Terms & conditions of booking

Terms and Conditions of Booking

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings for:

The Threshing Barn VedalworksApple Barn Cider Barn The Pictureworks Upton Bourn Lodge

Vedalworks

Or any other properties owned and operated by Little Upton Limited

Whether booked directly with Little Upton Limited or via third-party platforms such as Airbnb.

By confirming a booking, the lead guest agrees to these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all members of their party.

The lead guest must be at least 28 years old unless we agree otherwise in advance. They are responsible for making sure everyone in the group follows these terms.

1. Arrival and Departure

Your usual arrival and departure times are:

• Check-in: from 4:00pm on the day of arrival
• Check-out: by 10:00am on the day of departure

If you’d like to arrive earlier or leave later, please ask us. Both cost extra and depend on availability.

2. Booking and Deposit

For direct bookings, a 10% deposit of the total hire charge is required to secure the reservation.

A further 40% payment is due four months before arrival.

Bookings made via Airbnb or other booking platforms are subject to the payment terms of the relevant platform.

3. Balance Payment

The remaining balance of the hire charge must be paid no later than 8 weeks before the arrival date.

Bookings made within 8 weeks of arrival must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Failure to make payment by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking.

4. Security / Breakage Deposit

A security or breakage deposit may be required.

This will normally be refunded within 48 hours of departure, subject to inspection of the property by housekeeping.

We reserve the right to deduct reasonable costs for:

• Damage
• Breakages
• Missing items
• Additional cleaning required

Please tell us about any damage before you leave.

5. Payment Methods

Payments for direct bookings must be made using the methods advised at the time of booking.

Bookings made via Airbnb or other booking platforms must be paid through that platform.

6. Cancellation

If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible.

Your cancellation will take effect on the date written notice is received.

Payments made are non-refundable, however we may, at our discretion, allow payments to be transferred to an alternative future booking date.

We strongly recommend that guests take out travel insurance to cover cancellations or unforeseen circumstances.

7. Maximum Occupancy

The number of guests staying at the property must not exceed the maximum occupancy stated for that property.

The lead guest must provide the names of all guests aged 16 and over prior to arrival where requested, to comply with UK regulations.

8. Behaviour and Use of the Property

The lead guest is responsible for ensuring that all members of the party:

• Treat the property with care and respect
• Leave it in a clean and tidy condition
• Avoid causing nuisance to neighbours or other guests

The owners reserve the right to enter the property if necessary, including without notice in emergency situations or where urgent repairs are required.

If, in our reasonable opinion, the behaviour of any guest:

• Causes damage to the property
• Causes excessive noise or disturbance
• Puts others at risk

we reserve the right to terminate the booking immediately without refund.

9. Parties and Events

The properties are provided for holiday accommodation only.

Everyone visiting the house must be staying overnight with an allocated bed space, unless we agree otherwise in writing beforehand.

Unauthorised parties may result in immediate termination of the booking without refund.

10. Quiet Hours

Please keep things quiet between 10:00pm and 8:00am, out of consideration for our neighbours and other guests.

There must be no outdoor music or excessive noise during these hours.

11. Pets

Dogs are welcome — please agree their stay with us before booking and pay the pet fee. Other pets also need our agreement in advance.

To help everyone enjoy their stay:

• Keep your pet under control at all times
• Stay with your pet — don’t leave them alone in the house
• Keep bedrooms, furniture and pool areas pet-free
• Please clean up after your pet

If you’d like to bring an animal other than a dog, please ask us for specific permission first.

12. Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicles may only be charged using the designated and signposted EV charging points on site.

Charging from domestic sockets, extension leads, or other electrical outlets within the properties is strictly prohibited.

Unauthorised EV charging presents a serious fire and electrical safety risk and may result in:

• Immediate termination of the booking
• Additional charges for electricity use or damage

13. Accessibility

If anyone in your group has limited mobility or access needs, please contact us before booking so we can talk through whether the house is right for them.

14. Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, Sauna and Steam Room

Where provided, these facilities are used entirely at the guest’s own risk.

Guests must follow all safety instructions provided.

Children must be supervised at all times.

The lead guest is responsible for ensuring that all members of their party use these facilities safely.

15. Hot Tub Safety

Before your first soak, please read the Hot Tub Safety Guidance and follow it whenever you use the hot tub.

If a hot tub must be drained, cleaned or refilled due to misuse, a £100 charge will apply.

Use of the hot tub is not permitted after 10:00pm or when closed for maintenance.

16. Fire Safety

For safety reasons:

• Smoking is not permitted inside the property
• Candles, tea lights and disposable barbecues are not permitted inside

Guests must comply with all fire safety instructions and equipment provided.

17. Complaints

If something isn’t right during your stay, please tell us as soon as possible so we have a chance to put it right.

We cannot accept responsibility for complaints not reported during the stay.

18. Availability

In the unlikely event that the property becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control (such as fire, flooding or damage), we will refund all payments made.

Our liability will be limited to the amount paid for the booking.

19. Liability

Little Upton Limited shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage suffered by guests or their property during their stay, except where caused by proven negligence.

Guests are responsible for supervising children and ensuring safe use of all facilities.

20. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for failure to perform our obligations where such failure is caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Severe weather
• Utility failures
• Government restrictions
• Public health emergencies

21. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Hot Tub Safety Guidance

A few important safety rules for your soak — please read and follow them before getting in:

• No use after 10:00pm or when a Closed sign is displayed
• Pregnant guests should seek medical advice before using the hot tub
• People with heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure issues or serious medical conditions should consult a doctor before use
• Anyone with open wounds, infections or contagious conditions must not use the hot tub
• Children under 4 years old should not use the hot tub
• Children must be supervised at all times
• Do not allow water into the mouth
• Avoid alcohol or drugs before or during use
• Maximum recommended time at 39–40°C is 20 minutes
• Shower before and after using the hot tub
• Do not immerse your head underwater
• Maximum 4 people at one time
• Ensure the water level remains sufficient to avoid pump damage
• Do not bring glass into or near the hot tub
• Take care as surrounding areas may be slippery
• Do not use electrical appliances near the hot tub
• Do not add substances such as bubble bath, oils, alcohol or chemicals

Report any faults immediately.

Do not turn off the hot tub isolation switch except in an emergency, as it must remain powered for cleaning cycles.