Several generations in one family can holiday together in a superb 4 Star self-catering property in the idyllic surroundings of Birchcroft Hideaway, a roomy chalet bungalow in the Dorset countryside. Set in 1½ acres of gardens, the property accommodates up to eight people plus babies, including part-time wheelchair users, and recently won gold in the Dorset Tourism Awards for Accessible and Inclusive tourism.
The 1960s property is ideally placed for exploring the scenic South West, including Corfe Castle, the Jurassic coast beloved by fossil hunters and the popular seaside towns of Bournmouth, Poole and Christchurch with their fabulous Blue Flag beaches.
Swanage is another top spot with its lively seaside position offering shops, heritage railway and Tilly Whim Caves. Also within an easy drive is the New Forest with its free ranging ponies, National Nature Reserve and attractions such as Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum.
The Birchcroft bungalow has been a much loved family home, while being beautifully maintained and modernised, with upgraded showers a very recent addition. It stands in a secluded spot at the end of a lane, ensuring perfect privacy, yet is only a short drive from the A31 and Dudsbury Golf Course. There are numerous pleasant places to dine out – some only a stroll away – and there are several National Trust properties within reasonable driving distance.
The four bedrooms including two on the ground floor, one of which has a hospital-style bed and access to a wetroom shower. Mobility aids are provided free of charge, including a riser chair in the lounge, a loop system for people with impaired hearing and visual aids to assist people with eyesight problems.
The mature gardens are a sheer delight for nature lovers, attracting a plethora of birdlife along with deer, foxes and rabbits. They also include plenty of play space and a terrace for relaxed al fresco eating and relaxation with views of a lake. Alongside the property is public woodland giving access to many beautiful walks including those along the River Stour which meanders nearby.
New to Birchcroft this season is the state-of-the-art Touch Stay app. Using a dedicated WiFi code, this acts as a virtual guidebook to the accommodation and all its equipment, the locality and all its attractions, places to eat, drink, socialise, work out, find shops and services and make any bookings.
Owner Sonia Hall says: “We’ve tried hard to ensure our guests can enjoy a lovely holiday altogether, including their older or less able members. We’ve provided all sorts of disability aids, such as walkers, commodes and wheelchairs, so that they don’t have to fill up the space in their cars. Everything they need is here to make it easy for them.”
