FAQ*

*Frequently Asked Questions!

Do you charge more in the summer?
There is no premium for summer lets because you are already paying a high price for your ferry or flight.

Do you charge less in the winter?
There is no reduction for winter lets because we do not charge you extra for the heating costs - they are included in the price.

What is the changeover day?
There is no set 'changeover day' because not everyone wants to arrive on a Saturday.

What is the cost for a week?
The cost for a week = nightly rate x 7. We do not advertise a weekly rate because you may not wish to stay for 7 or 14 days - especially if you want to take advantage of the 3, 5 and 10 day ferry special offers.

How much will our stay cost?
The rental fee is per night, for the cottage, for two people (and not per person!) so multiply the nightly rate by the number of nights you want to stay.

Do you charge a security deposit?
Yes, it's 200 euros, you pay it on arrival and it is refunded in GBP to your UK bank account (or Euros to your Euro account) within 2 days of your departure after deducting breakages/excess cleaning charges.

Why do you charge a security deposit?
Because you are much more likely to leave the place as you found it, if your money is at stake.

What happens if we break something?
Tell us! Normal wear and tear comes with the territory and we expect to replace various items during each year. If you tell us, we can often put it right before you leave and certainly before the next people arrive. If it is something easily replaced like glasses, you can buy another to match or a set at the local supermarket and by all means take the other 5 home with you! If we only find out the day you leave we do not have time to put it right before the arrival of the next couple.

How clean do we have to leave the cottage?
Please leave it as you would like to find it! Everyone has their own idea of 'clean' - one delightful lady left it spotless and said she was worried if it was clean enough. At the very least, please vacuum the carpets and rugs, mop the floor, clean the cooker and sink area, wipe out the fridge and clean the bath, handbasin and toilet. Please check that the crockery and cutlery you've put away is actually clean. (Can you believe, someone actually hung up a dirty saucepan?!) You'll need to empty the dishwasher, clean the barbeque if you've used it and empty the two bins inside the cottage. if you've changed things around during your stay, please put them back as they were before you leave as it makes it easier to check the inventory. 

If you'd rather not do this, feel free to book the end of stay cleaning at 40euros and we will do it for you. Incidentally, we always do additional cleaning and checking before guests arrive, as the tasks listed are only part of the changeover! 

We have been truly fortunate that our paying guests leave the cottage clean and tidy and with a couple of notable exceptions, it is our friends and family that leave us to clear up after them - but only the once!

Can we stay for one night?
Have a heart! There is just too much work involved. You are much better off staying in one of the many Bed and Breakfasts (look for Chambre d'Hote signs) -they are the specialists (who enjoy the cleaning and washing and ironing and cooking!!)

Do you offer B&B?
Same answer as 'can we stay for one night'

We need a long let whilst we look for a house in France do you offer a reduced rate?
We no longer offer long stays at reduced rates.

What about facilities for children?
Well there is nowhere to kick a football without wrecking the garden, that is for sure! For 2 years our bookings have been mainly from couples. The few children who have stayed here have been absolutely delightful - but that run of luck cannot continue much longer and we have decided that from this year, the cottage is for couples only. (We will, however, accept bookings from the families who have stayed here in the past, so please feel free to contact us!)

Can another couple share the cottage with us?
Yes, the sofa downstairs converts to a double bed and there are two single futons upstairs. Add on 10 euros to the nightly rate and tell them to bring their own bed linen and towels! (have you worked out yet that somebody here loves ironing?!) Please be aware that it may help if you are good friends, as the bathroom can only be accessed through the bedroom. (we have plans to install a shower downstairs, but it is not as high as the hot tub, on the list of jobs to do)

Why do you hold our provisional booking for only 7 days?
Because enquiries are coming in all the time and we need to know whether you are 'serious' about booking (in which case, your dates will not be given to someone else) or 'just looking' (in which case we can offer the dates to the next enquiry). If you can't meet the deadlines, you will need to re-check that your dates are still available and we reserve the right to offer the dates to someone else who wants them if we do not receive your deposit within the 7 days.

I've sent our booking form so now our booking is confirmed?
Not until you pay your deposit! And don't forget to buy travel insurance as soon as you have paid the deposit because if you cancel later.... (Check if your bank or credit card offers free travel insurance)

Why do we need insurance?
Because if you are hospitalised, to the best of our knowledge (please let us know if the rules have changed) your E111* does not cover all your expenses and the last time I was repatriated by air ambulance from france to the UK it cost £2000 (happily for me, I was not the one on the stretcher, so the flight was superb sat up front with the pilot - well worth the unpaid leave I took from work to accompany the person concerned!)

>>>>* From 1st January 2006 your E111 is no longer valid. Please see the E111 page link above for more information<<<<

more questions? email us for answers!