Disabled couple future-proof needs with granny annexe in back garden

The life-changing solution for Lorraine and Neil Burton was a purpose-built, single storey granny annexe in their back garden in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

It’s all the better because they have their daughter Nicola literally on their doorstep after she bought their dormer bungalow from them.

The delighted couple, who both use electric wheelchairs, had the granny annexe specifically built by specialists at Rubicon Garden Rooms to meet their accessibility requirements.

The work by the firm, which is based on the Cheshire/North Wales border, included wider doorways to allow access for their wheelchairs and larger than standard bathroom facilities.

They say the move means they have future-proofed their needs, hopefully avoiding the need for social care support in the years ahead.

Lorraine explained she has mobility problems caused by arthritis while husband Neil has a knee problem.

She said: "The dormer bungalow was just not disabled-friendly unfortunately.

"We lived our lives downstairs, there were two bedroom downstairs, and we didn't really go upstairs at all, so we only used half the bungalow. It was a waste.”

The couple researched the buildings provided by Rubicon Garden Rooms, a specialist company based at Penyffordd near Chester.

After discussions with company founder John Lyon, the plan was hatched to sell their bungalow to their daughter and install a granny annexe.

The annexe has two bedrooms, two shower rooms, a kitchen and a living room - and the peace of mind of having daughter Nicola and her son Oliver, eight, very close by.

Lorraine said: "We had the annexe built specifically with wider doorways so it is disabled-friendly and we could get a wheelchair through the entire building.

"We've also had a low threshold door installed to get in and out easily and we built a ramp out of decking outside that goes down to the gates at the front.

"My bedroom has got an en suite shower room which is larger than standard in size so it can have quite a big shower compartment.

"We are in the boundary of the house which is now owned by my daughter and we won't need so much social care in our elderly life."

John Lyon was delighted to have helped the couple find the perfect housing solution for their needs.

He said: “It’s so important for our customers to have the home which is made for them, for the homes to be made to measure for the customers’ own individual requirements.

“If you’re looking long-term, you’ve got to think about your needs in the future.

“Granny annexes are a great option for people who have mobility problems because they can be adapted to your needs.

“As you get older, nobody is getting any more stable on their legs, so if you do need zimmer frame or wheelchair access, you’ve got to take that into account.

“Lorraine actually designed the layout of the building, I just had to tweak it a bit to make sure it would all work.

John said as a family-run business, Rubicon Garden Rooms take great satisfaction in being able to keep families together by offering housing solutions which work for everyone.

He said the installation of the firm’s buildings often removed the need and expense of elderly or ill relatives having to go into care homes.

John said: “We all know the cost of care homes – they can be £60,000 or £70,000 a year, and that’s if you don’t need any specialist care.

“A huge benefit of having a garden room in your back garden is you have your loved ones close.

“As you get older, they can look after you, and they have the space they need in the house while you have a new warm and comfortable home to enjoy.

“And if you have a problem, your son or daughter is just over the lawn to help.”

Lorraine and Neil agreed that having their daughter so close by brought a whole range of benefits.

Lorraine said: "Before, when we lived in the dormer bungalow, Nicola lived four or five miles away so every time we needed something we had to ring her and she would have to come over.

"Now she is just on the doorstep, so it's a lot easier for all of us.

"We are on hand now too to babysit our grandson when my daughter is working.

"Now, especially when the weather is nice, we just feel like we're on holiday all the time.

"We just throw the doors back in the morning and have a cup of tea and get outside straight away to enjoy nature, listening to the birds twittering.”

Neil added: “For years, when we lived in the house, we only ever used the upstairs for storage, it was a waste, we were only using half the house and none of the doors were wide enough for a wheelchair.

“We did look at buying a property where we could all live together, but we couldn’t find something which had two kitchens, three bathrooms and the space we needed.

“The answer was to have the granny annexe installed and we’re delighted with it.”