Terms & Conditions

PLEASE READ THESE CONDITIONS CAREFULLY, WHEN YOU MAKE A RESERVATION YOU ARE ENTERING INTO A LEGALLY CONTRACT THE TERMS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT IN THESE CONDITIONS.

These terms form a legally binding contract between you (“the Guest”) and the Owner of the holiday property (“the Owner”), with Secret Bolthole  Limited, trading as Secret Bolthole) (“we”, “us”, “our”) acting solely as agent on the Owner’s behalf. By making a reservation, you agree to comply with these conditions.

1. Contract Formation

A binding contract arises when:

  • We receive your completed booking and deposit payment, and
  • We issue written confirmation of acceptance (by email or post)

This contract is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Secret Bolthole acts solely as agent and is not a party to the rental contract.

2. Booking and Payment

  • A 30% deposit is required to secure bookings made more than six (6) weeks before arrival.
  • The remaining balance is due six (6) weeks prior to arrival.
  • Bookings made within six (6) weeks of arrival require full payment at the time of booking.
  • Failure to pay the balance by the due date may result in cancellation and forfeiture of your deposit.

3. Cancellation

We strongly recommend that you take out personal holiday cancellation insurance.

  • More than six (6) weeks before arrival: You may cancel and receive a full refund of all monies paid, less a non-refundable administration fee of £50.
  • Within six (6) weeks of arrival: Your deposit is forfeited and you remain liable for the full booking amount.
  • If we are able to rebook the property for the same dates, your liability will be reduced to the deposit only, and any balance paid will be refunded, to the extent that its covered by the rebooking.
  • All cancellations must be submitted by email to charlotte@secretbolthole.co.uk.

 

4. Arrival and Departure

  • Check-in is from 3:00 PM on the day of arrival.
  • Check-out time is stated in your booking confirmation.
  • Late departures may incur an additional day’s rental charge unless agreed in advance.

5. Use of Property

  • The property is let strictly for holiday use and does not create a tenancy under the Housing Act 1988.
  • You must not exceed the occupancy stated in your booking confirmation.
  • No parties, events, or commercial use is permitted without prior written consent.

6. Care and Conduct

  • You are responsible for the property and must leave it clean and tidy.
  • You are expected to take reasonable care of the property and its contents, including furniture, fittings, fixtures, and equipment.
  • No smoking is permitted inside the property.
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
  • You must not engage in any activity that causes nuisance or damage.
  • You are responsible for the behaviour of all members of your party and any visitors you invite to the property.

7. Damage Waiver and Liability

  • A non-refundable Damage Waiver fee is included in your booking. This provides cover for accidental damage to the property, its contents, fixtures, and fittings caused during your stay, up to the limit of the waiver.
  • The Damage Waiver covers minor accidental damage only. It does not cover, and you remain personally liable for: deliberate, wilful, or reckless damage; damage caused by pets; additional professional cleaning costs; loss or damage to keys; and any damage or loss exceeding the value of the waiver, in which case the full cost of repair or replacement shall be your responsibility.
  • Small breakages (e.g. glasses, crockery) will not be charged for, but we ask that you notify us so that items can be replaced for the next guests.
  • We will notify you of any liability falling outside the waiver within 48 hours of your departure.

8. Pets

Dogs are the only pets permitted at the property, subject to prior agreement at the time of booking. If bringing a dog, you agree to:

  • Keep dogs off furniture and out of bedrooms
  • Never leave dogs unattended in the property or garden
  • Bring your own dog towels and bedding if preferred (dog crates are provided)
  • Ensure dogs are clean and dry before entering the property
  • Clean up after your dog promptly and dispose of waste responsibly
  • Ensure your dog behaves in a way that does not cause nuisance to neighbours or damage to the property
  • Dogs do not need to be kept on a lead, but must remain under control at all times

9. Security and Access

  • You are responsible for the safe keeping of keys during your stay.
  • Lost keys may incur a replacement charge.
  • We reserve the right to access the property in case of emergency or essential maintenance, with reasonable notice where possible.

10. Health and Safety

  • Guests must familiarise themselves with fire exits and safety equipment.
  • Tampering with smoke detectors or safety devices is strictly prohibited.

11. Photography and Filming

  • The property may not be used for commercial photography or filming without prior written consent.

12. Early Termination

  • We reserve the right to terminate your stay without refund if you breach these terms, cause serious nuisance, or damage the property.

13. Liability

  • The Owner is responsible for the condition and safety of the property.
  • Secret Bolthole, acting as agent, shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or injury arising from your stay.
  • Our total liability is limited to the amount paid for your reservation.
  • Vehicles are left at the property entirely at the owner’s risk.
  • Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

14. Force Majeure

Neither the Owner nor Secret Bolthole shall be liable for failure to perform due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to fire, flood, war, terrorism, pandemics, or government restrictions. In such cases, all monies paid will be refunded in full.

15. Website Disclaimer

We take reasonable steps to ensure our website is accurate and virus-free, but cannot guarantee it. You access it at your own risk. All content is copyright Secret Bolthole and may not be reproduced without permission.

16. General

  • These terms override any conflicting information on our website or brochures.
  • The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.
  • By booking, you confirm that all party members accept these terms and will comply with them.