The Rings is a fully accessible holiday cottage that is set in 90 acres of peaceful Fife countryside. The cottage is the brainchild of farm owners Moira and David Henderson. The couple embarked on a journey to create unique and much needed accessible accommodation, enabling holidays for all.

Background

Moira recognised the need for accessible accommodation after experiencing the challenges of finding suitable accommodation when holidaying with her late cousin, Alex. Moira soon discovered that many others had gone through the same experience when searching for fully accessible accommodation in Scotland. For many years there has been two holiday caravans on the farm. Although the caravans were not accessible, there was potential to build fully accessible accommodation on the grounds of the farm.

Planning

Gaining planning permission to build accessible accommodation on the farm proved to be a lengthy and challenging process. The initial plan was to build two-storeys; however, this was rejected on the grounds that it would dominate the landscape. After a rethink, award winning architects Chambers McMillan, who specialise in creating accessible architecture, were approached to complete a re-design. Backed by a number of enthusiastic supporters, the new design was granted planning permission.

Inclusive Design

The cottage can accommodate families/groups of up to 16 people. It can also be sub-divided to allow smaller groups to book what they need. All the rooms are on one level, corridors and doors are wheel chair accessible and turning circles have been planned into the cottage. Each of the eight bedrooms has an ensuite wetroom. There is a ceiling track hoists in three of the ensuite bedrooms and these have baths as well as the wet room, one has a lifter seat and spa. The decor takes account of those with sensory impairments and the sound proofed walls keeps noise to a minimum to promote a peaceful stay.

Result

The Rings officially opened for business during Easter 2016. Moira was encouraged to write a book about the journey to build The Rings. The proceeds of the book will help to buy equipment that had to be put on hold with the challenges that were faced.

The book can be purchased via the following link: “The Journey To The Rings: You Couldn’t Make It Up”

For further information, please contact:

The Rings,
Ring Farm,
Chance Inn, Cupar,
Fife, Scotland
United Kingdom
KY15 5PQ
Telephone: +44 (0) 1334 828243
Mobile: +44 (0) 7764 235673
E-mail: ringfarm@hotmail.com