It is hoped that the historic Moat House could offer a tourism boost for the town, as word spreads about this unique facility developed over the past two years.
The Moat House is owned by Martin Storer and his wife Joanna along with his brother and family, and Martin said: “This has been a bigger project than we originally thought, but worthwhile and it’s all finally come together.”
Martin notes the existence of holiday lets with ‘disabled access’, but says this project could be a first of its type in the UK — taking a large, historic building dating back to at least 1805 and restoring and refitting it to become a fully disabled-friendly holiday let.
He said: “We’ve tried to cater for all levels of disability so whether you are independently mobile, a wheelchair user, or someone with complex care needs, The Moat House should provide all the facilities desired.”
The attractive Bruce Street property is capable of sleeping 12 in five sizeable rooms, and includes a passenger lift and X-Y ceiling hoists and profiling beds in two of the rooms.
There are two large wetrooms, one with height adjustable shower bed, a high-tech toilet and X-Y hoist. There is also a spacious lounge and expansive farmhouse style kitchen with adaptive technology including a rise and fall sink and hob unit to assist wheelchair users
The family spent a number of years searching for a property to develop — originally as a family home for themselves — with an eye to accommodating disabled friends and relatives.
But as health professionals, Martin and Jo could see the potential benefits to others, and Martin said: “We enjoy having family holidays, and think it’s important to help other people who would otherwise find it difficult to get away.”
He added: “Dumfries and Galloway has a lot to offer and hopefully people can come here safe in the knowledge that they will have access to all the facilities that they might have at home and possibly a bit more.”
