We all need a holiday sometime

“We don’t need to know what your condition is, your disease, whether or not you use a wheelchair, have a sensory or physical impairment ; these are not important, we try not to label you, we try not to ask, all we need to know is that you want to go on holiday.”

As a disabled person, this is music to the ears. What a disabled person wants is to be accepted in exactly the same way as everyone else. They want people to see past the wheelchair, the walking stick, the hearing aid and guide dog; they want to be seen for exactly who they are; themselves.

The people who wrote the first paragraph, Jacqui and Carl Alban, converted The Old Cotton Mill at La Roche Derrien, Cotes d’Amour, into an apartment complex suitable for disabled people, and which is in itself a story of perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks.

The Albans, originally from Rushden near Northampton, feel that instead of finding the right property, the right property found them. They knew that Brittany would be the right area due to good transport links and after looking at other properties the agent showed them the mill. They could see it was a ‘blank canvas’ and bought it in August 2004. It was then the work really began.

Before renovation could start in earnest they had to obtain planning permission; this was made more complicated by the buildings being officially listed and so to continue the Albans had to agree to several points raised by Batiments de France regarding the building’s exterior.

The maire of the village considered the site rather an eyesore, it had been derelict for 35 years with a prime location on the river, so was happy for the Albans to do whatever they wished; as long as it improved the appearance of the site. The villagers were surprised that the project was holiday accommodation for disabled. Disabled people didn’t take holidays; did they?

The Albans had originally planned to run the business with two other people but with them pulling out, they were left holding the proverbial baby. Jacqui found herself putting together her first business plan, which she then had to translate it into French.

They were convinced accessible holidays were the niche in the tourist market as everyone else was setting up gites and the market was saturated.

The next step was to approach banks with their plan that would mean they and the banks would all make money. However, French banks didn’t share their enthusiasm, it seemed the dream was fast disappearing until one bank saw the potential of the enterprise, and that it was a good idea which would be profitable for the area so they were willing to take the risk.

The couple then had to obtain quotes, find architects, and attend meetings until the finances were finalized at the end of 2005, with work due to start in January 2006. Amazingly the first two apartments were finished by July 2006 and by the end of the year another two apartments were ready. July 2007 saw the completion of another two apartments, which are now ready for visitors next season.

However, things hadn’t gone totally to plan. The first three apartments were built by contractors, whilst the couple has built the other three. This was down to financial factors due to a 20 per cent overspend as the architect had forgotten to include TVA on the projected figures for the bank and hadn’t budgeted for floor laying and painting; in the final overspend totalled 35 per cent.

Jacqui and Carl Alban don’t regret embarking on the project as disability is something close to their hearts.

Jacqui had a car accident in 1995 and spent eight years in a wheelchair. She encountered all the disability inaccessible places, even on holidays advertised as being accessible to the disabled; only to find they weren’t. This is why they have included equipment hire, have adapted transport and help with travel arrangements to ensure disabled people enjoy their holiday as much as anyone else.

Employed as a community advocate for disabled people, Jacqui had not only experienced what being disabled entailed but also understood the requirements, whilst being married to a property developer.

The community has welcomed the Albans and the visitors with open arms and is pleased with the transformation. Four people work on site during the season, March to November, although the couple does the majority of the work.

Jacqui worked as a personal assistant previously so takes on a lot of care work such as helping to wash and dress morning and evening. Their son and his friends help out with gardening and furniture moving.

But the Albans are always looking to the future. A long term, confirmed motor biking fan, Carl aims to host groups of able bodied/disabled motor cyclists. He has nothing but praise for the French roads for bikers and knows there are dedicated disabled bikers out there.

So, how does the couple relax? Carl enjoys fishing in the lake, where he is often joined by guests and Jacqui immerses herself in a book, staying around the complex as she says there are always people who need assistance of one kind or another.

There are group get togethers in the evenings to discuss outings or exchange suggestions. But so far they haven’t had chance to take a holiday. There is always something to repair, fix, buy or pay for, grass to cut or painting waiting to be done.

The couple enjoys providing holidays that both disabled people and their carers can enjoy, from that Carl and Jacqui Alban obtain their pleasure. Seeing people arrive wondering what to expect and then leaving happy, relaxed and refreshed is the greatest reward of all.

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I Need a Holiday Too