Kangaroo Island is a wonderful environment rich in nature’s treasures and with more than its fair share of breathtaking views and things to see and do. Vivonne Bay on the island’s south coast is one of the standouts in an island of standouts, with its long crescent shaped beach, picturesque old jetty and access to many of the main attractions, such as Seal Bay, Kelly Hill Caves and the Remarkable Rocks.
Living lightly in this environment is a holiday home that truly qualifies as unique. It is not just the rammed earth, handcrafted and earth-friendly aspects, nor is it that it La Viv is one of those rare things – a completely wheelchair accessible holiday home. It is all these things, as well as the location and the soul of the house, which its owners Roni and Cathy have expressed in the unusual style and artistic flair.
Everything in the house has been designed and constructed with accessibility in mind, so the kitchen benches, microwave, cook tops, power points, switches and taps are all at specified heights for easy access. There is wheelchair access under the sink and all storage is in pullout drawers. All doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs, and they slide back into a wall recess.
There are no lips or raised surfaces in the entire house, the bathroom is fitted with appropriate railings, and extra equipment such as lifters, shower chairs and toilet seat raisers are available on request. The king-size bed has been lowered, once again with accessibility in mind. It is this attention to detail and knowledge of the needs of disabled people that have allowed them to create such a wonderful property, and a fitting joint winner of the 2009 TakeABreak Awards Accessible accommodation category (non-ambulant).
And while it is refreshing to find a home that truly understands what it takes to be accessible, this is only one aspect of this amazing property. The house itself is a work of art, featuring imposing timber doors, quirky mosaics in the bathroom and evidence of the owners’ originality in every room, such as the swivel reading lights that feature stainless steel kitchen bowls as reflectors.
Many of the features are ‘found items’, such as the side tables made from driftwood, and there are many niches perfect for displaying shells and other treasures. Even the handrails have a life of their own, being fashioned from branches found on the property.
Venturing out from La Viv to enjoy the sights and surrounds at Vivonne Bay is also easy, with a circular driveway directly accessing both doors, making loading and unloading of wheelchairs easy. Then visit the world-class attractions, such as Australia’s third largest – and most accessible – seal colony at Seal Bay, and the Flinders Bay National Park, which features the Remarkable Rocks and Admiral’s Arch. These attractions are all wheelchair-friendly and accessible.
Of course Kangaroo Island abounds with things to see and do, and to encourage guests to get out and enjoy all there is to offer, La Viv has no TV reception or internet. The house has a landline for incoming, local and emergency calls and there is Next 3G mobile reception. For those who love to relax watching a movie, a TV/DVD is available, and the house is full of books, toys, and music and there is also a pool table.
La Viv is a holiday home with a life all its own and one that is accessible to all who wish to enjoy its charms.
Pricing
From $120 for 2 people per night including linen, $15 for extra people and children under 5 stay free. Make an enquiry for your stay and the property operator will get back to you directly.
About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis. Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.
Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications. She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons.
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
naturally ki /Laviv
through TakeABreak and the property operator will get back to you directly to confirm
pricing and availability. Visit their listing for more pictures, further information
on rates, the availability calendar and guest reviews.
Find out more about Lisa at http://bit.ly/h_experts
