Our Bench - Our Story and Contact us
Our Bench: A Family Business with Heart
Our Journey
Our Bench began as a cozy bed and breakfast in the 1980s, founded by Mary and Roger Lewis. They warmly welcomed guests into their family home, offering ensuite rooms and traditional English breakfasts. Recognizing a growing need for accessible accommodations, they expanded their offerings by building two self-catering holiday cottages—Little Bench and Bench Cottage. These cottages were the first in Hampshire to feature level access throughout, split-level kitchens, and modern accessible wet rooms when they opened in 2001.
Why Accessible Cottages?
Mary was registered as disabled, which made travel challenging, and she and Roger realized that many others faced similar difficulties in finding suitable accommodations. They decided to create cottages that would meet these needs. After Roger's passing in 2009, their daughter Helen and her husband Matt became increasingly involved.
Helen had already run her own childcare business for a number of years and discovered she enjoyed the aspects of her work that involved children with specific needs. She found satisfaction in making a difference and enabling families to create special and unique memories—eventually helping to capture those memories.
In 2010, Helen retrained as a photographer to follow her passion for capturing memories. Around the same time, one of their three children was diagnosed with a rare episodic condition. This deepened their commitment to accessible family accommodations, aligning with Helen's goal of providing special and unique memories for families affected by disabilities. This inspired the purchase and extensive remodel of a third property, Garden Bench, in 2012—a task Matt was able to complete himself, as his kitchen and bathroom business was increasingly specializing in accessible wet rooms.
When Mary retired, Helen and Matt continued to develop the business, becoming more aware of mobility challenges and introducing ceiling hoists, adult changing tables, and other upgrades to ensure each cottage remained unique and adapted to guests' needs. By 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.
The Story Behind the “Bench” Names
Mary and Roger 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).
Our Bench Today
Personal Experiences Shaping the Business
Helen and Matt's caregiving experiences deeply influence the ongoing development of Our Bench, fulfilling Helen’s teenage dreams of making a difference one family at a time. Together, they strive to welcome all guests, listening to their stories and adapting the cottages based on each family's needs.
Helen continues to run her own photo studio, specializing in family photography, particularly for those with additional needs. She also volunteers with the Butterfly Wishes Network, capturing treasured memories for people with additional needs. Guests are welcome to access Helen's photography talents, as she offers free photoshoots to all visitors.
Matt keeps the holiday cottages in good repair and continues to run an independent kitchen and bathroom fitting business, adapting spaces for accessibility. He is always happy to chat with guests about their specific needs, offering advice and learning from them, while also serving as a volunteer with HM Coastguard, supporting the local community.
Current Features and Services
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Level Access Throughout: All cottages offer level access for ease of mobility.
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Split-Level Kitchens: Designed to accommodate wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges.
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Modern Accessible Wet Rooms: Spacious and equipped with necessary support features.
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Ceiling Hoists and Adult Changing Tables: Available to provide additional support for guests with specific needs.
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Enclosed Gardens: Garden Bench offers a private, enclosed garden for relaxation and enjoyment.
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Online Bookings and Virtual Tours: Guests can book accommodations online and take virtual tours of the cottages.
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Photography Sessions: Helen offers professional photography sessions to capture special memories during guests' stays.
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Guest Support and Personalization: Helen and Matt are dedicated to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each guest, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Our Commitment
Helen and Matt are deeply committed to providing accessible holiday accommodations and ensuring a welcoming environment for all families, particularly those with disabilities. They continue to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity in the travel industry, striving to create memorable experiences for all their guests.
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
- WhatsApp: +44 77510 64167
- Facebook: Our Bench Self Catering
Explore our web site
Our website is packed with useful information, including downloadable access statements for each property, details of available equipment, and suggestions for local outings. For the most up-to-date availability, we recommend booking your dates directly through our website. You can secure your booking using a credit card, bank transfer, or postal payment.
Stay connected with us on Facebook for the latest local tips, event news, and accessible dining options. We love sharing our experiences to help make your holiday special. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to complete an inquiry form on our site.
