General Agreement and Booking

The rental agreement is a contract between the ‘Guest’ and the ‘Owner’.
The contract is confirmed when the deposit is paid and a booking confirmation is sent.
The ‘Guest’ booking must be over 18 years of age & stay at the property.
The Laurels is strictly for adult guests only (18+); no children or infants are permitted.
The person making the booking is responsible for ensuring all persons in the party know and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
The Owner reserves the right to decline any booking or terminate a stay (with no refund) if the Terms & Conditions are broken, and may retain the full Good Housekeeping Deposit.
Guest details (Full Name & residential address, and passport/onwards travel for international guests) must be provided via the booking form or when requested.

Payment

Bookings made more than 6 weeks before arrival: A deposit of 25% of the total cost is required.
Balance Payment: The remaining balance is due SIX (6) weeks before arrival. Failure to pay by the due date may result in cancellation and loss of deposit.
Bookings made less than 6 weeks before arrival: The total amount is payable in full within 24 hours of booking confirmation.
Payment must be made by bank transfer or card payment.

Use of Property and Conduct

Maximum Occupancy: The number of persons must not exceed the maximum stated on the website, unless agreed in writing with the Owner.

Cleaning: Guests are responsible for leaving the accommodation in a clean condition and good order, similar to how it was found (reasonable cleaning excepted). A cleaning charge will be levied otherwise.

Check-in/Departure:

Arrival is from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm
Departure is by 9:30 am.
Early arrival or late departure may be possible, at a cost, but cannot be guaranteed.

Visitors: Guests must seek advanced permission before allowing any visitors onsite. Day visitors must leave by 10.00 pm, No visitors are permitted to stay overnight.

Guest Responsibility:

Guests are responsible for the supervision of children, babies, dogs, and any adults requiring care.
Guests must ensure the cottage is locked and windows closed when unoccupied.
Furniture should not be moved unless absolutely necessary, and must be returned to its original position before check-out.
No Smoking Policy: Smoking (including vaping) is not permitted inside the properties. It is only permitted in the cottage gardens, provided ashtrays are used.
Drug Use: The consumption or use of illegal drugs or substances is strictly prohibited on the property and grounds. Any breach of this condition will be treated as a violation of the Terms and Conditions and may result in immediate termination of the booking with no refund, and the full retention of the Good Housekeeping Deposit.

Nuisance: Guests must not cause nuisance or annoyance. Large group gatherings/parties or the use of glitter, confetti, or fireworks are not permitted. Unreasonable behaviour may result in immediate termination of the contract with no refund.

Access: Guests must allow the Owner reasonable access to the property and gardens for maintenance/gardening, with reasonable notice. Access to water plants is required once a day in summer months.

Keys and Forgotten Items

Keys: Guests are responsible for keeping keys secure. Lost keys must be reported immediately, and there is a £40 charge per lock if replacements are needed.

Forgotten Items: The Owner may charge a minimum of £5 postal charge for removal, return, or disposal of left items. Items will only be held for a maximum of 14 days.

Damage, Loss, Theft, Breakages / Good Housekeeping Deposit

A Good Housekeeping deposit is required and included in the booking price.
The deposit is refunded within 7 working days if no damage, loss, theft, or excessive cleaning is required.
The deposit will be retained to the value of goods damaged (including gardens/games room) or if extra cleaning (see ‘Cleaning‘ section) is needed.
Guests must inform the Owners immediately of any damage or loss, excluding reasonable wear and tear.
Not permitted: Use of bath bombs, hair dye, Bluetac, or Sellotape due to potential staining/damage.
Photographic evidence will be provided in the event of a claim.

Dogs

Only dogs booked in at the time of booking are permitted. Not all properties accept dogs.
Dogs must be house-trained, well-behaved, and not left unattended for long periods.
Dogs are not permitted in bedrooms but are allowed on sofas if dog throws are used.
Dogs should have up-to-date vaccinations and flea/tick treatments.
Damage or extra cleaning caused by dogs may result in a bill for the charge.
Dogs must be kept on a lead in all communal areas. A gated paddock is available for off-lead exercise.
Certain breeds, including those in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, are not permitted. Breed details must be provided at time of booking.

Cancellation

Cancellation or Changes by the ‘Guest’: Once the holiday is booked, the ‘Guest’ has entered into a legally binding contract. If the ‘Guest’ cancels, for any reason (including medical and weather related), the following conditions apply:

Cancellations must be made in writing (including by email) and acknowledged by us.
If cancellation occurs more than 6 weeks before the holiday start date: the Guest forfeits the 25% deposit, but no further charges apply.
If cancellation occurs between 6 weeks and 4 weeks before arrival: the Guest will be liable for 50% of the total holiday cost.
If cancellation occurs within 4 weeks of arrival: the Guest will be liable for the full holiday cost, and no refund is due.
If you vacate early (depart before your booked check-out date), no refunds will be made, and you must inform us immediately.

Changes by the ‘Guest’: Date or accommodation changes are subject to availability, Owner agreement, and a £20 administration fee per change.

Cancellation by ‘us’: If the Owner cancels due to property unavailability (e.g., fire, flood), a full refund of all monies paid will be given (with no further liability).

Failure to arrive: If a guest has not arrived by 12:00 pm the day after the start date and has not advised of a late arrival, the holiday will be deemed cancelled.

Holiday Insurance: Guests are recommended and expected to take out a holiday insurance policy that includes cancellation cover.

Facilities and Liability

Facilities: Availability of facilities like Wi-Fi or the games room is not guaranteed at all times.

Wi-Fi: Provided for reasonable, lawful use; the Owner is not liable for slow connections or failures. No monetary compensation may be sought for lack of service.

Liability: The Owners are not responsible for material loss, damage, or inconvenience caused by the property (e.g., plumbing, electrical issues, weather).

- No responsibility is accepted for loss or damage to guests’ property, pets, vehicles, or vehicle contents.
- The maximum liability accepted by the Owners is the total cost of the holiday.

Miscellaneous

Pitts Farm Grounds: Guests may walk in the grounds but are not permitted in private garden areas. Caution must be taken around machinery and an electric fence around the chicken enclosure.

Food Deliveries: Guests must discuss deliveries with the Owner beforehand, as cottages do not have a street address.

Electric Vehicle Charging: No charging points are available. Using extension leads to charge EV’s via a 3-pin plug or charging E-Bikes is not permitted. Guests doing so will be asked to leave immediately with no refund.

Disputes/Complaints: Complaints must be notified during the Guest’s stay to allow the Owner an opportunity to resolve the issue. Complaints received after departure will not be accepted.

Jurisdiction: Any proceedings shall be conducted in the County Court nearest to the Owner.

These booking conditions supersede all previous issues.

Use of our website and services are bound in accordance with these Guest terms and conditions and our privacy policy, which outlines how we use and protect Guest’s data in delivery of these services.

Oct 2025