Ensuring that Treseren is a wheelchair accessible wedding venue has always been important for us – as a B Corp organisation that prioritises people and planet, our policy to be as an inclusive and accessible to all is paramount. It is so important to the team that everyone feels welcomed and comfortable when they visit Treseren. As a Grade II listed building, there are some things that we cannot change, but for guests with accessibility needs related to mobility, we have a ground floor bedroom and bathroom and enable full access to the downstairs of the house and grounds with the help of a wheelchair ramp. However, we are of course always striving to make improvements and were very excited to have the opportunity to turn this ground floor bathroom into a fully accessible wet room, increasing our available facilities as a wheelchair accessible wedding venue.
It was really important for us from the beginning that this space reflected the design led interiors of the rest of Treseren, and material choices were to be determined by both style and practicality. We wanted the finished bathroom to offer a luxury experience for everyone that uses the space. This was no mean feat – and it quickly became apparent that lots of products designed to aid with accessibility are not necessarily the most aesthetic choices. Whilst this is of course unavoidable in some areas and the function and quality of products should always take priority, there were lots of areas where this was not the case – for instance a brushed gold grab rail is equally as functional as a gloss white version, yet arguably a little more fabulous!
Creating our wheelchair accessible wet room – the design process
We undertook lots of research before making any final decisions, and began the journey working with a great company called Fine and Able, sister company to Motion Spot who specialise in creating accessible spaces that are both beautiful and practical. They helped us create our initial design and we then took the project in house, spending a great deal of time researching the best components and materials.
We consulted closely with old friends Tanya and Andy during the project – Emma’s BBC colleagues when she worked in film and television before setting up Treseren.
Tanya Motie is a disabled activist and former BBC TV executive who sits on the BBC’s Diversity Advisory Board and was awarded an MBE in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List for her Services to Inclusivity and Diversity. Andy Gilbert is a former Paralympic swimmer and medal winner, so we felt lucky to be able to benefit from their expertise to inform our project with real, experienced first-hand knowledge.
Tanya and Andy came to stay during the planning stage of the project and became our Diversity Advisors, helping us identify key areas to consider ensuring ease of use and safety for individuals with mobility restrictions –
Roll in access to entire space, including the shower
Ample space for manoeuvrability and space for transfers for wheelchair users
Easy to access light switch (we opted for a motion sensor)
A mirror at correct height for sitting and standing
Non-slip tiles
A roll-under sink
Strategically placed grab rails to help users with a range of accessibility needs
A comfort height toilet
The lovely thing about working with Tanya and Andy was the timing could not have been better, because they were also renovating their own bathroom in London in their very stylish home and they shared our vision for creating a beautiful as well as accessible space, so we were able to swap interior design ideas and share links for fabulous non-slip tiles and the best options for shower seats. There was a constant flow of WhatsApp messages and links when they returned to London after their visit!
Small design touches can make a big difference
One simple and inexpensive thing Tanya highlighted as a priority was to ensure that the mirror we chose would work for all. Because the basin had to be positioned under the window to create maximum space around the WC for ease of access and space for wheelchair transfer, the positioning and practicality of a mirror was already a challenging conundrum. After extensive research, we found a long, tilting / swivelling mirror, which was then strategically positioned so that guests standing or sitting at the basin can use the mirror equally well.
We opted for a motion light sensor which automatically switches the bathroom light on so those who have difficulty with switches or need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night do not have to worry about finding the switch.
One area that definitely caused a few sleepless nights was the shower screen, in the original blueprint from Motion Spot this was more of a ‘cubicle’ design, however with the space provided it became apparent that this would not be the most practical option, and so our hunt for a screen that folded completely away to the wall began. After an extensive Google search and lots of phone calls, we managed to find what seemed to be the one available screen in the whole country. We are so pleased that we persevered with this plan, as the screen is completely foldable meaning a larger shower space can be created if, for instance, assistance is needed, and the ‘wheel in’ space is ample.
Another key decision in the design process was to swap the proposed wall-hung shower seat for a sturdy mobile seat that can be placed in the optimal position for each individual.
The aesthetics of the interior
We chose the vibrant green Fellini tiles from Claybrook studio which vary in pigmentation and create a beautiful effect across the back wall of the space. The brushed gold grab rails and accessories from Lusso add warmth and glow to complement the adjoining bedroom, which was also recently renovated to create a calming space with panelling in Farrow and Ball’s Stone Blue and linen fabrics. The colour palette harmonises the ensuite with the bedroom and reflects the stunning setting at Treseren, which is surrounded by nature with beautiful gardens and countryside views.
Guest Feedback for the new accessible facilities
Since completing the project, we have been delighted to welcome a number of guests who have enjoyed a luxurious bathroom experience while staying in Skye Cottage. Our very first wedding after the completion of the project enabled bride, Abbie’s grandfather who was in his nineties and used a walker to assist him, to be completely independent during his stay in the newly created accessible ensuite bathroom. Our couple, Abbie and George sent us an email after their wedding to thank us for their wedding stay:
“We couldn’t be happier that we chose such a beautiful venue with such lovely interior for our wedding. The new renovations were enjoyed by all, and we were particularly impressed by the accessible bathroom. All of our guests had a wonderful time and couldn’t be more impressed with your hospitality.”
We are also finding that because Skye Cottage offers a beautiful space with upstairs apartment as well as the beautiful ground floor bedroom and bathroom ensuite, some couples are opting to stay in this newer wing of the house and use the bedroom and bathroom as their principal bedroom. For many, our beautiful Middleton bedroom in the original Georgian part of the house will remain first choice, but for our May couple Chloe and Ben the beautiful new bathroom was the cherry on the cake when they opted to stay in Skye Cottage for their wedding weekend.
More recently, we hosted a Supper Club with talented chef Adam Banks, and our family friends Ade, Linda and their 2 children Bolla and Zayla came to stay for the weekend.
Ade Adepitan and Emma met while working at the BBC together and you may recognise Ade from his presenting work or as a member of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team – for which he was a Paralympic gold medallist. We felt proud to be able to offer Ade and his family accommodation that suited all of their needs and Ade kindly gave us feedback about his stay at Treseren.
‘What Treseren have done with their accessible room, creating a bathroom with a roll-in shower, the sinks at the right height, the multiple grab rails – For me, it just takes any stress out of the situation. It means I can come here and I can enjoy the feast and I can hang out with my lovely friends knowing that my access needs are taken care of.’
Wheelchair Accessible Wedding Venue | Planning a wedding at Treseren with Accessible Requirements
Please do visit our accessibility page for further information about Treseren as a wheelchair accessible wedding venue – this is a great place to start to explore everything in more detail.
To help couples decide if Treseren and the spaces on offer will work for them or guests with accessibility needs, we offer guided accessibility virtual tours which offer 360 degree views of the house and gardens, so you can get a feel for how our spaces will work for you. During the tour we can discuss ceremony and dining options and the creation of a plan for accommodating specific needs; whether they be centred around mobility, or other considerations, such as the need for quiet spaces.
With thanks to Tanya Motie and Andy Gilbert, Ade and Linda Adepitan, Motion Spot and Lusso
Photos by Sofie Michele Photography and Lyra and Moth Photography
