As a certified B Corp organisation that prioritises people and planet, Treseren’s policy to enhance accessibility and inclusivity is a key priority for the whole team, and they have recently undertaken an exciting project to offer greater accessible facilities for their guests.
An award-winning small wedding venue, Treseren is a Grade II listed Georgian country house nestled in the Cornish countryside, just minutes from the breathtaking coastline. Of course, the character and unique quirks of the property pose some challenges when considering accessibility, but it has always been extremely important to founders Emma and Paul that every guest feels as welcome and comfortable as possible. Before setting up Treseren, Emma and Paul had careers in film and television and invited their old friend and TV presenter, Ade Adepitan, to road-test the finished project during a family visit to Cornwall.
Treseren hosts intimate micro weddings for up to 22 guests and accommodates 12, so guest lists are always limited to your very favourite people. They can now offer overnight accommodation in a super-king-size en-suite room for those with accessible needs.
A wheelchair ramp enables access to the downstairs area and outside grounds of the venue for wheelchair users. Additionally, the ground-floor bedroom and bathroom are available for guests who struggle with stairs or have other mobility needs.
The downstairs bathroom has now been transformed into a stylish new wet room, designed to incorporate as many features as possible to enhance accessibility. Level access shower facilities with a bi-folding door to allow spacious entry for those using walking assistance, or roll-in for wheelchair users, along with a shower seat and non-slip floor tiles, enable access for those with a range of mobility needs. In addition, an accessible basin and toilet strategically placed, and grab rails ensure the space is practical and accessible, but aesthetics were high on the list of priorities, too.
“It was really important to us 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 who uses the space.” – Emma, Treseren Founder
Treseren recently hosted a one-night-only Supper Club with renowned chef Adam Banks, and Ade, his wife, Linda, and their two children, Bolla and Zayla, came to stay for the weekend and enjoy the feast. Ade Adepitan and Emma met while working together at the BBC, 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.
“Access is such an important topic because a lot of people look at it in the wrong way. They look at it and think access is going to be a hassle. They think it instantly means massive upheaval and spending loads of money. But simple things can make such a difference, and first and foremost, the thing that I think is important about access is that the people who are creating that environment are up for it. That they don’t see it as a burden.” – Ade
Emma and Paul were fortunate to have spent time travelling and working not just with Ade, but also with two fellow producers with accessible needs. As a result, access on and off planes, accommodation, and restaurant bookings were always considered in their day-to-day working lives at the BBC. They carried these experiences through to the creation of the spaces at Treseren, ensuring that when they created the outdoor terracing and paths in the gardens, the connecting walkways were sloped, rather than stepped. Far from seeing creating accessible spaces as a burden, they had always wanted to enhance the ground-floor bathroom and make it a beautiful and accessible space.
“In the six years since we set up Treseren, we have had many couples approach us to host their wedding whose guest list included those with accessible needs. Two of our brides had a parent who was a wheelchair user, and with careful planning and the use of an internal ramp to the terrace, as well as the ramp at the front of the house, we were able to make it possible for them to attend as day guests. The new accessible bathroom gives us the option to open up the offer for key guests, or the couple themselves if they have accessible needs, to also stay overnight.” – Emma, Treseren Founder
One simple and inexpensive thing Treseren did in the design process was to purchase a long, tilting mirror, strategically positioned so that guests standing or sitting can use the mirror at the basin equally well.
“Something that’s always forgotten in accessible bathrooms is the height of the mirror. So often you go to bathrooms and the mirror is so high, all I can see is the top of my head.” Ade summed up the key challenges in creating an accessible bathroom in a space used by multiple different guests with a range of different needs: “Accessibility is not about one-size-fits-all. That’s a real challenge because you’ve got so many different disabilities or people with different needs to cater for. It’s about trying to create something that works for as many different people as possible, and Treseren have done that really well.”
A light sensor automatically switches on the bathroom light upon entry, ensuring that those with difficulty using switches do not have to worry. Another key decision in the design process was to replace the proposed wall-hung shower seat with a sturdy mobile seat that can be placed in the optimal position for each individual. To complete the shower experience, guests can opt to use either the overhead rain shower or the handheld shower, depending on their preference. Ultimately, choice and flexibility were the key principles that guided the design, enabling the space to accommodate a range of mobility needs.
Treseren has an area of its website dedicated to accessibility, which is a great place to start exploring. To further help couples decide if Treseren and the spaces on offer will work for them or their guests with accessibility needs, the team offers guided accessibility virtual tours. These tours provide 360-degree views of the house and gardens, discuss ceremony and dining options, and create a plan for accommodating specific needs, whether centred around mobility or other considerations, such as the need for quiet spaces.
The primary focus of the summer supper club was food and conversation, but that did not stop Ade and Emma from enjoying the garden games and getting stuck into a very competitive game of table tennis! The evening then flowed into the feast night, which Ade enjoyed in the company of his family and local diners who came to enjoy music by singer-songwriter, Sophie Sutton and al fresco dining on the terraces. The magical atmosphere of a summer’s evening at Treseren, with great food, wine, and company, was enjoyed by all.
“Paul and Emma wanted to create a wedding venue that was great for everyone. You know, whether you have mobility impairments, whether you’re an older age person or whether you’re a family with kids and prams… What Treseren has done with their accessible room is remarkable, creating a bathroom with a roll-in shower, sinks at the right height, and multiple grab rails. For me, it just takes that whole stress out of the situation. I think the key to access and having accessible bathrooms and accessible rooms is just peace of mind. It means I can come here and I can enjoy the feast and hang out with my lovely friends knowing that my access needs are taken care of.” – Ade
If you would like to discuss accessibility at Treseren, you can book a guided virtual tour to discuss all of your needs, or get in touch directly at hello@treseren.co.uk.
Based on a weekday wedding in February. Includes 2-night venue hire and accommodation.