Guest Information
For emergencies and major problems please call and text 07475734441. We are a internet based business and everything you may need can be found either on our website, below or via google.
Security, Check in and Damage
We require a valid credit/debit card with available credit as a security/damage deposit. Upon arrival we will take a pre-authorisation payment of £150 to £400 per cottage from this card (depending on the cottage), this will be returned to your card in around 7 days, depending on your bank, unless there is damage (however caused) Or we now offer damage insurance waiver at only £20 to £50, please ask (one off pre payment). When booking a cottage and supplying us with this card, you are agreeing to this and also agree that we may charge this and any other amount, to the card, for damage, however caused, during your stay. We have CCTV covering the outside areas, we do not monitor or watch this but reserve the right to use or pass on this footage if there is a issue.
Balloons and Banners
We reserve the right to charge for damage caused by drawing pins, blue and white tack to walls. You may stick to woodwork only and not our white walls. We will charge your card for stains and smudges to walls.
Arrival and Departure
We will do everything possible to make sure you enjoy your stay but if you have any concerns or problems please call us on 07475 734441 office hours please (part time, we return all calls). You may check in from 4pm and our preferred arrival time is between 3pm to 5pm (or earlier by arrangement), this is dependent on departing guests. If you intend to arrive later please let us know and always email us your ETA a few days before arrival (please include your date of stay). Please note we may not meet you on your arrival, your cottage will be open and keys inside, someone will try to call to see you, this is not guaranteed. We do not accept change over of guests, you may not have some of your party leave and be replaced by different guests, only persons on the booking form are allowed to stay here and use our facilities. We reserve the right to charge for extra guests even after you have departed and will always do so. We allow visitors within reason, please ask. Departure is strictly before 10am on your departure day to allow for cleaning, we may charge your card if you leave really late as this affects arriving guests. Your cottage must be left as you found it, we will charge for extra cleaning if the cottage is left unsatisfactory.
What’s in your cottage
Our cottages and service is basic 3 star self catering, we provide all towels (except pool towels), linen (beds are made) and only a few start up essentials such as a couple of dishwasher tablets, a couple of bin bags and toilet rolls in all toilets, these may not last for your stay. All cottages have cutlery and basic “pots and pans etc” expected in a self catering cottage, please bring everything you need. All cottages have a washing machine, iron, hair drier, clothes airer, sorry no tumble driers. There is a large Spar close by (500mts left on main road) which sells everything you may need. Please note we have no staff and are not available to supply or service you throughout a weekend stay except for emergencies and hot tub maintenance. Staff are normally on site Mon Wed and Fri. Free unlimited 4g Wi Fi internet is in all cottages, please do not expect super-fast inner city speeds due to our location but it is fast enough to stream TV (about 8mbs on a clear day). Please note we do not provide any soaps, you may wish to bring sanitising hand soap. All keys are left in your doors. Please separate all rubbish for recycling, this is collected by us Mon Wed and Fri from outside your cottage.
Hot Tubs, Pool, Snooker room.
Hot tubs are included for all cottages, except on some budget voucher deals. Our hot tubs seat around 6 persons, they are private to your cottage and you may adjust the temperature to your liking. Please note we can add chemicals to keep the water sterile but it’s highly recommend to shower before using it, we cannot change the water during your stay if you contaminate it due to the time it takes to heat and the costs involved, you must keep it topped up to just above the lights, there is a hose nearby. Do not switch it off at isolation switch or it will go cold. You must replace the cover to avoid and limit high heating costs. To respect to other guests they may not be used after 10.30pm. It is the guests responsibility to keep it topped up, clean and the cover replaced. They may not be suitable for some guests due to medical conditions (if in doubt please seek independent advice) Please read the hot tub instructions in your cottage. There is also a hot tub in the pool area (indoor) it can be difficult for us to keeep this water clear at busy times. The pool is open from 10am to 10pm for everyone. (closed between 6 and 7pm for maintenance). The switch for the pool cover is on the left as you enter (next to the “do not leave this cover off” sign) this cover must be replaced properly, as if left off it causes condensation damage and heat loss, someone will need to call and see you if you leave this off as it affects other guests enjoyment. There is no music or glass allowed in the pool building. You may take glass into the snooker room. We may close the pool for private sessions if we have a large group, this is to make it quieter and beneficial to the other cottages.
Our Facilities
We can provide logs and kindling for £35 per week or £20 for part week, these need to be pre-booked via email (winter only). You do not need to light the fire as all cottage have underfloor heating. Our fishing lake is private but free to guests by arrangement (anglers only) and is stocked with coarse fish and trout, its catch and release only. You need light line 3lb size 16 barbless hooks or smaller (as its spring feed) and live maggots are best (ebay before you arrive or Windrow sports 01388 603759 10 miles away). Please close all gates and keep away from the back edge of the lake as this is reserved for wildlife, dogs must be on a lead for the same reason. There may be a boat at the lake, this is strictly private. We have 2 BBQ’s between 6 cottages, (not available in the winter) they are free to use. You must share and organise with other guests on site yourself, we can not help if someone else has or is using them. They are free to use but must be left clean (if not we may charge your card), if unsure you are welcome to bring your own. We have a couple of travel cots and high chairs, these are free but limited, they must be pre booked via email. Sorry we do not allow fireworks due to animals and other guests pets,
Pets
We accept small and medium dogs only at a cost of £30 per pet. This can be paid on arrival and is to cover the extra cleaning and work we have found this creates. Pets are strictly not allowed on the furniture, upstairs and cannot be off the lead within the area of the cottages. As have many children staying here, guests must have a bag in hand to pick up after their pets if within the cottage area. We need to be very strict on this due to toxocara and other diseases passed onto children through dog faeces. We are set in 60 acres and have no problems with pets being off lead outside the area of the cottages so long as they are not a threat the sheep etc. This is a great place for pets but we need simple respect and courtesy to other guests and our beautiful cottages. Dogs are strictly not allowed to be locked in the cottages while the guests are out, unless in a suitable box/cage. they are not allowed to let out to roam.
Young Groups
Winter conditions
To find us;
We have a dedicated page with extra info https://bowleescottages.com/find-us/
Thanks
Tony and Vivien Smith.