We have also tried to ensure that Sungate is a safe place for autistic people to relax and enjoy themselves, including:

- no trinkets! Sungate is a clutter free zone, avoiding overstimulation and, hopefully, breakages!

- integrated wires. We have tried, where possible, to reduce the number of exposed wires around the house, for example, TV and DVD wires are fitted within the chimney breast in the lounge.

- lockable cupboards. Cupboards in the kitchen are controlled using magnetic locks. There is also a lockable integrated bin.

- lockable appliances. The washer dryer, oven, and hob all have a child lock. The microwave and iron have automatic shut off.

Sungate also has a range of sensory equipment to meet the needs of autistic children, adults, their families and carers. We hope this brings joy and sensory regulation to autistic people and families who may not have had the confidence to go on holiday or have a short break away before. We have lived experience of autism plus we have done our research and spoken to autistic people, their families, experts and friends (more). Our sensory equipment includes:

- Sensory corner, including teardrop swing, floor cushion, mat and crawl tunnel

The sensory corner is designed to provide a calming space in the lounge. It includes a indoor teardrop swing which can be a perfect autism therapy swing or sensory relief swing and can be used for gentle relaxation, and very light movement. For more active play and sensory needs, there is also a floor cushion, mat and crawl tunnel.

- Egg chairs

Sungate has 2 egg chairs, located in the lounge and twin bedroom. These can be enjoyed by both sensory avoiders (just sit inside and pull the hood down!) or by sensory seekers as a fun spinner.

- Neon lights

For sensory seekers, the twin room is fitted with fun neon signs and LED lights in the bedside tables. These can be easily switched off if preferred.

- Laser projector

The wall mounted Star Laser light projector turns the twin bedroom into a sensory space, creating a calm and relaxing environment. There are a variety of options to choose from, including moving clouds, and galaxies of twinkling stars (look out for the shooting stars!).

- White noise machine To be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. It can help with sensory regulation, relaxation and sleep.

- Safe Place bed

We have a Safe Place bed available on request for children who may need this to feel regulated and calm and to aid restful sleep.

- Weighted blanket

The weighted blanket is known to calm, soothe and aid sleep. At Sungate we provide a weighted blanket for adults to use. We are aware that there may be adults who are autistic staying with us, and the blanket is intended for their use and comfort in the main King bedroom.

- Black out blinds

Sungate is fitted with black out blinds. With the exception of the single bedroom (which has a cordless blind), all blinds have a  pulley cord with a safety clip. If you need even more blackout in a bedroom, we have a portable black out blind available which attaches directly to the window.

- Sensory toy box

We have a box of fun box of sensory and light up toys for children on the autism spectrum. This is portable and can be enjoyed throughout the house.

Sungate has some extra gems to help ensure our families remain safe and happy whilst staying at the house. These include:

- Discreet isolator switches for different rooms of the bungalow (tamper proof in case of repeated turning off and on of lights)

- Sensor tap in main bathroom (fun and hygienic to use, whilst preventing accidents/flooding)

- Enclosed hallway mirror

- Safety glass kitchen doors and bath/shower screens

- Safety bolt lock on front door

- Sparkle tiling in the main bathroom

- Special hand soap and bath soak provided

- Enjoy complimentary gluten free cakes on arrival, courtesy of The Great Cake Company

- Exclusive discounted rates for treatments at Massage & Beauty with Ellie, just a short walk from Sungate

Sungate has a number of autism friendly and sensory features should you wish to spend some time outside. Follow the path, lit up at night, round to the back of the house, and you will find the Sensory Courtyard, a small secluded area which can be locked if need be. The courtyard is enclosed and families can relax and enjoy the range of sensory features it has to offer, including:

- Water feature

The water feature in the courtyard can have a calming and peaceful effect through both sight and sound.

- Wind chimes

Together with the water feature, the wind chimes give soothing melodic sensory feedback and provide a calming atmosphere.

- Wind spinner

In the courtyard, you will also find a colourful wind spinner for sensory seekers who like to watch spinning objects.

- Outside lights

The warm white festoon lights in the courtyard add a calming glow when enjoying the outside at night.

- Canopy swing

There is a three-seater canopy swing in the courtyard for families to enjoy and for gentle relaxation.

We know only too well from our own experience, and from speaking to other families who have tried to have a happy holiday and failed, that being comfortable can make all the difference to your stay. This includes relaxing beds (including king size with memory form mattress, and one single waterproof mattress), soft seating and useful appliances which all give reassurance that your stay will go as smoothly as possible. Sungate has range of relaxing and regulating seating options – an indoor teardrop swing chair, an egg chair, a bay window bench seat full of fluffy cushions, a floor cushion, a fluffy rug, a velvet chair, a comfy sofa…and that’s just in the lounge! Sungate sleeps five – there are two single beds in the Twin Room, one single bed in the Single Room, and a king size bed in the King Room. The mattress in the King Room is an Ultimate Comfort mattress, guaranteed for a much-needed good night’s sleep – we know how much parent carers and autistic people value this. There is a weighted blanket for autistic adults to use. Sungate also has a single waterproof mattress available, should a guest require this, and we can provide a travel cot too. TV and music Sungate has two TVs: a 55-inch Smart HD TV in the lounge, and a TV/DVD player in the kitchen. We know that parent carers can spend a lot of time in the kitchen (hopefully not so much on holiday!), plus our research tells us that having a TV in the kitchen is a much valued extra. There is also a DVD player in the lounge for those who wish to bring their own DVDs. The DVD player is located on its own shelf in a discreet cupboard in the lounge. Sungate also has an Alexa Bluetooth speaker for guests to enjoy.

Sungate has all the appliances that we feel will help to make your stay as comfortable and as stress free as possible. These include: Kitchen (lockable)

- cooker and induction hob with child lock

- induction fan

- microwave oven with automatic shut off

- coffee machine (essential!)

- large fridge freezer (also essential!)

Utility room (lockable)

- washer dryer machine with child lock

- iron (with automatic shut off) and ironing board

- vacuum cleaner (for light cleaning)

Bathroom and Wet Room Sungate has two bathrooms for your convenience. The main bathroom has a bath with safety screen, thermostatically controlled taps, a touch control light up mirror and a sensor tap. The second bathroom has a wet room shower with a special Powder Rain feature for those who are sensory sensitive. There are Quiet Mark fans and soft close toilets in both the main bathroom and wet room. Sungate is set away from the main road, in a quiet residential area. Guests can enjoy Sungate’s peaceful location yet benefit from it being only a short bus or car ride from the city centre. There is parking on site at Sungate. Last but not least, Sungate is a stone’s throw away from a grocery store, a pharmacy, an Indian takeaway and a Fish and Chip shop, as well as the local doctors’ surgery, perfect for a stress-free stay. We really have tried to think of everything to ensure your time at Sungate is enjoyable and truly autism friendly. Sungate also welcomes non-autistic families who would enjoy the many features we have put in place to keep our guests, including young ones, happy. We hope you enjoy your stay at Sungate!

We allow up to 2 well behaved, toilet trained dogs at Sungate (no other pets, sorry) for an additional charge. Sungate is set in a partially enclosed area. This means that your dog(s) should be supervised at all times. Please let us know when you are booking if you intend to bring your pet.