Our Bench - Our Story and Contact us
Discover more about Our Bench
Our Family Business
Our Bench began as a cozy bed and breakfast in the 1980s, founded by Mary and Roger Lewis, who welcomed guests into their family home with ensuite rooms and traditional English breakfasts. Later, they saw an opportunity to expand, building two self-catering holiday cottages—Little Bench and Bench Cottage. Designed with accessibility as a priority, these cottages were the first in Hampshire to offer level access throughout, split-level kitchens, and modern accessible wet rooms when they opened in 2001.
Why Accessible Cottages?
After Mary was registered as disabled and found travel challenging, she and Roger realized that many people shared the same difficulty in finding accessible accommodations. They decided to create cottages that would meet these needs. After Roger passed away in 2009, Mary’s daughter Helen and her husband Matt took over, continuing to welcome guests. In 2011, when one of their three children was diagnosed with a rare episodic condition, they deepened their commitment to accessible family accommodation. This inspired the purchase of a third property, Garden Bench, which was extensively remodeled in 2012.
The Story Behind the “Bench” Names
Mary and Roger had dreamed of owning a home called Our Bench, inspired by Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst, where Roger proposed. This dream shaped the names of each new property—Bench Cottage, Little Bench (the smaller cottage), and Garden Bench (the first with an enclosed garden).
Who Owns Our Bench Today?
When Mary retired, Helen and Matt continued to develop the business as they become more aware of mobility challenges and introduced ceiling hoists, adult changing tables, and other upgrades, ensuring each cottage remained unique and adapted to guests' needs. In 2019, they increased their online presence, enabled online bookings, and incorporated Helen’s love of photography into the business. Mary passed away in 2024, having lived independently in her home with specialized equipment that supported her mobility. She was proud that Our Bench continued to serve others with accessible holiday experiences.
Personal Experiences Shaping the Business
Helen and Matt's caregiving experiences deeply influence the ongoing development of Our Bench. After caring for Mary, they now support Matt’s mother, who has severe visual impairments. As parents to three adult children, one of whom had a rare episodic condition, they built a resource for other families, documented on www.kleinelevinsyndrome.co.uk.
Helen and Matt try to welcome all guests, listening to their stories and over time adapting the cottages as they learn from each family's needs.
Helen in her space time is photographer, running her own photo studio and volunteers with the Butterfly Wishes Network, specializing in photographing people with additional needs to capture treasured memories.
Matt runs an independent kitchen and bathroom fitting business, adapting spaces for accessibility, and serves as a volunteer with HM Coastguard.
Our Location on the South Coast
New Forest in 1955
Mary with her grandaughter before she retired
Where are we located?
Our Bench Holiday Cottages are ideally situated on the edge of the New Forest National Park, with the park boundary just down the road. We are also conveniently close to the charming Georgian town of Lymington. Our website offers plenty of recommendations to help you make the most of this beautiful and unique area.
Here to help
If you have any questions about Our Bench facilities, accessibility options, or specific equipment available, please reach out—we understand that everyone’s needs are unique and are happy to answer any questions. You can contact us via:
- Email: cottages@ourbench.co.uk
- Phone: +44 77510 64167
- Facebook: Our Bench Self Catering
Explore our web site
Our website has a range of helpful information, including downloadable access statements for each property, details of available equipment, and ideas for local outings. We recommend booking your dates directly on our website for the most up-to-date availability. You can secure your booking with a credit card, bank transfer, or postal payment.
For the latest local tips, event news, and accessible dining options, follow us on Facebook! We love sharing our experiences to help make your holiday special. If you have any questions or want more information, feel free to complete an inquiry form on our site.
