Terms & conditions

Restricted groups by special arrangement only.  We welcome well-behaved groups including civilised hen parties and want you to have a happy time!  However, we don’t want to cramp anyone’s style and expectations, neither do we or our neighbours want to be kept awake, or worry about anyone’s safety. So, we hope you understand that we only accept bookings for the following restricted groups by special arrangement with reassurance that you can vouch for all members of the group sticking to our T&Cs: 16th-30th birthday (or similar) celebrations other than hens where most guests are under 30, mixed hen & stags, stag/male-only groups, large group wedding guests; hire of both properties together. 

Noise. We’re not unreasonable (just realistic!)…but with large groups we know how noisy it can get with music, alcohol and excitement! Other than noise from an excited game of rounders, croquet or similar, loud noise (day or night) probably gives us more angst than anything else. Noise must be kept to a reasonable level to ensure peace for neighbours. If in any doubt, please discuss what constitutes ‘reasonable’. Please be considerate all times of year; don’t use your own speakers outside; any inside speakers must be kept at a peaceful level without thumping bass; and always keep doors closed after 9pm. Any loud music such as karaoke, daytime or evening party music is by arrangement with us and never after 11pm.

No dancing holding drinks. This is super boring (we know), but removing sticky spillages and stains from our carpets is very expensive…so please enjoy your dancing without a drink in your hand!

No dancing upstairs in the Old Brooder - it’s carpeted. 

Booking both properties (Tudor Barn and Old Brooder) together. This is by special arrangement only for which we will agree T&Cs depending on the event..

Extra guests invited for the day or evening to be agreed. If we discover extra guests have stayed without agreement, deposit funds will be deducted.

Smoking.  There is a strict no smoking policy in all buildings but feel free to smoke outside.

Illegal substances are strictly prohibited.

Damage & safety.  No amount of financial compensation can make up for the stress of dealing with very drunk/badly behaved guests, the damage that can be caused - and the anxiety of worrying about your safety. Therefore we require two named responsible people when you book. We expect these guests to ensure the safety of others and the property, sensible behaviour and keeping noise at reasonable levels.

Supervision of children. We welcome well-behaved children but we expect parents to take full responsibility for properly supervising them at all times on our working farm. Children must be clearly informed of hazards/no-go areas, asked to put games away, not to jump on beds, or play ball games in and around the properties (there is lots of space on our meadows!).

Damage to property including beds/bedding/mattresses, carpet stains and damage to tables will be charged for. 

Departure/leaving clean & tidy. Unlike many, we don’t charge a cleaning fee, but we do ask you to leave the place as you find it. We’ll deduct money from your deposit for unreasonable cleaning or damage or any costs incurred due to your late departure. No glitter, sequins and other microplastics - impossible to clean and damaging to the environment.

Lost property. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity after two months.

Pets. No dogs in the Old Brooder. We may permit one well-behaved adult dog by prior arrangement in the Tudor barn. Please bring bedding and towels; keep them off furniture; never leave them unattended or barking; do not let them foul the garden; and please keep them on a lead to protect nesting birds, chickens and livestock.

Adult road bikes are only for those aged 16+ (we’re not insured for younger), and weighing <15 stone – otherwise BYO please. We try to ensure our 40+ bikes are in safe working order but you use them entirely at your own risk. We provide helmets but can’t always accommodate every size, so we advise you bring your own. You’re responsible for bike safety and liable for damage/loss when in use. 

BOOKING, DEPOSIT, PAYMENT

Complete booking form please.  Receipt of booking fee is seen as acceptance of our terms & conditions - note any additional conditions in offer correspondence.

What is included in your booking will be clarified in your offer as some things, such as heating arrangements, and arrival/departure times, vary throughout the year.

Booking, deposit and damages deposit.  We ask for a 50% non-refundable part-payment deposit to confirm your booking.   One month before arrival we ask for the remaining 50% balance plus a £500 damages deposit which is returned the following day after you leave subject to no deductions for unreasonable extra cleaning or damage.

Payments should be by bank transfer (ask for details) or cheque payable to GF Hawkins Ltd. Sorry no credit cards.

Cancelled bookings lose their deposits and whatever final payments have been made. Please consider taking out insurance to cover unforeseen events such as winter weather or Covid. Every attempt will be made to re-let and return your deposit minus a small admin fee. If we have to cancel, such as government shutdown for Covid, our liability is limited to the return of any sum paid by the hirer.  If government restrictions mean we are effectively shut down on your booking date, we would refund you in full. If we are legally open and you wish to cancel for any reason, we cannot refund you but would try our best to re-let and if successful refund you what we can. 

If in any doubt about T&Cs, please do contact us in office hours to discuss further on gfhawkins@outlook.com or 01787 247235.