Useful Information
The Nook is entirely self-contained and, although we live next door, our place is entirely separate from yours so that you can enjoy the peace and relaxation that The Nook offers.
We will generally stay out of your way, as we like our guests to enjoy the space and freedom of the property. However, we are very friendly people and we do not mind at all if you want to come and find us for a chat or ask us some questions. So always feel free to knock or send us a text. We are often out walking our Border Terriers, Betty and Cyril, or tending to our garden, so I’m sure you will see us around should you need us.
You will have access to the entire cottage and outdoor area with space to park up to two vehicles. There is no access to the road when the gates are closed so children are very safe. Please close the gates after you if you go out in your car, as our dogs have a tendency to bolt for an open door!
The Nook is aptly named – it’s a quirky little cottage with low beams and narrow stairs. So beware if you’re 6 feet tall and you’re not looking where you’re going. Children, in particular, would have to be careful on the staircase. Downstairs there is a cloakroom that’s handy during the day. At the front, there is a conservatory overlooking the garden – the perfect place to curl up and read a book – plus blankets for evenings in the garden which has outdoor lighting for night dining or having a glass of wine. The patio area also has some uneven flagstones and is raised above the driveway, so be careful.
CHECK-IN
From 3:00 pm onwards
We will check you in whenever possible but, if we are unavailable, self-check-in is possible too. Earlier check-in may be available – please contact us.
CHECK-OUT
By 10:00 am at the latest to allow us time to prepare for our next guests.
PARKING
The gates to the property will be closed to keep our dogs in. Please text when you are about 5-10 minutes away and we will corral the dogs inside. We recommend reversing onto the drive to make leaving easier. There is room for 2 cars or 4 motorbikes.
ACCESS
We’ll most likely be there to greet you on arrival and show you around, including how to use the hot tub. If, for any reason, were unable to meet you, we’ll send full instructions via WhatsApp. We’ll add you to our WhatsApp group closer to your arrival date. Feel free to message us with any questions.
KITCHEN
As well as your Welcome Pack, please help yourself to anything in the kitchen including a variety of teas, coffee – ground, instant and pods – salt & pepper, oil, risotto rice, pasta and other essentials.
LINEN & TOWELS
Bed linen, large shower towels, hand towels, dressing gowns, slippers and hot-tub towels are provided. Before you leave, please place all used towels and dressing gowns in the shower. Please don’t take the dressing gowns or towels home.
WELCOME PACK
Welcome Pack will include tea and coffee, bread, eggs, cereals and nut-free muesli, 2-pint semi-skimmed milk, large bottle of orange juice, butter and spread, jams, biscuits, sweets for the kids plus a chilled bottle of Prosecco – which you will thoroughly deserve after your journey. There will also be a little treat for you!
SMOKING
Smoking and e-cigarettes are not permitted anywhere inside the property but you are more than welcome to use the outside space if you wish to smoke. An ashtray is provided on the patio. Strictly no smoking or glass in the hot tub area at any time.
RE-CYCLING
We’d also appreciate your help with recycling:
- Blue bin = Mixed recycling
- Purple bin = Card and paper
- Black bin = General waste
Leave your rubbish outside the Conservatory and we will dispose of it correctly.
PETS
We’re sorry you won’t be able to bring your furry friends. We don’t allow pets in The Nook because some future guests may have allergies. We also have animals next door ourselves and would rather avoid a turf war! They’re very friendly and love a pet and a scratch but we ask that you don’t let them into The Nook at any time.
HEATING
The property has electric wall heaters throughout. The downstairs heaters are operated using the remote controls provided in each room.
WIFI
Codes for the WIFI are inside the Nook. There is also a QR code to the left of the W.C for quick connection. WE ARE A RURAL PROPERTY, WITH RURAL INTERNET. There is nothing super-fast about our Internet but it’s good enough to run what we need. Just please don’t be surprised if there are outages. It’s something you need to expect from rural properties.
LAUNDRY
If you need access to a washing machine or tumble dryer, please let us know and we can arrange for you to use ours in the main house.
Before you leave, please place all used towels and dressing gowns in the shower. Please don’t take the dressing gowns or towels home.
SAFETY
Please don’t use any naked flames inside The Nook, including matches or lighters. Smoke detectors are fitted throughout the property. If an alarm sounds, leave the property immediately, ensuring everyone in your party gets safely outside and away from the building. Both the front door and the sitting room door serve as fire exits.
Fire extinguishers are provided inside The Nook and the Backyard Cinema. However, please do not attempt to fight a fire. Your priority should always be to get everyone to safety and call the Fire & Rescue Service if necessary.
HOT TUB
Towels for use in the hot tub area are provided and can be found hanging inside your dressing gowns in the bedrooms. Please do not use the white towels. We check the tub for you every day to make sure it is safe and clean.
The hot tub is not suitable for anyone under the age of 16. If you choose to allow children under 16 to use it, you do so entirely at your own risk. This isn’t a holiday park with lifeguards, so please supervise all users carefully. The hot tub must not be used after 10:00 pm so as not to upset our neighbours.
The number one rule is: YOU MUST SHOWER AND REMOVE ALL MAKE-UP BEFORE USE.
Make-up, fake tan, moisturiser, hair conditioner, styling products, fabric conditioner and similar products can affect the water chemistry and cleanliness. Before every use, please rinse off in the shower while wearing your swimwear so you enter the tub as clean as possible. Long hair should be tied up and fingers should be kept away from filters, jets and moving parts.
The hot tub is set to 39°C. We use bromine rather than chlorine, as it’s gentler on the skin. The water is checked before your arrival and again each morning to ensure it remains safe and properly balanced. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition.
No glass is permitted in or around the hot tub. Please use the plastic glasses provided. If glass breaks near or in the tub please let us know immediately as it must be drained and thoroughly cleaned before it can be used again.
Keep yourself well hydrated. Unfortunately alcohol doesn’t count (!) and manufacturer guidelines advise against consuming alcohol while using the hot tub. We simply ask that you act responsibly and always put safety first.
When you’ve finished using the hot tub, please turn off the lights, replace the lid and fasten the clips securely. Please also take care when walking back indoors, as the patio may become slippery when wet.
Occasionally, the hot tub may have needed to be completely drained, cleaned and refilled before your arrival. If this happens, it may not have reached full temperature immediately. In that case, you may need to wait until later that evening or the following morning before using it. We’ll explain everything you need to know when you arrive.
We follow all manufacturer safety guidelines. We recommend testing the water on a small area of skin first and waiting a few hours before prolonged use. We cannot accept responsibility for injury or damage resulting from failure to follow the manufacturer’s guidance or our house rules.
Hopefully this should give you all the information you need but do feel free to email us with any other queries.