SMALL PRINT
Terms and Conditions
1. Contract Formation
A legally binding contract is formed between the Guest ("the Tenant") and the Owners of Mettingham Castle House ("MCH") upon receipt of written booking confirmation and payment. All guests are bound by these terms.
2. Liability Waiver and Assumption of Risk
2.1 The Tenant acknowledges that use of the property and its facilities is entirely at their own risk. The Owners accept no liability for:
- Personal injury, accidents, or death
- Loss or damage to personal property
- Interruption to utilities or amenities
2.2 Specific property hazards requiring acknowledgement:
- The Moat: Deep, unfenced water presenting drowning risk
- Castle Ruins: Risk of injury from unstable masonry
- Swimming Pool: 1.8m depth with no lifeguard
- Fire Features: Open fire pit, BBQs and pizza oven present burn risks
3. Historic Property Considerations
3.1 Drainage System:
- Absolutely no grease, food waste, or coffee grounds down sinks
- Only human waste and provided toilet paper may be flushed
- Violations will incur minimum £100 plumbing charge
3.2 Original Features:
- The AGA cooker requires specific operation (guide provided)
- Period windows/door mechanisms may require careful handling
4. Financial Terms
4.1 Payments:
- 50% deposit due within 3 days of booking
- Balance due 6 weeks before arrival
- Full payment required for bookings made within 6 weeks
4.2 Cancellation Policy:
- 100% refund if cancelled 30+ days before arrival date less £40 admin fee.
- 50% refund if cancelled between 30 and 14 days prior to arrival date less £40 admin fee.
- No refund for cancellations within 14 days of arrival date
4.3 Security Deposit:
- £1,000 required for all bookings
- Refunded within 5 working days post-stay minus damage costs
- Minor breakages exempt but please let us know; major damage charged at replacement cost
5. Property Rules
5.1 Occupancy:
- Maximum 10 guests (as per booking)
- No unapproved visitors/events
- No commercial use without prior agreement
- Children to be supervised by the moat, castle ruins and pool.
5.2 Conduct:
- No smoking/vaping indoors
- Noise must be respectful (11pm-8am quiet hours)
- No fireworks or drones
5.3 Property Care:
- Report any damages immediately
- Leave property in clean condition (excess cleaning £50/hr)
6. Amenities and Facilities
6.1 Included Features:
- Indoor heated pool
- Tennis court (equipment provided)
- Kitchen with AGA range cooker
6.2 Restrictions:
- Pool area - no glassware
- Fire features - adult supervision required
- Castle ruins - do not climb on the walls
7. Arrival and Departure
- Check-in: 3pm
- Check-out: 11am (late check-out by prior arrangement only)
- Key collection via secure key safe (code provided to booker)
8. Pets Policy
- Maximum 2 well-behaved dogs allowed
- Must be kept off furniture, especially beds and supervised at all times
- Not allowed upstairs - Please use the stair gate.
- Any damage/cleaning required will be deducted from deposit
9. Owner's Rights
- Right to enter property for emergency maintenance
- Right to terminate stay without refund for serious violations
- Gardener will have access to outside area for maintainance activities
10. General Provisions
10.1 Force Majeure: No liability for events beyond our control including:
- Utility failures
- Extreme weather
- Pandemic restrictions
- War or Terrorism
10.2 Data Protection:
- Personal data processed in accordance with GDPR
- Used solely for booking administration
10.3 Jurisdiction:
- English law governs this agreement
- Any disputes subject to courts of England and Wales
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10.4 Changes
- We reserve the right to change these conditions at any time.
- We reserve the right to change prices (this would not effect existing bookings)
Acknowledgement:
By proceeding with booking, the Tenant confirms they:
1) Have read and understood all terms
2) Accept full responsibility for all guests' compliance
3) Acknowledge the inherent risks of the historic property