General

These conditions are set down to clarify the obligations and responsibilities of both the owner of the property (hereinafter referred to as the Owner) and the person renting the property (hereinafter referred to as the Holidaymaker) when entering into a booking agreement.   It is our belief that it is more important to provide a clear basis for such an agreement than to rely on wording that may be legally watertight but is confusing to read or which imposes unreasonable conditions on one of the parties.   Booking of accommodation, nevertheless constitutes a legal contract and it is important to understand the basis of this.   The following paragraphs are intended to set out these obligations as simply as possible for the benefit of all.   If after reading this document you feel that any of the conditions are unreasonable please do not hesitate to discuss the matter with us.  We are always prepared to consider special circumstances if requested to do so prior to booking.   We may not be able to agree to requested variations to the contract retrospectively.

Payment

A booking may be provisionally made by telephone and the Owner will undertake to hold this booking for a period of 7 days pending receipt of the deposit.  The deposit will be £60 (per week) unless otherwise agreed.    On receipt of this the booking is confirmed and the contract made.   Payment of the balance is to be made 6 weeks before the date of entry to the property.  If the booking is made within 6 weeks of the date, the full payment is to be made at time of booking.   The booking deposit is non-returnable to cover administration costs.

Cancellation

If for any reason the Holidaymaker wishes to cancel the booking the following conditions apply: -

Prior to 6 weeks from entry date       Deposit only retained.

Between 6 weeks and 3 weeks of entry date               50% of total cost returned #

Within 3 weeks of entry date                          nil returned #

# If the property is subsequently booked by another party the full cost less the deposit will however be refunded.   The Owner will make every effort to re-book the property.  To avoid potential financial loss holidaymakers are advised to insure against the possibility of having to cancel.  

Insurance

We strongly advise holidaymakers to acquire cancellation insurance either with a company of your own choice or our recommended insurers.    A leaflet with application form is normally enclosed with this form, but in case of any difficulty please contact Airds Farm.

Arrival & Departure

The time of arrival on the day of entry shall be 3.00pm or later.   Please do not arrive before that time because due to the need to service and maintain the property, it will not usually be possible to permit occupation before that time.   If your booking is out of the main season and is not booked the previous week we will normally advise you in advance that an early occupation is possible.   Departure must be made by 10.00am on the day of leaving to allow the owner to service the accommodation.

Size & makeup of party

The accommodation is suitable for up to 5 adults.   One extra child may exceptionally be allowed by agreement    Additional persons are not permitted to use the accommodation and breach of this condition shall entitle the Owner to require the Holidaymaker and his party to leave the accommodation immediately without refund.   The person booking the accommodation (or another specified individual by prior agreement only) will be present throughout the booking and shall be responsible for the behaviour of the whole party.

Bookings over 1 week duration.

Where booked for a period in excess of 1 week a change of bed linen is included each 7 days.   Making up beds & servicing of the property will not be carried out unless requested in advance and is subject to an extra charge.   Transfer of accommodation to parties other than those declared at the outset during the booking is not permitted without prior agreement.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted within Airdside.

Pets

Dogs are not permitted within Airdside.   They may be brought to Airds if outside housing (e.g. a purpose built dog trailer) is provided.  No charge is made.   Up to 2 dogs are permitted provided that they are well behaved and under control.   They should be kept on a lead and under control within the steading and within the proximity of poultry or other animals.   Dogs should not be left unsupervised at any time.   Areas of open land and woodland are available in the near vicinity upon which pets may be allowed to run, subject only to a duty of care in respect to stock that may be present in adjacent fields.  (See later).   Other pets may exceptionally be permitted by prior arrangement only.

Bed linen

The cottage is equipped with duvets and freshly laundered duvet covers and pillowcases are provided for each person in the party.   Towels are not provided, but can be made available on request for a small extra charge.   

Holidaymaker’s responsibilities

The Holidaymaker and his party shall keep the property and all its contents in the same state of repair and condition as at the start of the holiday.   The property shall also be left in the same state of cleanliness in which it was found.   In the case of extra cleaning being required due to the property being left in a dirty condition, the Owner will be entitled to make an extra charge on the Holidaymaker.

The holidaymaker shall be liable for all damage to the property and its contents.   In the case of breakage or loss of minor items of crockery or cutlery, it is the Owners’ policy to provide items that are inexpensive to replace, and it is accepted that a cost of £1.00 will apply to any individual item.    Damage to items of furniture, fittings or appliances will be assessed in a reasonable manner.  On arrival the holidaymaker will be invited to inspect the property and its contents and will be asked to complete and sign a form of acceptance.

Safety

Airdside is situated within the Airds Farm steading and although many of the buildings are no longer used for agricultural purposes, farm activities are still carried out to a limited extent.   For safety reasons the following rules must be observed: -

·          Children must be kept under supervision at all times.

·          Buildings, barns sheds etc. must not be entered.

·          Where tractor operations are in progress keep well clear of the area.

·          Where stock handling operations are in progress ensure a safe distance is kept.

·          Keep well away from cattle in fields unless you have experience of farming.   In particular dogs must not be allowed to run free around stock of any sort.   Cows with young calves at foot are a particular hazard and must not be approached.   It is entirely the Holidaymaker’s responsibility to ensure that he/she and all members of his/her party are aware of these risks and the Owner shall not accept any liability for loss or injury occasioned by failure to observe the foregoing.

Data Protection

It is implicit in this contract that the Holidaymaker agrees that data provided by him may be held on a computer database.  The owners undertake not to supply any such information held to any third parties without the express permission of the Holidaymaker.

Disability legislation

Airds farm is obliged to conform to recent legislation on access for persons with disabilities.  Pre-existing conditions make it unreasonable for the Owner to provide facilities in all cases.   Please ensure that you advise of all special needs for access so you may be advised whether the property is suitable.   If the property is found to be unsuitable, and you have failed to inform the Owner of your needs in advance, the whole value of the booking is payable.

Complaints

Every effort is made to ensure that everything is in proper order.   Should your expectations not be met in any respect please bring this to the Owners’ attention.   Where equipment failure occurs we undertake to have it attended to as quickly as a possible or to provide alternative facilities.    As the Owners are present on site on a more or less continuous basis, they are readily contacted.