OUR STORY
Welcome to our little corner of Herefordshire.
We (David and Louise Roper, and our son Charlie) have lived and farmed in Herefordshire all of our lives.
The story of The Bank begins more than 20 years ago when, in an effort to supplement our farm income, we ventured into the luxury mobile toilet business with the Convenience Company. Little did we know then that this side business would lead to us moving into holiday accommodation a quarter of a century later.
Our journey into the world of accessibility began in 2015 when we were first asked to supply a High Dependency Unit for an event. This experience opened our eyes to the challenges faced by individuals requiring specialized equipment to attend events and so we created our own unit.
We realised the lack of accessible holiday destinations and were inspired to change that. We wanted to offer a serene countryside escape that catered to the needs of disabled individuals and their families.
In 2019, we purchased a property in Preston-on-Wye that came with an added bonus: a beautiful lake and a static caravan that required some TLC. Recognising the potential of this idyllic location, we made the decision to replace the static caravan and transform the lake into an accessible holiday location, The Bank.
‘This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).’ Here is a link to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund webpage.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
To turn The Bank into reality we worked closely with Retreat Homes – based in the Lake District – to craft a beautiful lodge, Astor Bannerman to supply hoists and changing place beds, and the Van Berckel family whose expertise was invaluable in bringing our vision to life and who have helped and advised us throughout the project.
Construction of The Bank began in the Lake District in September 2024 and the structure was delivered to the site in four quarters in November . Over the next month, it was fitted, furnished, and completed, and we welcomed our first guests in early 2025.
The property features wide doorways and zero-step entries to ensure smooth mobility for all guests. The bathroom is fully accessible, equipped with grab bars and a specialized changing places bed . Additionally, assistive technologies such as a hoist and an adjustable bed enhance the comfort and independence of our guests. The kitchen is also fully accessible having an easy to reach sink, work top and cooker and an adjustable height hob. These thoughtful touches ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy a relaxing and carefree holiday.
At The Bank we aim to create opportunities for disabled individuals and their families to enjoy the beauty of nature and the peace of a rural retreat. We understand how important it is for families to have a place where they can relax and make memories together without worrying about accessibility.
We hope to provide a change of environment for families who can appreciate the stunning setting by the lake and the surrounding Herefordshire countryside.
Come, relax, and make unforgettable memories with us at The Bank.
The Ropers