Accessibility
This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors.
Access Statement for Varis
Introduction
Varis is a three bedroomed bungalow, centrally located for the attractions of Skye and Lochalsh. The property is set in an elevated location with views over Lochalsh to Skye and the Glen Elg peninsula.
The property normally sleeps 6 people in three bedrooms, all on one level. In addition we can accommodate an infant in a travel cot.
The property was built in 1979 and can accommodate people with some mobility impairment, but there are 5 steps to the main door with a handrail on one side only.
The rear door reached via gravel paths has two steps and no handrail. Once inside, all accommodation is on one level.
We aim to make the property more than comfortable. Assistance dogs are welcome at no charge.
We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01358 742048 / 07429 603268 or email bookings@VarisHoliday.co.uk.
The property is approximate 450m from the main A87 reached via a narrow single track road with few passing places. There is a short steep section on the road which rises from close to sea level to approximately 25m above sea level.
The nearest railway station is Kyle of Lochalsh (5 miles). Taxis are available but should be booked in advance.
The nearest bus stop is on the A87 and is served by both local and long distance services.
In general, we would only recommend the property to those with their own transport. Car and cycle hire is available locally but should be arranged in advance.
Key Collection, Welcome and Car Parking
We will always provide access to keys to suit your needs. There is a full set of Welcome Information provided and we are readily contactable to help in case of any difficulty.
There is ample parking at the house including immediately adjacent to the main door. The parking area is tarmac and gravel. The area is lit by lights outside the main door.
Entrance to Property
The main door is 79 cm / 31 inches wide with a door from the lobby into the house 73cm / 29 inches wide. Doors into the property re fully glazed. There is a stool and a shoe rack that can be sat upon in the lobby.
Internal doors in the property are 76cm wide and are solid doors with fire doors between hall and utility room, hall and sitting/dining room and between kitchen and utility room. The door between the utility room and the hall is fully glazed.
The lobby has a parquet floor with a removable mat.
Halls, Passageways
The hall has a hard floor and is well lit with ceiling lights. The minimum width, clear of any obtacles is 100cm /39 inches.
Sitting Room/Lounge
This large room has a hard floor with large rugs.
It has two leather sofas and an armchair which can be moved to suit. The cushions are wool covered and do not contain feathers.
The dining table has six wooden chairs with removable seat pads. The table is 76cm / 30 inches high and has clear access underneath to a height of 70cm / 27 inches.
The sideboard contains extra glasses and cutlery.
There is a wood burning stove and a TV.
Natural daylight is provided by two windows to the east and a large south facing window. There are two overhead lights, a standard lamp and a table lamp.
Snug
This room contains a TV. There is a large sofa, and armchair which can be moved to suit.
The floor is hard with a large rug.
Kitchen
The kitchen is fully fitted with the usual range of units at a height of 94cm / 37 inches
There is an electric induction hob and an electric oven with grill. We are aware that there may be an issue with an induction hob and guests with pacemakers. Using the rear rings only should provide sufficient separation. See advice from British Heart Foundation
The fridge/freezer has a full size fridge on top of a three drawer freezer unit.
Pans, bowls, crockery etc are in cupboards below the worksurface. Mugs and glasses are in wall cupbaords but can be moved to lower access on request.
Bedrooms
There are three bedrooms, all accessed from the hall. The larger shower room is close to all three bedrooms. There is an emergency light torch/nightlight just outside the shower room door.
The largest bedroom has a wooden floor with rugs and a 6ft wide super king bed. There is clear space of 65 cm /26 inches to both side of the bed. There is ample storage in a fitted wardrobe with sliding doors and interior shelves. There are two bedside tables each with a lamp. There is a dressing table and two chairs. The room can accommodate a cot.
The second bedrooms is normally setup with two 3ft single beds but these can be zipped together to form a 6ft super king bed. There is a wooden floor and bedside rugs which can be lifted if required. In the twin bed configuration, there is clear space of 90-100 cm /35-39 inches to the side of the bed nearest the door with a narrower space of 60cm /24 inches to the second bed. Wall lights provide lighting to the beds and there are bedside tables for each bed. There is ample storage in a fitted wardrobe with sliding doors and interior shelves plus a small unit with shelves and drawer and a mirror. This bed is higher than the bed in the larger bedroom.
The third bedroom has twin beds with a 50cm /18 inch space between. There is a short pile carpet. a bedside table between the beds has a lamp for each bed. There is ample storage in a fitted wardrobe with interior shelves and sliding doors.
Shower-rooms and Toilets
The main shower room is accessed from the hall in the vicinity of the bedrooms. It is fitted a 1600mm by 900mm near level access walk in shower, a toilet and a wash hand basin. The floor is covered in laminate flooring. There is room for a wheelchair to enter and for the users to transfer to the toilet but no special aids are provided. There is a shower stool provided. The mirror has an LED light built in and the switch for this provides a very low level of light which some find adequate for night-time toiletting.
The shower room is accessed from the utility room. It has a large low access shower 1000mm by 900m with a pivot door, a shallow wash hand basin and toilet, maximising space in this small room.
Laundry/Utility Room
The utility room is accessed from the hall.
There is a washing machine and a tumble drier, both front loading under a worktop with a small wash hand basin.
Internal drying space is available from an airer or an overhead drying rack.
The room is lit from the ceiling and has a cork floor with a washable mat.
Garden
The garden is mainly laid to grass with gravel paths close to the house with one wooden bench against the house and additional garden chairs and table available.
There are covered drying lines at the rear of the house and a rotary drier to the front. Additional drying lines are in the garage. Guest are welcome to use the garage to store sports and other equipment,
Heating and Hot Water
Heating and hot water is provided by an air source heat pump. Heat is delivered to radiators in each room. These operate at lower temperatures than most systems. A controller allows guests to adjust the programmed temperature to suit their own needs. Hot water is normally set at 50C but a disinfection cycle raises this to 60C once a week.
Fire Alarms
We have interlinked fire alarms and guests are welcome to use the Test button in the utility room to familiarise themselves with the sound. If guests are hard of hearing, we are happy to provide a light/vibration alarm which will be triggered by the sound of our alarms but will require notice to provide this.
Emergency Light
An emergency torch will automatically come on in the hall if power is lost : it also automatically switches on when lifted from its holder.
Additional Information
Assistance dogs are welcome and we do not charge for these. We follow the advice offered at https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/assistance-dogs-guide-all-businesses?return-url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.equalityhumanrights.com%2Fsearch%3Fkeys%3Dassistance%2Bdog
Generally the house is decorated in light neutral colours with wooden doors.
There is patchy mobile phone reception but a telephone is provided. Free WiFi is available.
The nearest hospital with Accident & Emergency facilities is at Broadford, Isle of Skye (13 miles). Further information is provided in the Welcome Folder.
There is information on local attractions, shopping and other facilities provided in the house.
Future Plans
The bathroom and shower rooms were refurbished in 2021. The kitchen probably the next target.
Contact Information
Property Address: Varis, Reraig, Balmacara, Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8DH
Owners’ Address : Westmost Cottage, Balmedie, AB23 8XU
Grid reference: NG 81861 27361
Longitude/Latitude: N 57:17:05 (57.284657) W 5:37:16 (-5.621017)
Owners’ Telephone: 01358 742048 / 07429 603268
Email: bookings@VarisHoliday.co.uk
Website: www.VarisHoliday.co.uk
Last updated : 31st May 2024