Terms & Conditions of Booking

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have adequate comprehensive travel insurance in place before booking. Forest Mill Holiday Cottages will not act as your insurer in the event of a cancellation or failed trip.

1. Booking & Payment

The Contract: A binding contract comes into existence when we receive your deposit payment and issue a booking confirmation. This binds all members of your party. The lead guest is responsible for ensuring all party members comply with these terms.
Deposits: A non-refundable deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking.
Final Balance: The remaining balance must be paid no later than four weeks before your arrival date. You will receive automatic reminders to pay at the appropriate times. Failure to pay on time will result in the booking being treated as a cancellation.
Last-Minute Bookings: Bookings made within four weeks of arrival must be paid in full at the time of booking, alongside the relevant Security Bond.
Age & Eligibility: Bookings cannot be accepted from persons under 18 years of age. We reserve the right to refuse any booking at our discretion.

2. Cancellations & Changes

Notice: All cancellations must be communicated immediately by telephone and confirmed in writing.
Refund Policy:
- Cancellations made more than 4 weeks prior to arrival forfeit the deposit.
- Cancellations made less than 4 weeks prior to arrival are non-refundable. However, we will make every effort to re-sell the dates. If successful, you will be refunded the re-sale value minus the non-refundable deposit/admin fee.
Force Majeure: We reserve the right to cancel a booking in exceptional circumstances beyond our control (e.g., extreme weather, fire, flood, major utility failure). In such cases, all payments made will be promptly refunded, and our liability will be limited to the sums paid.

3. Check-In & Check-Out

Times: Check-in is from 4:00 PM and check-out is by 10:00 AM, unless otherwise agreed, to allow adequate time for housekeeping.
Keys: Unreturned or lost keys will incur a replacement charge of £20 per key.
Check-Out Expectations: Please leave the cottage clean and tidy. This includes emptying all bins, cleaning the wood burner (if used), washing up kitchenware, and removing all signs of mud, pet hair, or debris.

4. Occupancy & House Rules

Occupancy Limits: Maximum occupancy is 6 guests for Forest Mill Cottage and 2 guests for Ty Bychan. Only registered guests are permitted to stay. Visitors must be pre-approved for insurance purposes.
Smoking & Vaping: Both properties are strictly non-smoking and non-vaping indoors. Smoking inside will result in immediate termination of occupancy and forfeiture of all payments, plus specialist cleaning fees.
Security & Energy: Please lock doors, close windows, turn off heating/appliances, and ensure electrical items are not left running when leaving the property unoccupied. Excessive energy use may be deducted from your security bond.
EV Charging: Electric vehicles must not be charged via the cottage 3-pin plug system due to insurance restrictions. Unauthorized charging will incur a £50 flat fee and potential termination of the booking.
Wi-Fi & Utilities: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided subject to fair use. We are not liable for temporary utility or appliance outages, though we will make best efforts to resolve critical issues promptly.
Right of Entry: We reserve the right to enter the property for essential maintenance or inspection purposes.

5. Security Bond & Damages

Bond Amounts: £100 for Forest Mill Cottage and £50 for Ty Bychan. We reserve the right to adjust bond amounts if necessary.
Liability: You are responsible for any loss, theft, or damage caused by you or your party.
Deductions: Bonds will be refunded via Stripe within 5–7 days post-departure, minus any costs for damages, missing items, unreturned keys, or extra cleaning required. If costs exceed the bond, an invoice will be issued for the balance.
Lost Property: Left-behind items can be returned for a minimum fee of £10 to cover postage, packaging, and travel.

6. Complaints

Any issues or complaints must be reported IMMEDIATELY during your stay so we have the opportunity to resolve them. Complaints raised only after departure will not be considered.

7. Liability & Personal Safety

Personal Property: We accept no responsibility or liability for any loss, theft, or damage to guests’ personal property, valuables, or vehicles left at the cottages or in the grounds during your stay. Vehicles and their contents are parked entirely at the owner’s risk.
Personal Injury: Use of the cottages, gardens, and facilities (including wood burners and steps) is entirely at your own risk. We shall not be held responsible for any personal injury, illness, or accidents sustained by guests or visitors, unless caused by our proven negligence or breach of statutory duty.
Reporting Hazards: If you need to report safety hazards, structural issues, or broken equipment during your stay, please contact us immediately so we can address them.

8. Dog Policy

We love dogs and want to keep our cottages pristine for all guests. Please adhere to the following:

Health: Dogs must be up-to-date with vaccinations, flea, tick, and worm treatments.
Cleanliness: Clean up all mess immediately, both inside and out. Muddy dogs must be washed and dried before entering the living areas (keep in the kitchen at Forest Mill Cottage or downstairs at Ty Bychan).
Furniture & Bedding: Please bring your own throws and covers if your dogs are used to climbing on the furniture. If dogs are likely to climb on beds, guests MUST bring their own bedding. Any damage, stains, or extra cleaning required due to pets will be charged to the security bond.
Supervision: Dogs may be left unattended ONLY if guests are confident they are settled and will not experience distress. Any resulting damage will be assessed and charged and immediately. Local pet-sitting recommendations are available upon request.