Contract of Hire

This contract is between the owners of Bengate Barn ('us', 'we', 'our') and the person making the booking and all members of the holiday party ('you', 'your').

Payment

A 25% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Bookings made within 8 weeks of arrival require full payment upfront. Please provide the name, address, age and nationality of each guest over 16. Payment is by bank transfer (booking held 48 hours) or cheque (held 5 days). The contract isn't effective until we've received payment and confirmed it in writing. You remain liable for the full cost even if you later cancel.

Security / Damage Deposit

A refundable £100 deposit is required per cottage, returned within 7 days of departure once the cottage has been checked for cleanliness, damage and loss, with the key returned and no signs of smoking or pets outside policy.

The Rental Property

The property is for holiday use only, for the period booked. No tenancy is created, and you have no rights under the Housing Act 1988 or other statutory security of tenure.

Number in Party

No more guests may occupy a property than its bed capacity: Little Bengate Barn and The Old Dairy Barn — 2 guests each; The Cart Lodge — 4 guests. All guests must be named on the booking. We may refuse admittance, or ask you to leave, if this is breached.

Arrival and Departure

Check-in from 4pm, check-out by 10am. Earlier or later times may be possible by prior arrangement, depending on other bookings.

Cancellation by You

Cancellations must be notified immediately by phone and in writing. Deposits are non-refundable. More than 8 weeks before arrival, you forfeit the deposit only. Within 8 weeks, you're liable for the full cost unless we can re-let the property, in which case a discretionary refund (less a £30 admin fee) may apply. Within 14 days of arrival, or in the case of a no-show, bookings are non-refundable.

Holiday and Cancellation Insurance

We strongly recommend holiday insurance covering cancellation and personal property. Use of the property and its facilities is entirely at your own risk.

Cancellation by Us

If we're forced to cancel due to circumstances outside our control (fire, flood, appliance breakdown, extreme weather, etc.), you'll be notified as early as possible and given a full refund, with no further claim against us.

Smoking

Smoking and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited inside and around all cottages, due to fire risk to the thatched roof and our insurance conditions. A £250 charge applies for smoking-related cleaning if breached.

BBQs / Naked Flames

Not permitted anywhere near the property, including candles and fireworks, due to the thatched roof.

Electricity / Heating

Included in your rental. Please switch off lights and appliances when not needed.

Linen

Bed linen and towels (1 hand + 1 bath per person) are included; please bring your own beach towels. A laundry service is available for £5 per load. Use liquid detergent only if hand-washing, to protect our private drainage system.

Wi-Fi

Provided free via a rural broadband connection, shared with the main house and other cottages. Speed and connection aren't guaranteed. Please use responsibly and avoid high-bandwidth streaming.

Dogs

See our separate Dog Policy page for full details. A £15 per dog, per week charge applies, with an additional £12/hour cleaning charge if excessive mess is found or dogs have been on furniture or beds.

Visitors

Day visitors require advance permission — maximum 2 at a time, no overnight stays, and visitors aren't covered by your booking contract.

Keys

Collected from a Key Safe Box outside your cottage; the access code is sent with directions once your final balance is paid. Please return the key to the box on departure.

Care of Property

Please take reasonable care of the property and leave it clean and tidy. Be considerate of noise towards the owners, other guests, and our neighbouring property. Parties and any nuisance or offensive activity are not permitted and may result in immediate removal without refund.

Water and Private Drainage

Little Bengate Barn, the Courtyard Barn and The Cart Lodge run on a private drainage system. Please flush toilet paper only — no wipes, cotton wool, or feminine products. Blockages caused by misuse may be charged, potentially above the security deposit.

Damages

You're responsible for loss or damage beyond fair wear and tear, and must report it during your stay. We reserve the right to charge for specialist cleaning, repair, or unreturned keys.

Right of Entry

You must allow reasonable access for necessary maintenance or repairs.

Liability

Use of the property and facilities is entirely at your own risk. We accept no liability for injury, loss or damage to you, your party, or your belongings, including vehicles.

Lost Property

Let us know as soon as possible if you leave something behind — return postage is payable by you.

Complaints

Please raise any issues with us as soon as they arise, so we can put things right during your stay. Complaints can't be considered once your stay has ended.

Data Protection

We retain your data only as long as necessary for your booking and legal requirements, and never sell it to third parties.