Am I able to use Family Fund/Inspire vouchers for my stay at Sungate?
Yes you can! Family Fund are a charity that help families across the UK who are raising a disabled, or seriously ill child or young person aged 17 or under. You can apply for a grants to help with essential items and family breaks. To see if Family Fund can help you and apply for a grant, please see their website.Â
Are linen and towels provided?
Yes. All linen and towels are provided, plus extra blankets.
Are there any additional costs for use of the equipment?
No. all costs are included, with the exception of Ellie’s Massage and Beauty treatments booked in addition to your holiday.
Are there any autism friendly places to eat, or visit?
Yes, there are plenty! We have listed our personal favourites in our Digital Guidebook.
Are there any shops nearby? Can I get groceries delivered?
There is a Co-op grocery store one minute’s walk away which also offers home deliveries. There is also a Lidl and a Sainsburys supermarket, details of which can be found in our Digital Guidebook.
Are there ever instances where you cannot accept a booking request?
We do our very best to accommodate all our enquirers, and most of the time we can meet customer expectations and requirements. However, there may be instances where we cannot, e.g. for a wheelchair user or for an autistic person who requires adaptations which Sungate cannot cater for.
Can I pay by instalments?
As we are a very small team, and we acknowledge every individual payment, we respectfully ask that you make just two payments as described above.
Do you allow pets?
Yes, we allow up to two well behaved dogs for an additional charge. Sungate is set in a partially enclosed residential area and owners are responsible for their dog(s) at all times. We expect owners to clear up any dog waste and to ensure that the dog(s) is washed down/cleaned if they are muddy using the outside hose and spare dog towels. We can provide details of a local dog sitter/walker if required.
We do not allow any other pets.
We accept service dogs.
Do you cater for autistic children and adults with co-existing conditions, for example, ADHD, Tourettes Syndrome, sensory difficulties, learning disability?
Yes. We understand that it is common for autistic people to have co-existing conditions and have tried our best to cater for these at Sungate. Please talk to us prior to booking and we would be happy to discuss your individual needs.
Do you cater for Short Breaks as well as holidays?
Yes. We welcome autistic people who would like to have a Short Break, or some respite time away from family, with a carer. Please do not hesitate to speak to us to discuss further.
Do you cater for wheelchair users?
Sungate is not suitable for wheelchair users
Do you cater for young children/babies?
Yes. We can provide a travel cot and a high chair. Many of our safety adaptations are suitable for young children.
Do you have a DVD player?
Yes. It can be found in a discreet cupboard discreet cupboard in the lounge, next to the main TV. There is a second TV/DVD player in the kitchen. You are welcome to bring your own DVDs to enjoy during your stay.
Do you have a games console?
No. Sungate does not have a games console at present but it may be something we consider for the future.
Do you have a hot tub?
At present we do not have a hot tub. We are always thinking of things we can add to Sungate and will keep you posted on any new developments.
Do you have any specialist equipment such as hoists, shower aids for physical disability?
No. We provide sensory equipment to meet the needs of people on the autistic spectrum.
Do you have internet access or any streaming services?
We have WiFi, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+. We also have an Alexa Bluetooth speaker. All of the relevant information can be found in our digital Guidebook which you will receive prior to your stay.
Do you only take bookings from autistic people and their families/carers?
No. We are happy to take bookings from non-autistic/neurotypical people/families, although the majority of people booking with us are autistic or have autistic relatives/dependants.
Do you provide any additional care e.g. babysitting or live-in carer?
No, we do not provide these services.
Do you take direct online bookings?
No. You can make an online booking request here. If you are a first-time visitor, your booking will only be confirmed once we have spoken with you.
Does Sungate cater for bed wetting / continence issues?
Yes. We understand that some autistic people may experience bed wetting, particularly at night. All of our mattresses have waterproof covers. We can also provide a waterproof mattress if required. We kindly ask that any soiled linen is placed in the special laundry bag provided and placed in the relevant area for collection/cleaning on departure. There will be a charge for extra linen required during your stay. Please do not hesitate to speak to us about this if you have any queries or concerns.
How do I make payments?
The booking form will contain our bank details and payment can be made by on-line bank transfer. To avoid any risk of card fraud (and data storage and compliance issues), we do not accept card payments.
If payment is delayed and cannot be processed , your booking will be cancelled.
How does booking work?
Once you have contacted us to make a booking (either by telephone or via the website), we will send you a booking form . This details the deposit required (20%), which must be paid within 24 hours of the booking form being issued, or the dates will be re-released.
The total amount payable for the period of hire is shown on the booking form, which will be due 6 weeks prior to your arrival. In addition, a refundable security bond of £100 is also required 6 weeks prior to your arrival, which will be fully refunded within 7 working days of your departure on satisfactory inspection of the vacated property.
When we receive your final payment, we will send you an acknowledgement together, with a pre-arrival questionnaire. This allows us to set up Sungate to meet your personal requirements as much as possible. We will also send you details of how to access Sungate, and our Digital Guidebook, which will give you the most up to date information to help you enjoy your stay.
Full details regarding payment can be viewed on our terms and conditions.
Is smoking/vaping allowed?
Smoking/vaping are not allowed at Sungate, inside or outside.
Is the Sensory Equipment available for everyone?
There are some practical limitations. The Sensory Swing has a weight limit of 50kg and the egg chairs are for children. The weighted blanket is for adult use only. There are guidelines for other sensory equipment in our digital guide. All sensory equipment should be used under adult supervision.
Is there a nearby hospital?
There is a hospital approximately 15 minutes away. There is also a doctors’ surgery nearby.
Our child can be known to abscond or bolt. Can we stay at Sungate?
Sungate is set away from the main road. Windows and doors have key locks and there is a bolt lock and latch on the front door. Windows also have child safety restrictors. The Sensory Courtyard is enclosed. The front outside area of Sungate is partially enclosed and adults will need to supervise their children at all times. Please speak to us prior to booking to ensure that Sungate meets your requirements. We do not accept liability for injury, loss or damage suffered by any member of the party during their stay at Sungate.
We are concerned about our child tampering with things, and breakages as our child can be accident prone. Are you able to remove items prior to our stay?
We have strived to ensure that Sungate is a tamper free zone, however we understand that you may still have concerns. Please discuss these with us prior to your stay. There are some items which we can remove if necessary.
What is your cancellation policy?
For full details, our terms and conditions can be found here.
What rooms does Sungate have?
The bungalow has three bedrooms (sleeps five) including king size, single and twin bedrooms. There is an entrance hallway, which opens into the lounge on the left, with a lockable kitchen and dining area. Further down the hallway on the left is a single bedroom with lockable utility room and ensuite shower/wetroom. The main bathroom with bath and shower is straight ahead. On the right of the entrance hallway are the twin bedroom with two single beds, and the king bedroom looking out onto the sensory courtyard.
What time is check in / check out?
Check in is between 3pm-7pm and check out is 11am. We stick to these times as we need to ensure our housekeepers maintain a high standard of cleanliness for each guest. Sungate is also based in a quiet residential area and so we need to be considerate of our neighbours. There may be exceptional circumstances where we can be a little flexible if we are given prior notice. Please contact us at Sungate to discuss ahead of check in / check out.
When I book for the first time, do I need to speak to you?
Yes. We are keen to make sure we can meet your requirements and that Sungate will meet your expectations. We want to ensure we give you all the information you need before booking to ensure that a stay at Sungate is right for you.