A FEW years ago there was hardly a single holiday home available for those with mobility difficulties, other than bespoke models from smaller manufacturers. Pemberton were among the first to provide dedicated units, designed from the outset to accommodate wheelchair users.

The aim of the Harmony is clear. It is a top-of-the-range model, available for £41,911 ex-works retail, widening the choice of accessible models available on the market. It is also an alternative to Pemberton’s own Sovereign, which has been around a while and is about £8,000 cheaper.

The key feature of any accessible model, of course, is the ability to progress unhindered through the home, with wide spaces and special wide doorways.

Access

The Harmony has two external doors at the side, requiring both a verandah and a ramp, but once those are in place, they provide easy access for a wheelchair user into either the living or sleeping ends.

Entering via the lounge door, you face the dining table – with space at the end for a wheelchair. In the lounge area there is an emphasis on comfort, with two well-upholstered sofas, a two and a three-seater – the latter with a sofa-bed.

The hard-wearing carpet is suitable for wheelchairs, both from the point of view of heavy traffic, and having not too deep a pile, which would impede progress. Subtle shades of beige and mocha are restful on the eye, including the flowered curtains, which hang on stainless steel poles.

The lounge has a large, wall-hung pebble-effect electric fire. A corner unit is TV ready and there’s further storage in a wall-hung glass-fronted cupboard with an illuminated shelf for ornaments etc under it.

Galley kitchen

A wide galley kitchen is a suitable design for someone using a wheelchair, because it allows a straight run through. Work surfaces are lowered to suit, though appliances such as the microwave would be out of reach. There is space under the sink for a wheelchair, so you can offer to do the washing up, and there is also space for a dishwasher, so you may not have to! Alternatively you could have a washing machine in this space.

Standard in the kitchen are the low level cooker with electronic ignition, with curved glass extractor hood above it. There is an integrated fridge-freezer and microwave. Both kitchen and shower rooms have single lever mixer taps for ease of use.

Sleep glorious sleep

The practical sliding door to the twin bedroom is opposite the kitchen and here there is space to run the wheelchair between the fixed twin beds, though not much of a turning circle. One bed is 3ft wide and one 2ft 6in. A high level mirrored wardrobe is above a two-drawer unit that acts as a bedside table for both beds and has a TV point above.

The other bedroom is a master, with luxurious fabric-covered headboard, a corner TV unit and other storage. It is possible to access this bed, too, with a wheelchair, at the near side.

In the corner is an en suite shower room, and that would not be accessible to a wheelchair user. However, just as close, through the sliding door from the bedroom, is the large and deliberately accessible shower room, which sits between the two bedrooms.

Showers for all

Features of the accessible shower room include a wall-hung basin, which can be used from a wheelchair, and a very large shower with small lip and a wall-hung seat, as well as strategically placed grab handles. The WC is a little higher than the norm, and has an adjacent grab handle and projecting bar at the other side. All-in-all itt has been well thought out, given the available space.

Who for?

Parties with one wheelchair user, or just possibly two. Couples who are getting on a bit and would like the assurance of an easy access shower, a solid seat to shower on, grab handles to steady themselves. People with a wheeled walker would find this great for getting around. The Harmony is designed for buyers who would like a ‘step up’ from the cheaper models available, including Pemberton’s Sovereign. At 39ft by 12ft it is two feet longer, too. While the Sovereign is reminiscent of caravan design, with fixed seating (plenty of it), the Harmony goes up the range with free-standing furniture, and a higher level of comfort. As usual, budget may be the deciding factor, but it is nice to have a choice.

It has to be said at this point what you already know – that everyone’s needs are different and it is difficult to manufacture an off-the-peg model to suit everyone. There is an assumption that you will be with a carer, and can therefore have help with accessing items such as clothes from the wardrobe, and parts of the kitchen. In the size available for most holiday homes, I think it would be very difficult to create an accessible model where you could have total independence.

OUR VERDICT

It looks to me as though Pemberton have had a good shot at incorporating as many accessible features as possible, a case of a quart in a point pot! If you get the chance to try before you buy, that would, of course, be best with a purchase of this nature. Certain customising may be possible; an option, for example, is to have full-height work surfaces. Only you will know whether this model meets your needs and those of your companions. It is certainly a good attempt to marry style and comfort with practical accessibility.



Technical details
• Type: single unit caravan holiday home
• Standard: BS EN1647
• Size: 39ft x 12ft
• Bedrooms: 2

Main features
• UPVC double glazing
• Panoramic front bay windows
• Two wide exterior doors
• Gas combi central heating
• Vaulted ceilings throughout
• Velux window to dining area
• Sliding door access to all rooms (except en suite)
• Freestanding lounge suite (3-seat sofabed, plus 2-seat sofa)
• Freestanding dining table and four chairs
• Integrated fridge/freezer
• Low level hob and oven
• Low level kitchen worktops and space under sink
• Space and plumbing for dishwasher or washing machine
• Accessible shower room with large shower, recessed tray for level entry, fold-out seat and support rails

Selected options
• Low wattage convector heaters and/or panel heraters instead of gas combi central heating
• Standard height kitchen surfaces
• Leather lounge suite
• Dishwasher or washing machine
• Vinyl, timber or Canexel cladding

Price
£44,599 ex works (inc VAT @ 17.5%)

CONTACT

Pemberton Leisure Homes, Woodhouse Lane, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 7NF. Tel: 01942 321221. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.pembertonlh.co.uk


This review was published in the January 2011 issue of Park & Holiday Homes. To order a copy of Park & Holiday Homes please click here