Introduction
We like to cater for the needs of all visitors. Orchard Lodge, like Boscastle itself, is on several levels and access for some may present difficulties. Please contact us for specific information but we hope the following will be helpful:
Buses, trains and getting here
Orchard Lodge is situated at the top of New Road at the junction with Gunpool Lane and Doctor’s Corner. There is a slight incline from our driveway, but an otherwise easy walk to and from bus stops 100 metres away. There are regular bus services to and from Bude and Wadebridge. The nearest railway station is Bodmin Parkway, a 35 minute journey by car and there are bus connections via Wadebridge. Although narrow, Gunpool Lane can be accessed from New Road by car and small commercial vehicles.
Arrival, parking and reception
There is parking for up to five guest vehicles on the level driveway and there is one step into the front entrance. We offer assistance with luggage and equipment and are here to welcome new arrivals. There is a 25 cm (10 inch) high threshold to the front door (the only public access). The front door lock and handle is approximately 120 cm (47 inches) from the ground and opened using a Yale-type key, provided to all guests. Final entry is over a 7cm (three inch) step through the hallway door. The hallway is 124 cm (48 inches) wide; it has a laminate floor. Parking and pathways and entry areas are illuminated at night.
Useful information about the house and gardens
The main sitting room and dining room are on the ground floor; both have wide access with an eight cm (three inch approx) step through double doors into the dining room. One low threshold through double doors gives access onto a level, paved patio area. The garden, which is on several levels, can be accessed only via a high step down. The front gardens at Orchard Lodge are reached via four stone steps, but there is a level tarmac area approaching the garden from the driveway.
Bedrooms
The bedrooms are configured as twins, doubles and a single, all en-suite. All doors are 76 cm (30 inches wide). Three bedrooms can be reached via two short staircases, one of five steps, the other eight. Two more guest rooms are reached via two staircases, one of five steps, the other of eight steps. The staircases are of wooden construction, with fixed carpets and solid edging and 84 cm (33 inches) wide. There is a substantial wooden banister at normal waist height on one side. All light switches, with the exception of pull cords, are approximately 130 cm from the floor. All doors are of solid wood construction and are fire resistant and mainly self-closing. some in the public areas are also fitted with self closing devices. Door handles are approximately 87 cm (34 inches) from floor level. Televisions have remote controls.
En-suites and showers
There are no baths in guest rooms. There is one step of approximately 23 cm (nine inches) into each shower enclosure, four of which have double sliding access; two others have single door access. Floors in all en-suite rooms are ceramic tiles. Taps, hand basins, towel rails, mirrors and lavatory fittings are at standard height. There are pull cord light switches or external wall switches for all en-suites. There is ease of movement in four bathrooms, the fifth, though in the biggest bedroom, maybe less accessible to those with impaired mobility, as is the single en-suite. There are several electric sockets in each bedroom, all approximately 35 cm (14 inches) from the floor. Bedside lights are push button or touch switch operated. Windows are approximately 90 cm (36 inches) from the floor and all are double glazed and open via self locking thumb latches.
Emergency procedures
There is no other access other than via the staircases and landings. Illuminated emergency exit signs are displayed throughout the building; emergency exits are the front door and patio doors from the dining room, reached via stairs. There is a centralised fire alarm system and smoke detectors in all areas. Fire extinguishers are in all areas. There is an emergency lighting system and emergency alarm (break glass) buttons are also illuminated. Guests with impaired hearing are asked to advise us.
Boscastle and around
Orchard Lodge is at the top of Boscastle Village and there is a very steep incline to the harbour where most of the pubs, restaurants and shops are situated. There is one pub nearby, the Napoleon Inn, which is reached via a short, but steep incline. There is no level approach to the Napoleon. It does have a car park. There is a filling station and shop close by. The main car park for the Post Office, shops and restaurants is near the harbour and has level access. Parts of the harbour are level, although the upper areas can be reached only via steps and steep, often slippery, pathways. The local bus service can be used from Orchard Lodge to and from the harbour.