Harewood House, an 18th-century country house open to visitors, required a replacement platform stairlift for the external steps leading up to the main entrance into the State Hall. The existing stairlift had stopped working and was beyond repair.

The replacement stairlift needed to travel up six steps, which varied in height and depth, while also accommodating a slight slope at ground level at the bottom of the steps.

Access Solution

Level Access Lifts undertook a site survey to check the suitability of its GTLE platform stairlift solution for the historic site. The GTLE inclined platform stairlift ticked all the boxes for the client as it provides:

• An external platform lift solution
• Exceptional durability for long-term reliability
• An unobtrusive, compact design suitable for sensitive historic environments
• Ease of installation with minimal intervention to the existing fabric

Precise measurements of each step’s unique dimensions were taken, enabling the construction of a completely bespoke rail system to accommodate the differences in height and depth of the six steps. Each support leg was individually positioned and fixed to the steps by the installation team. To preserve the appearance and fabric of the historic wall, the rail was offset from the stonework with a protective barrier installed behind as an additional safeguard.

The GTLE inclined platform stairlift was supplied in a standard aluminium silver finish. Modifications included an extended ramp to accommodate the ground-level gradient. Installation was carried out with minimal disruption to the daily operations of the popular visitor attraction.

Level Access Lifts removed and disposed of the old lift as part of the project.

Results

Harewood House now has a working access solution at its main entrance, enabling it to welcome all visitors, including educational groups, into a fully inclusive environment. The GTLE platform stairlift provides dignified, safe access, allowing wheelchair users to remain seated throughout.