We have tried to answer some of the questions you may have, but if there is anything that you are unsure about, please email us and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Cottage Details

The cottage summary aims to give you an accurate description of the property together with several photographs. In almost all cases the property rental price is fully inclusive, however occasionally you may find a coin meter for electricity, a small charge for woodburner logs or small charge for tumble drying where this is a shared facility. In all cases this is stated in the property details. Beds described as 2'6" we recommend are only suitable for children. Should you require further details regarding the property or its location we will always be happy to give you more information.

Arrival/Departure times

Access to a property is normally at 2.00 pm on the day of commencement of your holiday and ends at 10.00 am on the day of departure. With some larger properties, to ensure adequate preparation time and cleaning, there may be a later arrival time. Details are given in the property description and in our booking confirmation.

Linen

All our properties provide bed linen but towels are not automatically provided unless mentioned in the property details. Almost all of our properties provide duvets but occasionally a property will have blankets only (please check details for individual properties). In most cases beds will be made up on arrival but cannot be guaranteed. For two week holidays a change of bed linen will be provided and this will be organised through your housekeeper. We do request that towels are not removed from the property and ask that you bring your own beach towels.

Cots/Travel cots

Many of our properties provide a cot or travel cot including mattresses and these are free of charge. Linen is not provided for cots. Please remember to request a cot/travel cot if you require one on your booking form. Cots are normally only occupied by infants 2 years and under. Please check the property description, and note your request on the booking form if this facility is available.

Highchairs

An increasing number of properties are now providing high chairs and are free of charge. Please check the property description, and note your request on the booking form if this facility is available.

Parking

Provision for private parking is available on almost all of our properties. On some occasions, where parking is limited on site, a special provision or permit will have been arranged. Details are given in the property description. Occasionally parking will be described as roadside, please check with our office regarding any restrictions. Please contact us if you require parking for an above average number of cars, or if you need clarification of parking facilities for example if you have a larger car.

Special Needs

To help us make sure a property is suitable please notify us at the time of booking if any members of the party have any special requirements for example health or mobility difficulties.

Mobile telephones: Please note that properties in some locations may not have mobile telephone reception. Please check if this is important to you.

Pets

Pets are allowed in many of our properties, unless otherwise stated in the details. However, we cannot accept responsibility for their safety, and they are accepted only on the understanding that they are kept under control. At no time should they be left alone unsupervised on the premises, and we request that they be kept off the furniture and not allowed in bedrooms. On occasion, although a property may specify pets are not acceptable it may be possible that the owners own dog may have been in a cottage on previous occasions. Please ask if you are choosing a property, specifically, if say a child in your party or adult is allergic to pets. We will be happy to clarify the position in more detail for you. We are getting an increasing number of enquiries of this nature, it is always worth mentioning to us at the time of booking to ensure a trouble free stay. A charge will be made of £15.00 per pet per week or short break. Some property descriptions indicate an enclosed garden, please note this does not mean it is totally escape-proof.

Losses and Damage

Now and again accidents are bound to happen and any losses and damages during your holiday must be paid for. Every effort is made before your arrival to ensure everything is in place. Should you find any difficulties or damage on arrival, it is in your interest to notify the owner or housekeeper, or failing that, our own office as soon as possible following your arrival.

Damage Deposits

A few of our properties require us to take a damage deposit on all bookings. Details are given in the property description. Please refer to our booking conditions.

Older Cottages

Some of our guests will be seeking an older character cottage. These cottages could be over 100 years old and built before damp proof courses and insulation. Care is taken on inspection to take this into account however some have a tendency to be damp and an occasional damp patch can become visible. Because of this, these cottages may not be suitable for anyone susceptible to a damper atmosphere.

Cancelling your holiday

Our cancellation plan automatically covers you when you book a cottage and you are advised to read the details of the plan in the booking conditions. The plan basically covers you for the full refund of the rent (less a £50 administration charge inc. vat) should you cancel your holiday for reasons covered by the scheme. Please see booking conditions (4) for full details. The cancellation plan terminates at 12 noon on the day prior to the commencement of the holiday. Certification of any medical problem is requested from your Doctor. This should confirm that you are not well enough to take your holiday because of illness and that the condition was not known at the time of booking. For additional risks not covered by the plan you are advised to seek further cover.

Satellite TV

Many properties now have satellite TV packages which can vary in available channels. Please contact us for exact clarification. Please check if this is important to you.

Tariffs

Rents are per cottage p/w (calculated in £’s sterling) inclusive of VAT.

All rents include our cancellation plan, full details of cover provided can be found in the booking conditions. (Click for details)

Our normal changeover day is Saturday in high season. At other times depending on availability you can book on any day of the week.

For weekly holidays or SHORT BREAKS beginning on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday the rent for the following Saturday applies.

For weekly holidays or SHORT BREAKS beginning Sunday, Monday or Tuesday the rent for the previous Saturday applies.

Short Break Tariff

Many of our cottages have full central heating, open fires or a woodburning stove and nearly all of them are available for short breaks in Spring, Autumn and Winter. At any other time short breaks are subject to availability.

Short Breaks can be for 3, 4 or 5 nights and can start on any day of the week.

3 night break - 75% of the weekly rent for the relevant Saturday date.
4 night break - 80% of the weekly rent for the relevant Saturday date.
5 night break - 85% of the weekly rent for the relevant Saturday date.

Fuel Charges

Some of our properties make separate additional charges for fuel and central heating. This is priced individually and charged weekly according to the property and as an addition to the rent. Please ensure that you take any additional cost into account when comparing property prices and rent. Please remember to request and arrange this when booking.

Totally Quality Assessed

Marsdens Cottage Holidays promotes only properties which have been assessed under VisitBritains quality assurance standard. The new star ratings reflect the quality that your looking for when booking accommodation. All properties have to meet an extensive list of minimum requirements to take part in the scheme. From there, increased levels of quality apply. For instance you'll find acceptable quality at 1*, good quality at 3* and excellent quality at 5*.

Quite simply the more stars the higher the overall level of quality you can expect to find. Establishments at higher rating levels also have to meet some additional requirements for facilities.

* Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings.

** Improved overall level of quality. In addition to what is provided at One star. All units are self-contained.

*** Good overall level of quality. In addition to what is provided at Two Star. Good standard of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwave.

**** Very good overall level of quality. In addition to what is provided at Three Star. Very good care and attention to detail is obvious throughout. Either access to washing machine and drier, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service.

***** Excellent overall level of quality. In addition to what is provided at Four Star. High levels of decor, fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of of accessories and personal touches.