• How do you create a handicap accessible environment that can be used by all kinds of disabilities?
We are a 200 year old historic property and cannot handle anyone with serious disabilities or in wheelchairs. We are exempt from ADA and it would be impossible to comply if it was required.
• Do you have any special accommodations for the handicap?
We have re-landscaped the property to allow access to the main floor without having to use steps, have installed full bench seats in our 7 foot by 7 foot showers, added support handles in all bathrooms in the showers/by the commodes.
• What are some specific safety aspects incorporated into your bed and breakfast?
In addition to the bathroom changes:
A free to use 911 cell phone/gps unit in every guest room. They are Samsung Galaxy S4's hard coded by Verizon to only dial 911 and to automatically inform the operator of where the phone is located using GPS. It will accept incoming calls and texts, only outbound calls are blocked. Guest are allowed to take the phone with them hiking, to dinner or anywhere they like while they are here. It provides data for google maps and ability to dial 911 but everything else is non-functional unless they connect to wireless. We have over 300 historic sites, restaurants, wineries and points of interest pre-pinned on the maps for guests. If they do not return the phone when they leave they would be charged $119, but that has never happened.
Sprayed all wooden stairs with varnish and sanded the surfaces to make them anti-slip.
Fire escape ladders and fire extinguishers in every guest room, public room and hallway.
Hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backup in every room and hall.
Battery CO2 detectors.
Video surveillance of the entire property and all public spaces.
Perimeter and driveway alarms.
Automatic sensors on all heaters in rooms that shut off the unit if an obstruction is detected.
Every outlet in every room is GFI protected.
Automatic generator backup on all bedside outlets used for CPAP machines or other medical devices.
Coded door lock that allows guest to set a four digit pin to access the door.
Nightlights and flashlights in every room that come on automatically if there is a power outage. Along with emergency lighting in the hallways that does the same.
Emergency cards in every room showing the location of all exits, extinguishers and fire escapes and ladders.
• What are the standard procedures to ensure cleanliness in the bed and breakfast?
We have annual inspections from our insurer, the health department and the state Bed and Breakfast Association. We both have passed the state sanitation requirements and keep our licenses current. We have daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly check lists to make sure nothing gets missed. These are for cleanliness but also for safety, like a weekly testing of each smoke detectors and checking the gauge on each fire extinguisher
• What additional amenities do you have for guests that you believe add to their stay and make it more enjoyable?
Only the basics in each room like bottled waters, wine and hi-ball glasses, toiletries, and hair dryers. WIFI everywhere including outside, and a public refrigerator, washer and dryer for their use.
• Have the guests had any specific requests of things they would like to see at your bed and breakfast?
Some dietary requests such as Kosher or ultra vegans. And we get some unusual requests, like nudists, ghost hunters and some security requests when politicians stay here but nothing else. The MENSA group asked us to turn off the internet so no one could cheat.
• Do you have any activities for guests to meet the others’ during their stay? (such as breakfast, etc.)
Breakfast, public spaces in the Inn and they tend to gravitate to the firepit by the vineyard because of the views.
