Useful Information
If ever there is anything you want to know about any of our properties or activities then please feel free to get in touch on our 'contact us' page. Hopefully we've covered off a few of the bits you might want to know about in this section though...
Where's the nearest pub?
A variety of nearby pubs, restaurants and takeaways are listed on the back page of our experience documents which can be found on the individual property pages, but for quick reference:
The nearest pub to Woodlands Farmhouse, Swallow's Orchard (1 mile) and Hunter's Moon (1¼ miles) is The Red Lion at West Pennard. A nice local pub with a good menu.
The closest pub to Apple Cottage, Lower Hedge Farm, and Portman House is The Natterjack Inn, a traditional country pub just 3 miles from the houses.
The closest pub to Higher Burrow Farm is the Lamb & Lion, 1.5 miles from the house. A top gastro pub with excellent food and private dining areas for larger groups.
The closest pubs to Rock Farm & Smokeham Farm are The Rising Sun at West Bagborough and the Blue Ball at Triscombe, both roughly 1 mile from the properties (in opposite directions). Expect a stylish yet rustic interior, quality food and real ales.
The nearest pubs to Little Cheriton House are the White Horse in South Cheriton, The Half Moon Inn at Horsington, and the Old Inn at Holton. We would also recommend the Kings Arms at Charlton Hawthorne.
The pubs that we recommend for more restaurant quality food are;
The Kings Arms - a 6 minute drive from Little Cheriton House and serving very good food.
Lamb & Lion - 1.5 miles from Higher Burrow Farm only with excellent food and private dining areas for larger groups.
The Manor House Inn - a 5 min drive from Lower Hedge Farm, Apple Cottage and Portman House and a 10 min drive from Woodlands Farmhouse, Swallow's Orchard and Hunter's Moon.
The Red Lion Babcary - a 15 min drive from Woodlands Farmhouse, Swallow's Orchard, Hunter's moon, Apple Cottage & Lower Hedge Farm.
What methods of payment do you accept?
If you are booking and paying online we accept all major credit and debit cards apart from American Express. If you would prefer to pay by cheque or balance transfer please contact us to arrange the booking.There are no additional fees for using credit or debit cards.
What is the breakages/damages policy?
Any major breakages/damages caused directly by persons staying at the properties can be charged through the refundable security deposit although for the odd broken glass, generally we will not charge.
Do you allow hen and stag parties?
We welcome hen parties at all of our properties without prior approval, but we won't allow Stag parties at any of our properties.
Are the properties suitable for elderly and disabled guests?
Woodlands Farmhouse has a downstairs bedroom which is easily accessible for elderly guests and the bathroom has a wet room shower with support handles and a flip chair, to make for easier use. Persons staying at other properties will have to use stairs to access the bedrooms. Portman House also has a downstairs twin bedroom and bathroom.
How much deposit is required?
Upon booking we require a 25% deposit with the balance due three months before your arrival date, and the refundable security deposit due one month before arrival.
Are towels and bed linen provided?
Yes, all the beds will be fully made with two fluffy white towels per person. Bath robes and flip-flops may be required for the hot tub.
Are there any extra hidden costs?
No, everything such as VAT, heating, electric, is included in the fee. Wood will be initially supplied and after that may require an additional purchase. Any holiday extras such as catering or massage therapy will be charged for in addition to the cost of the accommodation.
Where do I pick the keys up from?
We will endeavour to meet you at the properties ourselves, to give you the keys and show you around the house, otherwise we will arrange to leave the keys for you at the house.
What are the arrival and departure times at the properties?
The Standard arrival time is 3pm and departure time is 10am. However, if we don’t have guests in directly before you arrive, we will endeavour to get the house ready the day before and you will be welcome to arrive whenever you want on your start day. Likewise, if we don't have guests arriving directly after your stay, you will be welcome to leave later on that day.
Departure times on Sundays are anytime up to 3pm. We will contact you a few days before your start day to finalise arrival and departure times.
Whats happens if I cancel?
Please refer to our Booking Terms for full information regarding our normal cancellation policy. If the cancellation is due to government restrictions associated with COVID-19 then you will be given the option of moving your booking to another date or to receive a full refund.
Are pets allowed?
We only allow dogs at our properties and ask that we are notified before booking - usually a maximum of 2 dogs per house, which may be stretched slightly according to the size. We ask that you keep them downstairs, off the furniture and carpets as well as cleaning after them both inside and outside during your stay. We don't charge extra for dogs.
What level of equipment do you supply in the houses?
We supply 2 toilet rolls per toilet, some washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets, black bin bags, hand wash, salt, pepper, some cooking oil, coffee, tea, sugar - but only in limited supply to get you started, you may need to bring some of the above with you if you have a large group.
Kitchen equipment consists of; pots & pans, frying pans, cooking trays, serving dishes, all plates, crockery, knives & forks, glasses (wine, tumblers & champagne) for the capacity of your chosen property, food processor, scales, rolling pin, jugs, cheese grater and much more. All the basics will be there, but if you require anything specialist you may need to bring this with you.
Are your properties baby and child friendly?
All our properties welcome babies and young children; there are no ponds or water features in the gardens and the Hot Tubs have covers which cannot be easily opened. Our houses however are not baby proofed; there will be some inherent risks as there are in all properties – we ask for our guests to take a common sense approach and if you have a small child with you, have a sweep around the house and move out of reach any ornaments, decorative items or vases that you feel pose a risk.
We can provide infant equipment such as highchairs and travel cots by prior arrangement.
Do you provide highchairs, travel cots and stair gates?
We can by prior arrangement provide high chairs and travel cots. Stair Gates can be supplied for Apple Cottage. Woodlands Farmhouse and Lower Hedge Farm have wide stairs with banisters that make them impossible to fit however, they do have doors that can be shut to prevent access to the stairs.
Do you have minimum booking periods?
For a weekend period (involving either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday) there is a minimum booking of 2 nights. For mid-week bookings, we can accept 1 night stays upon request.
Is your price & availability calendar always accurate?
It is always up to date and accurate as we operate an online booking system.
What are your start and finish days?
We are very flexible with arrival and departure days and you can arrive any day of the week apart from a Sunday. We don't allow 7 night bookings from a Saturday, as it uses two booking weekends for us, but a 6 night booking from a Saturday for example would be fine. Please refer to our Price & Availability calendar and select the dates of your preference and you will be able to see the options available.
