Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions
The Guest
Customers who have made a booking with Talehay Cottages, whether directly or through an agent or company acting on their behalf.
The Owner
Talehay Cottages – The individuals who are the legal owners of the property being booked

2. The Contract
The contract entered into is between Talehay Cottages and the Guest. The contract is effective upon payment of the 25% deposit.

3. The Holiday
The Guest has the right to occupy a property for a holiday only (within the meaning of Schedule 1, para 9 of the Housing Act, 1988) for no more than 28 consecutive days at a single property. This begins at 3pm on the start day of the holiday and ends at 10am on the day of departure, unless otherwise stated in your pre arrival information.

4. Liability
Talehay Cottages (nor any person in their employ) cannot accept responsibility for any death, sickness, injury, loss, damage, additional expense or inconvenience directly or indirectly caused by or arising out of the property and its appearance, plumbing, gas, electrical or otherwise exceptional weather conditions or owner negligence. Further, no responsibility is accepted for the personal property, or the cars and contents belonging to the Guest or any member of the party during their occupancy.
You must take all necessary steps to safeguard yourselves, children and your property when taking part in activities and using the facilities at Talehay Cottages Cottages. Children and pets must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

5. Photography and property description
Whilst Talehay Cottages make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the property description and photography, they cannot be held responsible for any alterations made to the property, its amenities and facilities from the time of booking through to the guests actual stay.
Information provided by Talehay Cottages is offered in good faith and has been compiled with care and diligence. Talehay Cottages do not accept liability for disappointment, cost of travel, inspection or other issues relating to marketing materials.

6. Booking eligibility
Bookings cannot be accepted from persons under the age of 18 years or from parties where the majority of members are under 18 years (except families or supervised groups). No bookings can be accepted from single sex groups of three or more, irrespective of age unless a special arrangement has been made with Talehay Cottages. The number of persons occupying a property must not exceed the maximum stated in the current property description.
The person who makes the booking will be legally responsible for all persons included within the party details and should ensure that they are aware of the booking terms and conditions. Talehay Cottages reserves the right to decline any booking or to refuse to hand over a key to any person who is not considered suitable, or who has not complied with the booking terms and conditions.
Talehay Cottages reserve the right to terminate a Guests stay if the guests or any members of their party are believed to be causing a nuisance to the other guests or are not treating the property with due respect.

7. Guest details
To secure a booking with Talehay Cottages, party details must be provided to include names and ages of all persons who will be occupying the property during the holiday period. Bookings will not be confirmed until this information has been provided. If the party details change prior to the holiday commencing, Guests will need to inform Talehay Cottages.
Only persons listed within the party details are authorised to stay and use the facilities at the property. By agreeing to these terms, the person making the booking is deemed to have permission from all other guests to share their details with Talehay Cottages for the purpose of making the booking.

8. Reservation
To secure the reservation, Guests must complete all parts of the online booking form and make payment of the 25% deposit; a quarter of the total tariff. The balance is payable 28 days before the holiday and it should be noted that reminders will be sent when the balance is due. If the balance is not received, Talehay Cottages reserves the right to cancel the booking and apply our cancellation provisions detailed below. Any bookings made within 28 days of the start of the holiday require full payment at the time of booking.

9. Booking alterations by Talehay Cottages
If for any reasons beyond its control (for example failure of a utility service, fire or flood at the property) Talehay Cottages has to cancel or alter arrangements made for the Guest it will make every effort to offer an alternative property, if appropriate. If the Guest does not accept the alternative offered, Talehay Cottages will return to the Guest any monies paid, whereupon Talehay Cottages liability will cease.

10. Cancellation
A holiday booking is a legally binding contract. In the event of a cancellation by the Guest for any reason the Guest will become liable for the full cost of the holiday if it is cancelled within 28 days of the booking, unless Talehay Cottages can secure another booking to replace the Guest’s booking. Cancellations must be made in writing.
• Cancellation due to Government restriction and/ or local regional lockdown (based on booking address) legally instructing you not to travel, your booking will be refunded in full
• Cancellation due to guest inability or disinclination to travel for any reason remains at the risk of the guest. This includes but is not limited to illness (including Coronavirus/ Covid 19), a requirement to self isolate or quarantine, shielding, jury duty, military service, change in personal or work circumstances, family emergencies and travel delays. If you choose to cancel we will try to relet your property and if successful you will be entitled to a refund of the amount paid less 5% booking cost and less the difference in price between the guests booking and the replacement booking. You are strongly recommended to take out UK travel insurance to cover these eventualities. If you choose not to take out UK travel insurance, then you accept responsibility for any loss that you may incur due to your cancellation.
• Change in date; Where an alteration results in a reduction in duration and/or price, no refund will be given. Where an alteration results in an increase in duration or price the difference will be liable by the guest.
• If you need to cut short your holiday after it has commenced, we regret that we are unable to refund any monies paid.

11. Changing dates
Changing dates of a booking within the same calendar year may occasionally be possible and is subject to the agreement of the Owner.

12. Travel insurance
When you book, you accept responsibility for the full cost of the holiday even if you are prevented from coming due to unforeseen circumstances, our cancellation provisions above will apply. This includes circumstances beyond your control such as illness (including Coronavirus/ Covid 19), a requirement to self isolate or quarantine, shielding, jury duty, military service, change in personal or work circumstances, family emergencies and travel delays. We strongly advise you to take out travel and cancellation insurance appropriate to your needs. Travel insurance is available at the time of booking.

13. Pets
Well-behaved pets/dogs are welcome by prior arrangement, subject to a small charge/tariff, (maximum 2 dogs per cottage unless by prior arrangement). All dogs must be healthy and have been regularly wormed and treated for fleas. We are unable to accept dogs under 1 year of age unless by prior arrangement. Please bring your own dog beds feeding and drinking bowls and towels. Dogs must never be left unaccompanied in the cottage unless happy to be confined in their own crate. We reserve the right to enter your cottage if your dog is left unattended and uncrated or is causing a disturbance and place it in a secure cage or shed. Dogs are to be kept off all beds and furniture. Dogs are not required to be on a lead in the field as long as they are under control of an adult and do not disturb the other guests. However dogs must be kept under control and on a lead in the vicinity of the Guests cottage. Owners are responsible for cleaning up behind their dogs.
Owners will be liable for any damage to any part of the cottage caused by their pet.

14. Method of payment
Payments may be made by debit card, credit card or electronic bank transfer.

15. Overseas bookings
Overseas Guests may pay in Sterling drawn on a UK bank, debit card, credit card or by international electronic transfer.

16. Damage
The Guest is liable for any loss or damage caused to the property and contents to the full value of Talehay Cottages ’s loss which may include reasonable repair and replacement.
It is also a requirement of the conditions of booking that the property is left in a clean and tidy condition at the end of the letting period. Should extra cleaning be required we reserve the right to impose an extra charge.
The Guest is required to settle any damage/cleaning payments within seven days of being notified of the total amount. If the Guest wishes to claim the amount from any personal insurance-based scheme, then Talehay Cottages will provide all required documentation, but the Guest must personally settle the claim within the seven-day term.

17. Drones, night Lanterns and Fireworks
The use of drones is not allowed without our express written permission. Night lanterns and fireworks are expressly forbidden.

18. Occupancy
Occupancy shall be from 3pm on the day of arrival to 10am on the day of departure, unless special arrangements have been made prior to arrival (the cleaners have only a limited time to prepare the property for the next guests, and you are asked to respect this).
Under no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons stated in the property description occupy the property. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if this condition is not observed. The use of the property including its facilities at Talehay Cottages Cottages is solely for the use of its residents.

19. Property rules and information
A Digital information folder is provided prior to arrival at the property, which includes property information, rules, fire safety and health and safety procedures. Hard copies of these can be found within each cottage. Guests are asked to familiarise themselves with this information on arrival and to follow any instructions given.

20. Services
Electricity, oil/gas and water are included with the price of the booking.
Electricity for charging vehicles is not included in the rental price and you shall not charge an electric vehicle without our permission. Vehicle charging points are available on site use of which will be subject to a charge. Use of such charging facilities is at the guest risk. Talehay cottages will not be held liable for any damage to guest vehicles of property caused by guest use of these vehicle-charging points. Please check with us at the time of booking on availability and cost of use.

21. Cleaning, Bed linen & Towels
Bed linen and bath towels are included in the hire price of the property. Guests are asked to bring beach towels as these are not included. Please take care when using products such as fake tan and make up!
If guests are staying for 14 days, they are entitled to a full change of bed linen and bath towels upon request. Cot linens are not provided.

22. Internet
All properties have access to the Talehay Cottages Wifi Service for guests reasonable use. As there are 5 properties on site, Talehay Cottages cannot guarantee the speed of the Internet or be held responsible for any issues with the service. However, Talehay Cottages will try to rectify any issues as quickly as possible.
The Guest agrees to comply with all current legislation pertaining to and regarding the use of electronic data in using the internet provided by Talehay Cottages. Talehay Cottages cannot accept liability for loss or damage to the Guest’s data, or accept responsibility or liability for the Guest’s inappropriate or illegal use of the internet.

23. On site facilities
Very occasionally Talehay Cottages may need to close or withdraw certain facilities or activities here on-site for reasons or events beyond their control, including but not limited to, health and safety reasons, maintenance or renovation work, extreme weather conditions, changes to government legislation. Talehay Cottages reserve the right to make alterations based on the above circumstances without prior notice, and we will not be held liable or be subject to any form of compensation should this situation arise.

24. Damage, loss and nuisance
The Guest agrees that the supervision of children, babies, pets and any adults requiring care remains the responsibility of the Guest at all times. The Guest will be responsible for leaving the accommodation in good order and clean condition. The Guest will pay for any damage or loss however caused, excluding reasonable wear and tear incurred during occupation. The Guest agrees not to cause nuisance or annoyance to occupants of nearby properties, and to allow access to the property by the Owner if they deem it necessary.
If in the opinion of the Owner any person who is not suitable to continue their occupation of the property because of unreasonable behaviour, damage or nuisance to other parties, the contract may be discharged, and the Owner may repossess the property immediately. The Guest will remain liable for the whole of the cost of the hire and no refund shall be due.

25. Fire safety, smoking and vaping policy
On arrival guests are expected to familiarise themselves with the fire information, in the digital information pack and in the information folder within the cottage. Guests must also note the position of the fire equipment in the cottage and the fire assembly point in the grounds.

Guests must not cover heaters or tamper with the smoke or heat detectors in the cottage in any way. Candles or Tee lights are not to be used in the cottage.

All properties and facilities are strictly non-smoking and non-vaping. Smoking and vaping are only permitted outside the property away from any open windows or doors. The Guest must not leave cigarette or cigar butts or ashes anywhere around the property. Additional cleaning charges will apply should the inside of the property smell of smoke or cigarette butts and ashes are left in the vicinity of the property.

26. Personal items left behind
Talehay Cottages cannot take responsibility for any items left behind by Guests. If an item is recovered, it will be taken to Talehay Cottages and the Guest will be contacted. If the Guest confirms they want this item returned, this will be subject to a postage charge and administration fee.

27. Events outside of our Control
Talehay Cottages will not be held to account or be responsible for any of the following, which may have an impact on the Guest’s stay which results in the Guest seeking to cancel or end their booking early:
• any noise or building works carried out in the vicinity or on neighbouring properties; or
• force majeure (whether actual or threatened) or Force Majeure- Compliance with any law or governmental order or direction, acts of god, riot, civil strife, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack, industrial dispute, war (whether declared or not) or threat or preparation for war, fire, explosion, adverse weather conditions storm, flood and earthquake, subsidence, epidemic, pandemic (inc. Coronavirus/ Covid 19) natural or nuclear disaster, or failure of public or private telecommunications networks; and
• All other events outside our control or the UK Foreign Office advice. Please refer to applicable cancellation terms.
• We strongly advise that you take out adequate holiday and cancellation insurance.

28. Access statement

29. Complaints
In the event of a problem or complaint, the Guest should contact the Owner within 24 hours of arrival so that remedial action can be taken.
No complaints can be considered where the Owner has not been given an opportunity to investigate the complaint and endeavour to put matters right during the occupation. If the complaint cannot be resolved, it can be referred at any time, by either side, to the independent arbitration service, the ombudsman of the Holiday Home Association (HHA).
The contract embodied in the booking is governed by English Law and the jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and all Communicable Diseases

In a Pandemic it may become necessary for us to cancel your booking on the grounds of public health as directed and advised by National or Local Governments. In such a circumstance we will endeavour to find suitable accommodation of a comparable quality at Talehay Cottages. If no suitable alternative is available at Talehay Cottages we will either cancel your booking and refund your deposit or with Guests agreement defer the booking to a later date of choice within the variable seasonal tariff of the original booking.

In the event that the Government or local authority impose a restriction zone (Quarantine Zone or Localised Lock-down) that prevents Talehay Cottages from opening before the start of the booking we will refund the Tariff paid or by agreement defer the booking to a later date within twelve (12) months of the original date of the booking.

In the event that the Government impose a restriction zone (Quarantine Zone or Localised Lock-down) whilst guests are staying at Talehay cottages Cottages and are prevented from returning home they must follow the current advice of the Government and Local Health Authorities.

In a pandemic it may become necessary for guests to cancel their booking because they or a member of their party or family have contracted a communicable disease. If Guests cancel their booking five (5) days or more before the start date of their booking we will defer your booking to an alternative date within twelve (12) months of the original booking. This will be subject to conformation that the Guest or a member of their party has contracted a communicable disease and that Government or Health Authority has directed them and/or party to isolate or quarantine until the infection has passed.

If a guest or a member of their family or party staying in the same cottage at Talehay cottages falls ill with a communicable disease and are asked to take a test they must do so. If the test is proved positive for a communicable disease you must follow Government Guidelines at the time. If the Guest and their party are required to quarantine in the cottage the Guest will be liable for additional rental charges after the end date of the original booking and all costs incurred by Talehay cottages Cottages in respect of decontamination and loss of revenue.