Phillishayes Cottage Holiday Let — Terms and Conditions
1. Property Owner
Rosalind Coon, of Bowden House, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7PW (“the Owner”).
2. Property
The Owner agrees to let the property known as Phillishayes Cottage, Upottery, Honiton, Devon, EX14 9PF (“the Property”) to the Guest for holiday accommodation only.
3. Booking and Rental Period
- A booking becomes a binding contract once the 50% deposit has been received and a booking confirmation has been issued.
- The Rental Period begins at 4:00 pm on the day of arrival and ends at 10:00 am on the day of departure, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Minimum stay: 3 nights, 4 nights (during winter season), and 7 nights (during school holidays).
4. Payment
- Deposit: 50% of the total cost is due at the time of booking and is non-refundable.
- Balance: The remaining 50% must be received no later than 14 days before arrival. If payment is not received by that date, the Owner reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain the deposit.
- Payment method: All payments must be made via the booking platform or as otherwise agreed.
- Security deposit: A pre-authorisation of £100 is held on the day of arrival and released within 7 days after departure. In the case of loss or damage, reasonable costs will be deducted.
5. Cancellation Policy
- All payments are non-refundable, except where the Owner is able to rebook the same dates. In that case, a partial refund may be offered at the Owner’s discretion.
- Guests are advised to obtain travel insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations.
6. House Rules
- No smoking anywhere inside the property.
- Dogs: Up to two well-behaved, house-trained dogs are welcome. They must not be left unattended, and are not permitted on furniture or beds. A charge of £25 per dog applies. Registered assistance dogs are accepted free of charge.
- Occupancy: Maximum of 4 people plus one infant.
- No parties or events.
- Please respect neighbours and keep noise to a minimum, especially after 10:00 pm.
7. Fire Safety
Phillishayes Cottage has a thatched roof, and extra care is required around fire safety.
- The use of barbecues, outdoor fires, or candles is strictly prohibited.
- The wood-burning stoves must only be used with the doors closed and must not be overloaded.
- Guests must read the fire safety information provided in the cottage on arrival and familiarise themselves with escape routes, fire extinguisher locations, and the first aid kit.
- The Owner’s insurance does not cover losses arising from breach of these safety requirements.
8. Guest Obligations
- The Guest must take good care of the Property and its contents, leaving it clean and tidy on departure.
- The Guest agrees to report any damage or breakages immediately to the Owner.
- The Guest remains liable for any damage, loss, or excessive cleaning costs incurred during the stay.
9. Right of Access
The Owner or their representative reserves the right to enter the Property at reasonable times to carry out essential maintenance, repairs, or in the event of an emergency. Guests will be given reasonable notice where practicable.
10. Owner’s Use of Garage/Office
The garage and attached shed at the top of the garden are not included in the holiday let. The Owner uses the shed as an office one day a week when she may see clients. Access is via a separate path and gate, and clients park in a private area not used by Guests.
The Owner’s work is quiet and should not normally cause any disturbance to guests. Guests are asked to respect the privacy of this area and not to approach or interrupt sessions while in progress.
11. Liability
- The Owner accepts no responsibility for personal injury, accident, loss, or damage to personal property, vehicles, or pets during the stay.
- Guests use all facilities at their own risk.
12. Vehicles and EV Charging
- Vehicles are parked at Guests’ own risk.
- There is no designated EV charging point installed at the property, it is strictly forbidden to charge your vehicle from the domestic electric supply (for example by putting a plug into a plug socket inside the property) as it is highly dangerous and could invalidate our property insurance and your own motor insurance.
The nearest EV charging point is at The Sidmouth Arms pub in Upottery.
13. Internet, TV & Mobile Reception
- Wi-Fi and television are provided for Guests’ reasonable use.
- The Owner cannot guarantee continuous service or signal strength due to the rural location.
14. Lost Property
Items left behind will be held for 30 days after departure. Postage and handling costs will be charged before items are returned. Unclaimed items may be donated or disposed of after this period.
15. Data Protection
Personal details provided for the purpose of booking will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR. Information is used solely for administration, guest communication, and legal record-keeping. Personal data is not shared with third parties except as required by law.
16. Force Majeure
The Owner shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or cancellation resulting from circumstances beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, power cuts, or government restrictions.
17. Use of Property
The Property is to be used for holiday purposes only. This agreement does not constitute a tenancy, and no rights of occupation are created.
18. Right to Refuse or Terminate
The Owner reserves the right to:
- Refuse bookings at their discretion (e.g. groups under 21, parties, or events).
- Terminate a stay without refund if Guests breach these Terms, cause damage, or create unreasonable disturbance.
19. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
20. Agreement to Terms
By paying your deposit and confirming your booking, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.