Gwenoldy - access

Gwenoldy (Swallows’ Rest) is situated a kilometre of steep hill away from the nearest public transport on the A541 Mold to Denbigh road. The cottage affords marvellous views and is situated in gently undulating farming country, with the seasonal sounds of lambs and cattle, together with birdsong, always evident. It has its own garden within the larger grounds of the neighbouring house, where many scented plants grow. The cottage has an oil-fired central heating system as well as a wood-burning stove.

Most visitors arrive by car along a track which reaches a large, gently sloping turning-and-parking area immediately outside the cottage. Two shallow steps lead to the most-used entrance, taking you into the fully equipped kitchen via double doors, each 980 mm wide. The floor is tiled, and the kitchen furniture affords plenty of support, with seats at the dining table. The gas cooker has a piezo ignition facility.

A single 225 mm step leads down to the living room, which has a two-seater sofa, two armchairs and two dining chairs at a side table. The living room has oak floors with large rugs on anti-slip underlay. An 860 mm wide door leads out via 2 very shallow and one 200 mm steps to the private lawned garden.

The upstairs rooms are accessed via a carpeted staircase of eleven 200 mm steps. Support is provided by a banister rail, with an extra handrail at the head of the stairs. The double bedroom and bathroom are entered at the level of the carpeted landing; the twin bedroom up a 200 mm step. The bathroom has a bath with shower over and an anti-slip mat. Handrails are provided around the bath.

Clothes-drying facilities (tumble drier and hanging rack), together with maps and tourist information, are provided in the bake-house opposite the cottage. This is reached across the parking area, down three 200 mm steps (handrail provided) and along a short, cobbled path.

We are planning to remove one of the two very shallow steps on the way to the private garden.