Terms & Conditions
Effective 1st May 2025 If you were booked prior to this and want to see the previous Terms and Conditions, please email us at enquiries@dovehousedorset.co.uk
1.THE CONTRACT
The Contract for a short-term holiday rental will be between the owners of Dove House and/or Swallows (Hogleaze Storage Ltd T/A Littlewood Holidays) (we or us) and the person making the booking and all members of the party who are part of the booking (referred to as “the Customer, or Your or You”) in the following booking conditions. UK Law will govern the Contract. The contract of hire is not effective until We have processed the deposit. The contract will be subject to these booking conditions, and must be complied with. The party leader must be at least 18 years of age at the time of booking and prior to arrival we must be provided with a list containing the names, ages, postcodes and contact details of all guests. You are entitled to change members of your booking party prior to arrival provided that you do not exceed the maximum occupancy of the cottage (or the reduced occupancy agreed at the time of booking if lower); however where you have previously provided details of the booking party to us, we will need you to provide details of any such changes. You are responsible for ensuring that all members of your booking party comply with the Terms of Use (as set out below), however, the Contract for the provision of accommodation is between us and you (as the person making the booking). N.B. HEN & STAG DO’S BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ONLY. NO CORPORATE PARTIES.
2. PAYMENT
Bookings are CONFIRMED on receipt of the deposit of 30% of the booking cost. The deposit must be paid within 7 days of booking being placed. The balance of the booking will be due for payment Seventy Days prior to the booking commencement date.
We are entitled to cancel a Stay where payment has not been received when due. We will do our best to contact you by telephone and email before any such cancellation.
3. CANCELLATIONS
a/ If your booking has to be cancelled because DOVE HOUSE and/or SWALLOWS is put under Government Restrictions and has to close and the period of closure covers Your booking You will be refunded in full.
b/ In the event that Your given address is put into Local/Regional Lockdown, rendering You unable to travel, and the period of restriction covers your booking You will be refunded in full.
c/ If your booking has to be cancelled because DOVE HOUSE and/or SWALLOWS has to close through Force Majeure, meaning any of the following circumstances which may hinder or prevent the performance by us of the Contract, including but not limited to: (a) acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake or other natural disaster; (b) epidemic or pandemic; (c) terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion or riots, war, threat of or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo, or breaking off of diplomatic relations; (d) nuclear, chemical or biological contamination or sonic boom; (e) any law or any action taken by a government or public authority, including without limitation imposing a restriction, prohibition, or failing to grant a necessary licence or consent; (f) collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident; (g) non-performance by our suppliers or contractors; and (h) failure of utility service, and the period of closure covers your booking. You will be refunded in full.
d/ Customer inability (or the inability of any, some or all of Your intended party) or disinclination to travel to and stay at DOVE HOUSE and/or SWALLOWS for any reason.
This includes – but is not limited to – illness (including Covid), a requirement or recommendation to self-isolate or quarantine, shielding, a call to jury duty, military service, incarceration, change in personal or work circumstances, family emergencies, travel delays, vehicle breakdown, and delays with public transport. These remain at Your risk and do not give rise to a right to cancel or to receive a refund unless We re-let the property, as shown in the Terms of Cancellation below. You are strongly recommended to take out UK travel insurance to cover these eventualities. If you choose not to take out UK travel insurance, then you accept responsibility for any loss that you may incur due to your cancellation.
e/ Cancellations must be notified to us (Littlewood Holidays), by phone and email and once received in writing we will confirm the cancellation request.
f/ Cancellation by you
If you need or wish to cancel your booking, you need to confirm your intention to cancel in writing to us as soon as possible. It is important that you notify us as soon as possible should you wish to cancel, as this will give us a chance to re-let the Cottage.
g/ Cancellation by you more than 70 days prior to the first day of your Stay
If you notify us of your wish to cancel more than 70 days before the first day of your Stay, you will not be liable to pay the balance.
Where we are able to re-let the Cottage for all or part of the period of your Stay, you will be entitled to the return of all or part of the Deposit, (less in all cases an administration fee of 5% of your total booking cost), to cover our costs and third party costs related to the cancellation and rebooking (such costs include our admin costs, bank fees, accounting fees and agent’s fees or commission payments).
The amount we refund to you under this Clause will depend on the final letting price that we receive for the new booking (which may be less than you have paid or agreed to pay). If we are unable to re-let the Cottage for the dates of your Stay you will not be entitled to the return of any of the Deposit.
Examples (Cancellation by you more than 70 days prior to the first day of your booking): We have used a sample Dove House booking for this.
i. If you book a stay costing £2000 and wish to cancel having paid a £600 deposit, and notify us more than 70 days prior to the start of the Stay, and we are able to re-let the cottage for £2000, you will be refunded £500 of your £600 deposit.
ii. If you book a stay costing £2000 and wish to cancel having paid a £600 deposit, and notify us more than 70 days prior to the start of the stay, and we are not able to re-let the cottage you will be refunded £0.
iii. If you book a stay costing £2000 and wish to cancel having paid a £600 deposit, and notify us more than 70 days prior to the start of the stay, and we are only able to re-let the cottage for £1900 you will be refunded £400 of your £600 deposit.
h/ Cancellation by you less than 70 days prior to the first day of your booking.
If you notify us of your wish to cancel less than 70 days before the first day of your Stay, you will be liable to pay the balance (if you have not already paid it). Where we are able to re-let the Cottage for all or part of the period of your Stay, you will be entitled to the return of all or part of the cost of your Stay, less in all cases an administration fee of 5% of the total booking cost to cover our costs and third-party costs related to the cancellation and rebooking (such costs include our admin costs, bank fees, accounting fees and agent’s fees or commission payments).
The amount we refund to you under this clause will depend on the final letting price that we receive for the new booking (which may be less than you have paid or agreed to pay).
If we are unable to re-let the Cottage for the dates of your Stay you will only be entitled to a nominal refund to cover the costs that we do not otherwise have to expend relating to your stay (laundry costs, cleaning costs and welcome pack costs). The exact amount will depend on the particular cottage booked, but is unlikely to be more than £100).
Examples (Cancellation by you less than 70 days prior to the first day of your booking): We have used Dove House sample booking for this.
i. If you book a stay costing £2000 and wish to cancel having paid the full cost of your Stay, and notify us less than 70 days prior to the start of the stay, and we are able to re-let the cottage for £2000, you will be refunded £1900 of your £2000 payment.
ii. If you book a stay costing £2000 and wish to cancel having paid the full cost of your Stay, and notify us less than 70 days prior to the start of the Stay, and we are not able to re-let the cottage, you will be refunded £0.
iii. If you book a stay costing £2000 and wish to cancel having paid the full cost of your Stay, and notify us less than 70 days to the start of the stay, and we are only able to re-let the cottage for £1900 you will be refunded £1800.
In order to ensure speedy receipt, and thereby processing, of cancellations, we recommend that the Customer sends written notification of cancellation by email requesting confirmation of receipt of cancellation. The effective date of cancellation is when written notification is received by us. Any amounts due for refunding will be made within 14 Days.
i/ It is the responsibility of the Customer to acquire suitable travel insurance for themselves and their party to cover the booking. Littlewood Holidays strongly recommends that the Customer acquires suitable insurance to cover circumstances beyond the Customers’ control such as, but not limited to, jury duty, incarceration, change in personal or work circumstances, military service, illness – including Covid and shielding, family emergencies and travel delays.
Covid is also now a known risk and it is possible for you to insure your holiday against it. This can include the customer or any of the party having Covid, the customer or any of the party having to isolate or quarantine, or you wishing to shield any Members of the party.
4. THIRD-PARTY SUPPLIERS (CHEFS, ETC)
If you want to use the services of a third-party supplier whilst staying at DOVE HOUSE and/or SWALLOWS you must ask and receive written permission to do so. This may be for a chef or beauty treatments etc.
We would need to see the third-party supplier’s public liability insurance, and any other related/required certification. We will then seek approval from our insurers to allow the third-party activity to take place.
If all insurances and certification are satisfactory to Littlewood Holidays and our insurers, permission to invite these suppliers to either of the properties will not be unreasonably withheld.
Littlewood Holidays do not accept liability for the activities of these third-party suppliers. If you bring a third-party supplier without consent, we reserve the right to ask them to leave.
Any recommendation of a supplier made by us will be based on our genuine belief or experience, or feedback received by us from other guests or local contacts. Such recommendations by us do not relieve you of the requirement to obtain our written permission as set out above and we do not accept liability for the services provided by any third party or supplier or business used by you in the course of your stay, regardless of whether they are recommended or referred by us. This will not apply where we have been negligent or dishonest in this regard.
5. PERIOD OF HIRE
You should not arrive before 4pm on the commencement date, and leave by 9.45am on the day of departure. Failure to do so may result in you being charged a further day’s rental. You must not use the property except for the purpose of a holiday during the holiday period, and not for any other purpose or longer period. The agreement to stay in the property for the holiday period, does not create the relationship of Landlord and Tenant between the parties. You shall not be entitled to a new tenancy, or to any assured short hold or assured tenancy or any statutory protection under the Housing Act 1988 or other statutory security of tenure now or at the end of the Holiday Period.
6. NUMBER OF PERSONS USING THE PROPERTY
Under no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons stated on the web site occupy the property. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if this condition is not observed. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to accommodate an additional child, in certain rooms – however this will b subject to overall limits on guest numbers across the site and subject to a supplemental fee of £40 per night, and only when discussed and agree by us PRIOR to arrival. Any persons other than members of your party must not use the facilities at DOVE HOUSE and/or SWALLOWS including the swimming pool unless explicit permission is given. If you wish to invite additional visitors to visit you in your cottage during your Stay, please ask us. We will try to accommodate this, but we need to comply with the maximum site occupancy limits, our insurance cover and consider our other guests.
7. SUPERVISION
There must be at least one capable and responsible adult over the age of 18 in every Cottage.
You are responsible for the full active physical supervision of all members of your party under the age of 18 at all times. This is particularly important around the swimming pool, in the games room, in the surrounding areas. We ask that you follow the footpaths that are across the farm and surrounding area when walking.
SWIMMING POOL: There are specific rules for the use of swimming pool at DOVE HOUSE – these can be found in the property information book on arrival and in the Swimming Pool. NO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 are permitted to swim without adult supervision. You are FULLY RESPONSIBLE for the pool area being secure during your stay. We reserve the right to close this facility or restrict your access to it if these regulations are not being observed.
Regardless of supervision, for safety reasons scooting or cycling on the driveways is not permitted – although this is a peaceful site, we do have large vehicles visiting and working on the site (such as bin lorries, farm vehicles and delivery trucks).
Parties not supervising their children responsibly may be asked to put appropriate arrangements in place or to leave the relevant facility.
8. ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POLICY
Electric Vehicle Chargers are now available at both Dove House and Swallows. If you wish to use them please contact us prior to your stay to arrange this.
Unavailability of an EV charger shall not constitute a breach of our Guest Terms.
About this policy
8.1 This policy sets out how Electric Vehicles (EV) should be recharged while at the Property and the responsibilities of EV owners in respect of safe charging.
8.2 Any reference to “Property” in this policy is a reference to the Property including any garden, grounds, outbuildings, garages or communal spaces.
8.3 This policy forms part of our contract with you. A breach of this policy will constitute a breach of the contract between us.
Who does this policy apply to?
8.4 This policy applies to all members of the Booking Party. No one who is not booked into the property can use the EV Chargers at the Property. It shall be the responsibility of the Lead Guest to inform all members of the Booking Party and any visitors of this policy.
What is an Electric Vehicle?
8.5 For the purpose of this policy an EV is any vehicle that uses electric motors, either fully or partially, to drive its wheels. It will derive some or all its power from rechargeable batteries which requires connection to the electricity grid (plug-in). This includes fully chargeable and plug-in hybrid cars, motorbikes, buggies, scooters, mopeds, bicycles, utility vehicles and tracked vehicles.
Domestic charges are not permitted at the Property
8.6 Most EVs are supplied with a domestic charger, commonly known as a ‘granny charger’ or a ‘trickle charger’. These cables recharge the EV using a domestic power source via a 3-pin wall socket.
8.7 Domestic chargers are not suitable for use in the Property and will create a fire hazard. The use of domestic chargers is strictly forbidden.
8.8 We retain the right to carry out reasonable inspection, on a without notice basis, to ensure that granny chargers are not in use in the Property.
8.9 You are solely liable for any damage or loss suffered by us as a result of your unauthorised use of domestic chargers.
Dedicated charging points
8.10 The Property has 3 dedicated charge points (DCP). 2 outside DOVE HOUSE and 1 outside SWALLOWS. Only one car at a time can be charging on each charge point. Guests can only use the chargers at their booked property, unless permission has been granted by us.
8.11 DCPs are exclusively for the use of the Booking Party. Visitors to the Property who do not comprise the Booking Party are not permitted to use the facilities without our express permission.
8.12 DCPs are subject to fair usage and reasonable energy consumption charges:
YOU MUST NOT:
(a) use a DCP if you are not authorised to do so;
(b) use any splitting cables or modify the DCP in any way;
(c) smoke in the vicinity of any DCP;
8.15 Use of the DCP is at the owner’s own risk and we do not accept any liability for loss or damage sustained by you or your EV as a result of using the DCP unless the damage was caused directly by our negligence.
8.16 You shall be responsible to us for any damage to the DCP or loss suffered by us caused by your use of the DCP.
9. CARE OF THE PROPERTY
You are responsible for the property and are expected to take all reasonable care of its furniture, pictures, fittings and effects, in or on the property. You must leave them in the same state of repair, and in a reasonable clean and tidy condition at the end of the rental period. You must not use the properties for any dangerous, offensive, noxious, noisy, illegal or immoral activities or carry on there any act that may be a nuisance or annoyance to the owner or other neighbouring properties. Smoking, vaping and candles are not allowed in any of the properties. If smoking is detected in the building, then a charge for cleaning will be levied. Due to previous damage, we ask that felt tips, tanning products and hair dyes are not used anywhere in the properties, damage caused by such products will be charged. Any damages will have to be paid for in full within seven days of notification. We recommend that you have insurance in place to cover this.
10. DAMAGES & BREAKAGES
You are legally bound to reimburse us for replacement, repair or extra cleaning costs on demand. If damage occurs to the Property as a result of the actions of Guests during the stay, where the extent of that damage is so severe that the Owner must (in their sole opinion) cancel and/or refund subsequent bookings, the Owner may bring a claim against you for any loss arising as a result, including the cost of refunding other guests affected by cancelled Bookings and any additional administrative fees incurred in respect of the same.
11. WIFI
Wi-Fi is provided for the guest’s reasonable use. The guest agrees to reasonable and lawful usage of this service. We ask that guests do not do excessive gaming or streaming.
12. RIGHT OF ENTRY
We shall be allowed the right of entry to the property at all reasonable times for purposes of inspection or to carry out any necessary repairs or maintenance.
13. DATA PRIVACY STATEMENT & COOKIE POLICY
See our Privacy Policy here https://www.dovehousedorset.co.uk/information/privacy-policy
See our Cookie Policy here https://www.dovehousedorset.co.uk/information/cookie-policy
14. COMPLAINTS
Every effort has been made to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay. However, if you have any problem or cause for complaint, it is essential that you contact us immediately to give us the chance to resolve it. We value your custom and want you to return. We are nearby and generally available to try and resolve issues should they occur. Early notification of any breakages or problems is much appreciated, so please inform us during your stay rather than on departure.
15. WHAT’S NOT ALLOWED AT DOVE HOUSE and SWALLOWS
1/ Electric Vehicle charging is not included in the price. It is metered and we will notify/invoice you within 7 days of departure of the amount owing with payment details.
2/ Under no circumstances are you to bring electrical appliances to Dove House or Swallows, other than laptops and phone chargers, without explicit written permission. This includes air conditioning units. Guest appliances have not been PAT tested and could invalidate our insurance. We will levy a charge if we find they have been operating without consent.
3/ Fireworks, Chinese Lanterns, felt tips, candles, fake tan, hair dye and firepits and portable BBQ’s are explicitly forbidden at either of our properties.
4/ Whilst reasonable numbers of visiting guests are allowed, with our permission prior to your stay, additional overnight guests are not. The cottage occupancy limits are clear on the website. This could invalidate our insurance.
5/ Guests who invite visitors to come and join them during the day are not entitled to use the swimming pool unless explicit permission has been granted. A couple of guests is normally acceptable.
6/ If you have booked more than one cottage, please don’t move items either internal or external from one cottage to another.
7/ Drones are not allowed to be flown anywhere on site. Other guests may be present and we wish to protect their privacy.
16. PETS
16.1 We do not permit guests to bring dogs or pets of any other kind to Dove House (but assistance dogs are welcome by prior arrangement (we need to ensure our own livestock and animals are properly safeguarded)).
16.2 DOGS AT SWALLOWS: We only allow one (1) well-behaved dog in Swallows Cottage, and only when have they been booked in and paid for (£40 per dog). If you wish to bring a second dog please contact us before making a reservation. In order to maintain the cottage for everyone to enjoy, it is necessary that guests bringing a dog agree to abide by the dog rules below:
16.3 Dogs are strictly not allowed on any of the furniture, including the beds (except service dogs if necessary).
16.4 All pet damage is chargeable and you must remove all dog mess from the garden before departure.
16.5 The garden is fenced and gated but we accept no liability if your dog escapes. It is your responsibility to ensure that your pet is kept under control at all times.
16.6 No dog is to be left alone in the cottage at any time.
Please note this is a working farm with other animals.
Regretfully, dogs who bark persistently when outside cannot be tolerated.
17. LIABILITY
17.1 You must take all necessary steps to safeguard yourselves and your property.
17.2 We, our employees, contractors and representatives shall not be liable to you or your party for loss or damage to property.
17.3 We, our employees, contractors and representatives shall not be liable to you or your party for accidents or injuries to you and your party, either within the property or outside unless demonstrably caused by our negligence or wilful misconduct or that of those for whom we are legally responsible.
17.4 We shall not be liable to you for the failure or non-availability of any particular facility in the Cottage or at the site although in all cases we will seek to rectify any such failure as soon as is reasonably practicable.
The signing of this Form by The Client (or any verbal or written acceptance) is deemed to be the acceptance of these terms and conditions. (8 pages including this one)
SIGNED ……………………………………………..…………………(The Booking Lead)
NAME IN PRINT ………………………………….………………………….
DATE OF SIGNING: ………………………………..
DATES of STAY – FROM ………/…………/20…………TO…….…/………/20……
Property: Please mark as appropriate – Dove House / Swallows / Dove House and Swallows
EMAIL FOR ALL CORRESPONDANCE: ………………………………………………………………………………………..
NB: THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED AT THE TIME OF PAYING THE DEPOSIT; THE BOOKING IS NOT VALID WITHOUT THIS COMPLETED FORM.
(Terms and Conditions for Dove House and Swallows Version 01/05/2025)