ACCOMMODATION

Hello Guardswell Adventurer!

Thank you for booking your holiday, escape, retreat, mind and body reset... which ever you view your stay to be, with us at Guardswell Farm. We really cant wait to welcome you! Please take a moment to read the below, which go over a few important details such as cancellation, pets, check-in/check-out, and a few other little house keeping things. The below is what forms a contract between you and Guardswell Farm. These Terms and Conditions are relevant to those booking through the website and directly, with the exception of exclusive use/wedding hire which has a separate set of Terms and Conditions relevant to those stays. 

Booking

We advise that you carefully check the details of your booking, as set out in your booking confirmation, as soon as you receive it. Please contact us within 24 hours if you wish to amend your booking- this will be done free of charge.

Providing that your stay is more than 12 weeks away, we allow a 7 day period in which you can read and digest the Terms and Conditions- and the details regarding your chosen property (for example, if electricity is provided or it is off-grid, the maximum number of occupants etc), after the 7 days you are deemed to have accepted our terms and conditions.

For stays less than 12 weeks from the date of booking, we allow a 24hr period in which you can read and digest the Terms and Conditions- after which you are deemed to have accepted our Terms and Conditions. 

By accepting our Terms and Conditions you are also acknowledging all members of your party agree to be bound by these.

Payment

At the point of booking you will be given the choice between paying the full amount or a deposit of 30%, with the balance due 28 days prior to your arrival. If you choose to pay the deposit then you will be sent a reminder email with a secure payment link to pay the balance 28 days prior to your arrival. 

Where the balance payment of your stay has not been paid 28 days prior to your arrival date, you will continue to receive reminder emails at appropriate intervals. If within 10 days of your arrival date the remaining balance is still outstanding, Guardswell Farm will be entitled to rescind the agreement, retain any deposit and claim against you for any losses incurred. 

Numbers

The huts + houses can each take the maximum number of people stated at the point of booking on the information pages of each property. Additional guests must be agreed in advance of booking. No parties or guests exceeding the maximum number can be accommodated within the accommodation, unless the Steading space is hired for that purpose. This is due to safety and fire reasons.

We are unable to take bookings for stag parties, hen parties or student groups unless by prior arrangement. No parties, events or gatherings may take place at the property without prior written consent from Guardswell Farm.

Cancellation

We understand that sometimes things don't go quite to plan, if you do need to cancel your stay below are our cancellation terms: 

- If cancelled more than 12 weeks prior to your stay - you will receive a full refund.

- If cancelled less than 12 weeks prior but more than 28 days prior to your stay - 30% deposit amount will be retained.

- If cancelled 28 days or less from your stay- 100% of booking cost retained

Change of Date

Where possible, we will try to help you change the date of your booking if you can no longer make it, however this is entirely at the discretion of Guardswell Farm management and if they cannot make a change, then the standard cancellation policy will apply. All date changes must be requested more than 12 weeks in advance of the original booking, otherwise standard cancellation policy will apply.

Check-in Days

From 2024, Guardswell will operate with set Check-In days. These will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Throughout the 6 years we have been open, we have been tracking when people come to stay, and the majority of bookings fall with these check in days.

By operating in this way- we can ensure our small rural team can provide the best service possible to you. It means that we can schedule activities for you to take part in, make sure you have a member of Team Guardswell ready to greet you and answer any questions during your stay, and it also means that we can provide job security in the number of hours- and the days those hours are on- to our awesome team members (something that is important to us!). 

We know that this isn't the most convenient for everyone- so thank you so much for your understanding in our making this change.

Check-In/Check-Out

2024

"Check-In Time" for all accommodation is from 4pm-8pm. Please discuss any later than 8pm arrivals in advance of booking.

"Check-Out Time" for all accommodation is 11am. 

Please be aware that these times are relatively inflexible due to the time needed to change over accommodation for the next guests coming in- we hope that you understand.

Liability 

Guardswell Farm accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of property, vehicles or vehicle contents belonging to guests during their stay or time at Guardswell Farm. Any items found will be held for a maximum of three months. 

Children and Babies

Guardswell is a brilliant place to bring children - and we 100% encourage that you "free-range" them as much as possible - however, children and babies must be supervised at all times. There must be a responsible adult capable of looking after children and babies present throughout the entire hire period. Please remember that Guardswell is a working stock farm. Guardswell staff cannot take any responsibility for the care of minors, or for the recommendation of appropriate care givers.

Guardswell Farm can provide travel cots and highchairs for you to use during your stay. Please be aware that these are used entirely at your own risk. Travel cots require guests to bring a mattress and all of your own bedding, including sheet. 

Children are welcome to stay in our Huts, but extra care should be taken by caregivers to ensure their safety. Fire guards are not provided routinely, but can be requested. Children should not sleep on the mezzanine level of the Infield hut. 

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid close contact with animals that are giving birth, or have recently given birth. You may risk your own health and that of your unborn child by coming into close contact with sheep during lambing, or other farm animals that are giving birth as these animals can carry infections such as chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, listeria and Q fever. If you are unsure if this will affect the time of your stay please contact us in advance of your arrival. 

The Infield

The Infield has a ladder to reach the mezzanine bed- please be aware of this when booking. Children are welcome to stay in the Infield but they must not sleep on the mezzanine level- we are happy to provide bedding for the lower level sofa bed. We are happy to drive your bags to the Infield but guests should not travel in the off-road buggy, unless under extenuating circumstances. 

Dogs 

Well behaved dogs are permitted to stay in the huts + houses at the farm. Dogs must be kept on leads at ALL times due to the presence of livestock, as well as stay off furniture and carpets where possible. 

Drones

Drones are not permitted to be used at Guardswell Farm- they are incredibly distressing to our livestock, and can also interrupt the stays of other guests.

Drugs

The Company has a strict zero tolerance policy on drugs and any illegal substances. If any guest is found to be under the influence, the booking will be terminated with immediate effect and the police will be notified.

Smoking

The Internal areas of the Accommodation are strictly non-smoking. Smoking is allowed only in open-air areas. All cigarette butts must be disposed of appropriately.

Fires and Woodburning Stoves

Fire pits, Woodburning stoves, Outdoor Ovens and BBQs are used entirely at the guests own risk. Please ask if you would like a firelighting tutorial. 

Candles and Personal Electrical Equipment 

Using candles within the accommodation is done so entirely at the guests own risk, and candles must be supervised at all times. If you are using your own electrical equipment in any of the houses or in the Pendicle these should be; 

- electrically safe, of sound design and not modified from their original purpose 

- Show no signs of adaptation, overheating or poor maintenance 

- used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and at the users own risk

Please note that you will be liable for any damage caused to the property or its contents by use of candles or your own electrical equipment during your stay. 

Wood Fired Baths

As the lead guest, you are accepting this acknowledgement and disclaimer on behalf of each member of your party and will ensure each member of your party is aware of and strictly adheres to the guidelines set out below when using the Goodland Wood Fired Baths situated at the Infield, Pendicle and Kailyard.

Yourself and all members of your party hereby agree to ensure that any children in your care, or associated with your party are supervised at all times when they are in the vicinity of the Wood Fired Bath. Extreme caution must be taken to ensure that no child under five years of age is permitted to enter the Wood Fired Bath at any time. Any children over five years of age and under 16 years of age using the Wood Fired Bath or near the Wood Fired Bath are closely supervised at all times. The nature of the Wood Fired Bath mean extra care is needed due to hot surfaces, real fires and chimneys.

All members of your party and yourself as lead guest understand and agree that:

· A Wood Fired Bath needs extra caution due to the natural, unregulated way the water is heated. It is essential to test the water temperature before entering. A thermometer is provided and a cold water hose is available next to all hot tubs. Recommended temperature is 37.5 degrees.

· The use of drugs, alcohol and some medications before or during use of the Wood Fired Bath may lead to unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning and can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia.

· Glass items should not be used in the Wood Fired Bath- please use the tin mugs provided.

· No member of your party may use the Wood Fired Bath without prior consultation with a doctor if he/she is obese or has a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory system problems or diabetes.

· Some medications may induce drowsiness and others may affect heart rate, blood pressure and circulation. If any member of your party has recently taken or is currently taking any medication, he/she will consult a doctor before using the Wood Fired Bath.

· No member of your party may use the Wood Fired Bath is he/she has an infectious disease or has any open sores and/or wounds due to the possibility of spreading infection.

· No member of your party may use the Wood Fired Bath if she is pregnant or potentially pregnant without prior consultation with a doctor.

· Prolonged immersion in the Wood Fired Bath may be hazardous to health.

· The Wood Fired Bath must not be used immediately after strenuous exercise.

· All members of your party will shower both before and after using the Wood Fired Bath.

· The Wood Fired Bath should be kept covered at all times when it is not in use.

· Under no circumstances should any member of your party release water from a Wood Fired Bath during your stay.

All members of my party and I accept and acknowledge that risks and injury may be caused or increased by our own acts, omission, negligence or failure to follow any guidelines provided to us and Guardswell Limited shall not be liable in such circumstances. We also accept and acknowledge that we will be held responsible and incur charges for the full damage to the Wood Fired Bath which occurs during our stay.

Guardswell Limited accepts no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss, damage or injury suffered or incurred by any person using the Wood Fired Bath.

Damage and Excess Cleaning Required

Guardswell Farm reserves the right to invoice for any damages caused to the Property of Guardswell Farm that has been inflicted by you during your stay. Similarly - If your accommodation is left in a poor condition resulting in additional cleaning, repair or replacement, you may be invoiced to cover costs.

Fireworks or Sky Lanterns

Fireworks or Sky Lanterns may not be set off at any time. Guardswell Farm is a working stock farm and the both Fireworks and Sky lanterns can cause physical damage and distress to our livestock.

Force Majeure

The Company may have to make changes for reason of Force Majeure, meaning unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control, the consequences of which neither our suppliers nor we could avoid.  Example: industrial disputes, natural disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, acts of God, malicious damage, flooding, acts of terrorism or similar events beyond our control. The Company shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or costs, resulting from a Force Majeure event. Whilst every effort will be made to ensure the provision of the On Farm Accommodation Hired, the Company cannot be held responsible for shortcomings or conditions outside of their control.

Insurance

Guardswell Farm strongly recommends that you take out full insurance to cover your holiday in all circumstances- from your own cancellation to Force Majeure. 

Disclaimer

Staying on a farm or within a hut/camping/self catering property can be dangerous. Although every care is taken in managing the various facilities, such as fire pits, wood burning stoves and ponds, Guardswell Farm cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from any misadventure associated with your stay at Guardswell Farm. 

The guest agrees:

a. to pay for any losses or damage to the property caused or allowed by the guest.

b. to take good care of the property and leave it in a clean and tidy condition on departure. Guardswell Farm reserves the right to make a charge for extra cleaning if the property is not left in a satisfactory condition. Should Guardswell Farm be dissatisfied with the condition of the property, he may refuse to take a booking from that guest again.

c. to permit Guardswell Farm and their agents reasonable access to the property

d. not to part with possession of the property, or share it, except with members of the party listed when booking

e. not to exceed the total number of people stipulated in the property description

f. not to cause an annoyance or become a nuisance to occupants of near-by premises

h. not to smoke or allow smoking in Guardswell property. 

Guardswell Farm Events and Courses

We are so happy that you have booked onto an Event or Course at Guardswell Farm!! Please take the time to read our Terms and Conditions below.

Dietary

If you are booked on to attend a food related event, we ask that you provide your dietary requirements as soon after booking as possible, but at the latest of 7 days prior to the event to ensure that we can cater for your needs.

Cancellation

Full refunds if cancelled before 14 days of the event.

50% refund if cancelled within 14 days of the event but more than 7 days. 

No refund if cancelled less than 7 days before the event. 

Liability 

Guardswell Farm accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of property, vehicles or vehicle contents belonging to guests during their stay or time at Guardswell Farm.

Disclaimer

Attending a Course or Event on a Farm can be dangerous. Although every care is taken in managing the various facilities such as fire pits, wood burning stoves and ponds,- and ensuring the courses and events are run and managed in a safe way, Guardswell Farm cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from any misadventure associated with your time at Guardswell Farm. 

17/4/24- General change made. Removed breakfasts from all stays, reduced all prices of stays, and created a breakfast add on. Any booking made pre 17/4/24 will have breakfast included in their existing stay price- bookings made post this date will only have breakfast if they have added it on to their stay.