large flatscreen TV, whilst the brave of us had a dip in the hot tub on the landing, starring up at the stars.
Come bedtime, we went to our stylish quarters upstairs where there are two en-suites and even a snug, all with views over green pastures and to the sea. Mum scooted from the sofa to her en-suite downstairs; she found the easy-to-reach wardrobe with shelving low enough to put away her clothes and integrated dressing table with drawers underneath a breeze to use. A personal TV was also welcomed. The bathroom had a thoughtful low sink and power shower. The only downside was there wasn’t a shower chair, however, we fed that back and there now will be. We felt bad saying anything at all because frankly it is such a gorgeous house and unusually so, for one that is accessible too – an ideal multigenerational holiday home.
WORTH A VISIT
Hayle. We had a meal at Salt Bar Kitchen. Although they had a ramp to go inside, we decided to eat outside under the heat lamps to keep us cosy. The staff were very welcoming. We chose catch of the day fish and chips as well as local monkfish and tiger prawn skewers – thinking, when by the sea, order fish.
St Ives is a short drive away. The artsy town, admittedly with the steep narrow winding lanes, isn’t the most accessible; however, we managed. We preferred going along the flatter promenade, where we ate exceptional fish and chips, followed by Cornish ice cream and took in a few art galleries. But the highlight was lunch at Porthminster Café. The incredible staff put down a ramp which made it very easy for mum to get in, we had a central table with lots of space around to manoeuvre, and eye-wateringly beautiful views of the brilliant blue sea. We went for local mussels and chips and some of us washed it down with a refreshing Cornish ‘Doombar’ ale. It is worth noting that Porthminster beach has easy accessible access and you can even hire a sand chair to trample across the sand, though mum didn’t do that on this occasion.
Land’s End. Britain’s most south-westerly point and one of the world’s most famous landmarks is surprisingly accessible. Mum’s electric scooter could follow the cliff top trails as we walked beside her taking in the fabulous scenery.
Penzance is 10 miles from Land’s End, an ancient market town and the Capital of the far west of Cornwall. It’s located in the clear waters of Mounts Bay and you can spot St Michael’s Mount. The town is certainly accessible, with wide pavements to scoot along. There are plenty of shops and cafes. Be sure to get yourself a Cornish pasty from Warrens Bakery; the fifth-generation family business is the oldest commercial bakery in Cornwall, as well as the oldest Cornish Pasty company in the world. They use West country ingredients and the recipes have been passed down through the generations – their pasties are still crimped by hand the traditional way, yum!
Find out more about our accessible holiday home at https://www.aspects-holidays.co.uk
