Meet the Escape Owners at The Anchorage, Cromer

Can you tell us a little about you and the name of your escape?

Hi – we are Steve and Clare Parker and live in the pretty West Norfolk village of Great Massingham. Steve had to give up work as MD of a Sign Manufacturing business in 2011 due to the Progressive Multiple Sclerosis that he suffers from progressing and I gave up full time work to look after him in 2016 so we decided to purchase a holiday home on the coast to help supplement our income as retirement age was someway off at that point! The Anchorage became a reality in 2017.

Can you tell us a little more about your escape?

The Anchorage is situated in a peaceful position just a few minutes from the town centre and famous pier in the North Norfolk seaside town of Cromer. We were so lucky to find an old 1960’s bungalow sitting on a lovely large corner plot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac that we were able to completely renovate to make it a wheelchair friendly holiday home which sleeps 4 people. We were able to move walls to give as much space as possible to manoeuvre a wheelchair in the open plan lounge/kitchen and dining area and made one of the bedrooms as large as possible with an en-suite wet-room with enough space for both a chair and a hoist should one be needed. The second bedroom also has its own en suite shower room but this is not wheelchair accessible. We then completed the work by wrapping the back of the bungalow in a lovely decking area which is accessible by 2 sets of bi-fold doors from the lounge, again great for wheelchair users and a ramp runs down from the decking onto the large lawned area again making this part of the garden wheelchair-accessible as well. The garden is completely fenced in so is child and dog friendly and we do allow up to 2 dogs at a small extra charge.

What inspired you to ensure your escape was accessible?

We had found it difficult to find accommodation that was suitable for my wheelchair bound husband and I to stay in so thought it was an opportunity to try and do something special ourselves and give others the chance to have relaxing holidays in the lovely seaside town of Cromer.

What is unique about your escape?

When redesigning the bungalow we felt it had to be light, airy, relaxing and as comfortable as possible. We went to some trouble to make the wet-room look more like a hotel bathroom than hospital bathroom and to ensure the electric rise/recline beds and riser-recliner chair were of good quality. We designed it around Steve’s disability needs so for some people needing fixed hoists and profiling beds our home will not be suitable I am afraid. But we are happy to help customers hire in a mobile hoist and any other equipment they might feel they need. We do supply free of charge a Return 7500 standing frame, a manual wheelchair and a shower chair or shower wheelchair. There is also a travel cot and highchair for our younger guests.

Do you have a favourite local accessible café, restaurant or pub?

A lot of the café’s in the town are accessible although it does depend on the size of your wheelchair. The best accessible Café with a seaview is The Rocket House https://www.rockethousecafe.co.uk/and their food is delicious with an evening menu in season as well. The Danes at Sheringham is a wonderful old hotel where you step back in time with great food and service and The Pheasant Hotel at High Kelling is also another accessible restaurant to go to for a special treat. For people watching a trip to the wonderful Gunton Arms Pub which is only 10 minutes from The Anchorage is a must  https://www.theguntonarms.co.uk/

Can you recommend any local accessible attractions or activities?

Amazona Zoo – Unique zoo featuring over 200 South American animals, plus an indoor play area, cafe & gift shop  https://amazonazoo.co.uk/. Fish and chips on the pier. Crabbing from the pier. National Trust Felbrigg Hall and Blickling Hall. The Norfolk Broads – Wheelchair friendly day boat hire from  https://www.broadstours.co.uk/wheelchair-friendly-day-boat-hire/ and many of the Wildlife Trust sites and RSPB sites have boardwalks suitable for wheelchair users to go birdwatching.

The best part about welcoming guests to your accessible escape?

To know that we have given people the chance to come on holiday to a lovely corner of England and hopefully make it a happy, stress free and relaxing experience for the whole family including the dog!

You can read more about Steve and Clare’s accessible escape here!

https://accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk/escapes/the-anchorage/