Accessibility Statement
Gages Mill dates from the 14 Century and was originally a Fulling Mill. Whilst the internal layout is full of character it is not built to modern day accessibility standards / regulations. Externally we have good car access, you can ‘drop off’ outside the front door and parking is 50 yards away (still in the grounds).
The building itself is on several ‘split levels’ on each floor, i.e. on each floor there will be at least 2 steps to climb / descend in order to gain full access. We have two staircases, both leading from the ground to the first floor. Both sets of staircase are steeper than a modern design – though both have good hand-rails to aid ascent / descent.
Our twin room is on the ground floor – to access this room you need to climb two internal steps. The room has an en-suite with a shower over the bath. The bath has high sides which need to be ‘stepped over’ in order to gain access to the bath. The bath itself is a bespoke design and is about 5 feet long.
If you have any concerns about accessibility please do give us a call – we would be happy to discuss. Of course, when you are here, we will be more than happy to help you to move luggage to and from your rooms and do anything else we can to help.
With you in mind
As in all areas of life there is a lot that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to ensure that what you experience is of a good quality. We believe in providing a service with solid foundations not just in quality but also in safety. How have we achieved this?
- We have achieved a 4 Star Rating with the AA Ratings Standard.
- We have been awarded a ‘5 Star Food Hygiene Rating’ with the Food Standards Agency as assessed by Teignbridge District Council.
- Kate has achieved Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Food Safety for Catering. Nathan has achieved the Level 2 Award.
- Kate has achieved a Level 2 Award in Food Safety.
- Kate has attended a One Week Intermediate Cookery Course at the Ashburton Cookery School.
- We are members of the Dartmoor Partnership.
- We are members of the Federation of Small Businesses.
- The Devon and Somerset Fire Rescue Service inspected Gages Mill in August 2010 and confirmed that we are ‘Broadly Compliant’ – as glowing an accolade as they will publish.
- We have a Level 2 Fire Alarm System that is maintained regularly by Westcountry Fire Protection.
- We commission annual electrical PAT (Periodical Appliance Testing) of all items in guest bedrooms.
- Kate and Nathan are both trained as Fire Wardens.
- Kate and Nathan both hold HSE Level 2 Awards in Emergency First Aid at Work
- We commissioned a 5 Year Fixed Wiring assessment and remedial work of Gages Mill in September 2009 (when we purchased the property) and again in September 2014.
- Our mattresses are treated annually by Mattress Medics who use a system of ultraviolet sterilisation and deep vacuuming to maintain freshness and cleanliness
- We have £5 million of public liability insurance cover.
Before we purchased Gages Mill we had not heard of much of the above – now we’d think twice about staying anywhere that didn’t have it.
The Environment
Running a guest house requires a lot of energy. We have done our best to limit energy usage as follows –
- Our washing machines are A rated for energy consumption.
- Our tumble dryers are A+ rated, they use 40% less electricity than an A rated model.
- Of course, we dry on the line whenever possible.
- Our freezer is A+ rated.
- Our larder fridge is A+ rated.
- We have replaced all bulbs (where possible and including halogens) for energy efficient ones.
- Our dishwasher is A rated.
As we need to replace equipment we always seek to purchase the most energy efficient model that our budget allows.
We believe we use around 30% less gas and electricity than was used previously – based upon annual expenditure.
We are delighted to have been awarded Dartmoor First status by the Dartmoor National Park Authority with effect from May 2012. Dartmoor First is an award for everyone associated with Dartmoor to recognise their commitment to sustaining Dartmoor and its special qualities.
Gages Mill is on the southern edge of Dartmoor, just a few minutes walk from the fantastic town of Ashburton, Devon. A perfect base from which to explore many areas of the South West Coast.
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