House Rules

These house rules are in place to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests, while respecting our properties, neighbours and the surrounding countryside.

We ask the lead booker to share these with all members of the group before arrival.

1. Occupancy & Visitors

The maximum occupancy of the property must not be exceeded at any time.

Only guests included on the booking are permitted at the property. This applies to both overnight stays and daytime access.

No additional visitors are permitted.

We operate as a professional hospitality business with insurance and safety obligations, and occupancy limits are strictly enforced.

Any unauthorised additional guests or visitors will be treated as a serious breach of these house rules and may result in:

Immediate cancellation of the booking without refund
Guests being required to leave the property

Additional charges may be applied where a breach has occurred, but this does not constitute permission to exceed occupancy limits.

Events & Pre-Approved Additional Guests

At most properties, additional guests or visitors are not permitted under any circumstances.

At Holly House only, limited additional daytime guests may be permitted strictly by prior agreement and subject to:

A clearly agreed maximum number of attendees
An additional charge
Specific event terms

This must be arranged in advance and confirmed in writing. It is not available as a standard option and cannot be added during a stay.

2. Noise & Respect for Neighbours

Our properties are located in quiet rural areas, and guests are required to behave in a way that does not cause disturbance to neighbours or the surrounding environment.

Noise must be kept to a reasonable level at all times.

Outdoor music or amplified sound is not permitted at any time
Outdoor noise must be kept low at all times
After 10pm, noise levels must be significantly reduced and all guests must move inside the property
After 10pm, noise must not be audible outside the property boundary
Shouting, loud gatherings, or any behaviour likely to cause disturbance is not permitted at any time

Guests should be aware that sound travels easily in rural areas, particularly at night and across open countryside.

To help manage noise levels, noise monitoring devices are installed at the property. These devices measure sound levels only and do not record conversations. The devices must not be removed from their mountings nor covered.

If we receive a complaint from neighbours, or if noise levels are deemed excessive:

Guests will be required to reduce noise immediately
We reserve the right to attend the property to address the issue
Continued disturbance may result in the booking being terminated without refund
Additional charges may be applied where intervention is required

3. Parties & Events

Parties, events, or gatherings of any kind beyond the agreed number of guests are not permitted.

The properties are intended for private group stays only and are not suitable for events involving additional attendees, external suppliers, or organised functions without prior agreement.

Guests must not arrange:

Additional visitors or attendees beyond those included in the booking
Celebrations, gatherings or events that increase numbers at the property
External equipment such as marquees, staging, lighting rigs, or large sound systems

At most properties, events and additional attendees are not permitted under any circumstances.

At Holly House only, small-scale events with additional daytime guests may be considered strictly by prior agreement and subject to:

A clearly agreed maximum number of attendees
Additional charges
Specific event terms

This must be arranged in advance and confirmed in writing. It is not available as a standard option and cannot be added during a stay.

Any unauthorised event, gathering, or additional attendees will be treated as a serious breach of these house rules and may result in:

Immediate cancellation of the booking without refund
Guests being required to leave the property

4. Check-In, Check-Out & Access

Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 10am unless otherwise agreed in advance.

Access details will be provided prior to arrival once all booking requirements have been completed.

Early check-in and late check-out are not guaranteed and may be available only by prior arrangement, subject to availability and additional charges.

Guests must not arrive early or remain at the property beyond the agreed check-out time unless this has been confirmed in advance.

We are unable to offer check-in or check-out on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.

Guests are responsible for ensuring they have received and understood all arrival information prior to travel.

5. Care of the Property

Guests are expected to treat the property with care and respect throughout their stay.

The property must be left in a clean and tidy condition.

Furniture must not be moved between rooms or taken outside
No decorations may be fixed to walls, ceilings, doors or furniture (including tape, adhesives, pins or similar)
Confetti, glitter, balloons with confetti, and similar items are not permitted
Candles are not permitted. LED candles may be used
No items may be attached to lighting, fixtures or fittings

Guests are responsible for ensuring that all members of their group comply with these rules.

Any damage, breakages, or maintenance issues must be reported promptly.

Additional cleaning, repair or replacement costs may be charged where:

The property is left in an unreasonable condition
Excessive cleaning is required
Damage has occurred during the stay

6. Hot Tubs & Facilities

Where provided, hot tubs and other facilities must be used responsibly and in accordance with the guidance provided.

Use of these facilities is at the guests’ own risk.

The following rules must be followed at all times:

Children must not enter the hot tub area unless supervised
Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to use the hot tub
Children aged 5–16 must be supervised at all times and must not use the hot tub unsupervised
The maximum number of users must not be exceeded
No glass is permitted in or around the hot tub area
No jumping, diving or unsafe behaviour in or around the hot tub
Guests must shower before use to maintain water quality
The hot tub lid must be replaced after use

For health and safety reasons:

Guests must not use the hot tub if under the influence of excessive alcohol or drugs
Guests with medical conditions, including pregnancy or heart conditions, should seek medical advice before use
The hot tub should not be used for prolonged periods

Guests are responsible for ensuring all members of their group use the facilities safely.

Any misuse, damage, or failure to follow guidance may result in:

Additional cleaning or maintenance charges
Temporary or permanent removal of access during the stay

We reserve the right to restrict or withdraw use of facilities if safety concerns arise.

7. Smoking & Fire Safety

Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside any property.

Smoking is only permitted in outdoor areas and guests must dispose of cigarette ends safely and responsibly.

Guests must follow all fire safety guidance provided at the property.

Fireplaces, log burners, BBQs and fire pits must be used responsibly and in accordance with instructions provided
No candles are permitted. LED candles may be used
No fireworks, Chinese lanterns, or similar items are permitted at the property

Guests must not tamper with or disable any fire safety equipment, including smoke alarms or fire doors.

In the event of any fire or emergency, guests must follow the instructions provided and contact the emergency services as required.

Any misuse of fire safety equipment or behaviour that creates a fire risk may result in:

Immediate cancellation of the booking without refund
Guests being required to leave the property

8. Dogs

Dogs are only permitted at designated properties and must be agreed in advance as part of the booking. Additional charges apply where dogs are permitted and will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Dogs are permitted at the Stainsborough Hall Cottage Collection and at Standlow Farm.

Dogs are not permitted at Stainsborough Hall (Main House) or Holly House.

Guests must ensure they have booked a dog-friendly property before bringing any animals.

We do not accept cats or any other types of pets.

Where dogs are permitted:

The agreed number of dogs must not be exceeded
A maximum of one dog per cottage applies unless otherwise agreed
Dogs must not be left unattended at the property at any time
Dogs are not permitted on furniture or in bedrooms
Guests must ensure dogs do not cause damage or disturbance
All dog waste must be cleared and disposed of appropriately

Guests are responsible for any damage, additional cleaning or disturbance caused by dogs.

Any unauthorised animals may result in additional charges or the booking being terminated.

9. Rubbish & Recycling

Guests are responsible for disposing of all rubbish and recycling during their stay.

All waste must be placed in the appropriate bins provided and in accordance with any instructions at the property.

Rubbish must not be left inside the property on departure
All food waste must be cleared from fridges, freezers and cupboards
Bottles and general waste should be disposed of in the correct bins
Excess rubbish must not be left outside or around the property

Guests are expected to leave the property in a reasonable and tidy condition.

Additional charges may be applied where:

Excessive rubbish is left behind
Waste has not been disposed of correctly
Additional cleaning is required as a result