Yes! Accessibility Can Be Beautiful, too. A perfect example is BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens in Victoria. We so enjoyed our stay, and I just had to share it with you.

When Claire Height, the owner, decided to add an accessible cabin, she aimed for more than just functionality. Claire set out to create a cabin that combined stylish design with convenient accessibility, ensuring it would be both beautiful and user-friendly for all guests.

Now, you, too can immerse yourself in the comfort and style of BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park, nestled in the historic gold-mining town of Castlemaine. This haven of accessibility and luxury is a mere 90 minutes from Melbourne, offering a peaceful escape renowned for its galleries, cafes, and bushland landscapes.

The centrepiece of this fully self-contained three-bedroom accessible villa is the stylish bathroom.

It's proof positive that accessibility does not need to look clinical (like a hospital); it has stunning blue textured tiles and matching tapware and grab rails, ensuring a seamlessly beautiful and stylish design. The oversized bathroom features a roll-in shower with grab rails, a wall-mounted fold-down shower seat and an accessible toilet with support rails. The height-adjustable shower nozzle gives you three options: a rain shower or the shower head placed at a seated level of any height that suits you. This setup ensures ease of access for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

The villa's master bedroom suite features an extra-wide entry and a king-size bed, offering ample clearance for wheelchair users to self-transfer. With strategically placed light switches within easy reach and a heated blanket that was a cozy delight during our winter stay, we settled in comfortably for the night.

The villa's design extends its accessibility features beyond the master suite. From the parking bay to the villa’s step-free entrance, there is an open-plan living and dining area with ample space to manoeuvre a wheelchair. Ample sofa seating, dining, an oversized TV, and a reverse cycle split system all ensure a family can stay comfortably. Accessible power points and lowered light switches further enhance the villa's user-friendly environment. Quality furnishings and décor are consistent throughout the cabin, lending itself to an upmarket Hotel, refreshing to see in a Holiday Park!

Additionally, the villa offers two more bedrooms, a bathroom, and a separate toilet, making it an ideal space for families or groups. The large living area is equipped with a big-screen television, and the master bedroom also features a television, adding a touch of luxury to the functional design.

During our stay, the team at BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens actively sought feedback to enhance the guest experience. The kitchen microwave and crockery were initially out of reach, so we recommended placing the crockery on lower shelves. After sharing this feedback with the owners, they readily committed to repositioning these items for easier access.

The outdoor area includes a spacious deck and dining area with views across the park, allowing guests to enjoy the natural beauty of Castlemaine’s Botanical Gardens, which are adjacent to the park and accessible by wheelchair. The park also features a Sensory Garden, providing a tranquil space for guests to connect with nature. Whilst not currently wheelchair accessible, it is a feature that people living with Autism may find an inviting experience.

Castlemaine offers a wealth of attractions for those seeking activities beyond the park.  A full day could just be spent across the road from the Holiday Park at the Makers Community.  Mill Markets feature over 40 artisans in a reimagined 1870’s woollen mill. Including wine tasting, chocolatier, ice creamery, craft brewery and small-goods produce, perfect for a BBQ back at the Holiday Park. A Viennese coffee shop and dining area are accessible, as is the vintage precinct, the Vintage Bazaar. It is huge! Gently sloping ramps, widened paths around the market, and an accessible toilet complete the experience. Check out more information, including accessibility HERE.

The town and its surrounds are known for its vibrant arts scene, including galleries, live music venues, and various cafes and country pubs.

BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park’s accessible accommodation seamlessly integrates functionality with elegance, offering a stylish and inclusive retreat. Its blend of luxury and practicality makes it a standout destination for travellers seeking an accessible holiday experience without compromising on comfort or style. Whether you are looking to relax in a serene environment or explore the cultural and natural attractions of the Castlemaine region, this accommodation provides the perfect base for an unforgettable stay.

To book, click THIS LINK, and check out my full video tour HERE.

Kerry