Staying In Our Buildings

1.0 Staying In Our Buildings

We are delighted that you have chosen to stay in one of our buildings and whilst we cannot wait to share this special place with you, we want to ensure that your stay is safe and enjoyable. As with all historic buildings, there are some unique features and characteristics to be mindful of. Please take a moment to review the following safety information to help you navigate the property with care.

2.0 Safety Information

Some of properties may have restrictions on them due to their historic value as heritage assets. What was considered acceptable at one time may pose an unacceptable risk today. If this risk cannot be managed without adversely effecting the building, you will be notified of the area(s) for caution. In particular we will draw to your attention the difference and changes in elevation at our property Glyn Y Coed. If you approach the private main entrance (not where you will be staying but adjacent to where you may park), please be aware of the significant drop between ground levels to be found on either side of the main steps, and adjacent to the driveway. We would strongly advise that children are supervised and that very young children are kept away. In the courtyard between the house and outbuilding, the entrance to a very narrow passageway can be found which leads around the ground floor of the house exiting in the front garden. The passage is the lower of the levels mentioned above.

Whilst the passage looks ripe for exploring, we would advise against it due to the confined space and the risk of falling objects from the level above. Should you need to access this area, let us know and we will be more than happy to assist.

Our other properties are located rurally and it is possible that you will come into contact with a range of farmed livestock. In particular, you may see sheep, cows and horses. You will not (should not) encounter any livestock in the gardens surrounding our properties. Remember to close gates. We would recommend that you familiarise yourself with the countryside code if you are unfamiliar with livestock. As a starting point you may wish to look at the National Farmers Union materials located here https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/free-countryside-code-resources/

3.0 Emergency Contact

The remainder of the house may or may not be occupied during your stay. We can advise you of this if required.

You can call us at any time of the day or night. A phone number will be provided to you on arrival.

4.0 Do’s and Don’ts

Please do:

Check in after 16:00 (unless you have made other arrangements with us);
Check out by 10:00 (unless you have made other arrangements with us);
Open a window when cooking;
Open the window after having a bath or shower;
Leave open the laundry cupboard door when using the drier;
Ask us anything at any time – we’ll be more than happy to help.

Please do not:

Bring into/onto the property, electric bikes, scooters or similar;
Charge / attempt to charge, electric bikes, scooters or similar at the property;
Charge or use vape products on or in the property;
Smoke in the buildings or on the property;
Put bottles back in the wine cooler once opened;
Put food in the wine cooler;
Use extension leads;
Light candles;
Use your own electric heaters;
Bring or use chip pans or boil or attempt to boil pans of cooking oil;
Charge electric vehicles.
Leave electrical devices and phones charging unattended or whilst asleep;
Cut directly on the kitchen worktops;
Place hot pans directly on the kitchen worktops;
Use electric blankets;
Bring dogs or other pets into / onto the property (of course, this does not apply to registered guide dogs who are always welcome)

5.0 Kitchen & Cooking

We hope you will find everything you require in the kitchen, please be mindful of the following:

The worktops are wood and soft – Please do not cut or use sharp objects directly on them, and be careful when placing objects on them.
The worktops are also susceptible to damage by hot pans. Do not place hot pans directly on the wooden worktops;
You will note that there is no cooker extraction. This is due to the restrictions imposed by the building listing and also as part of our approach to cause as little damage to the fabric of the building during renovation. Extraction vents through walls were not required when the house was built and to make a hole for this now would adversely affect the appearance of the exterior and interior. As such we would be delighted if you would open the tilting window(s) when cooking, or perhaps more significantly, when boiling foods on the hob.

6.0 Bathroom Extraction

The bathroom features two forms of lighting – dimmable wall lights and a quick on /off shower bulkhead light.
When running a bath or taking a shower please ensure that the shower bulkhead light is used as a minimum as this will start the steam extraction fan which will run on for a short period after the light is turned off.
The bathroom is located in the former wine cellar and the extraction is done through an original hole in the wall where there was originally a vent. With the barrel vault ceilings extraction can be difficult.
If outside conditions permit, we would be delighted if you would open the window during or even after having had a hot shower or bath. It won’t take long to dissipate the moisture laden air and the benefit to the building in terms of ventilation is significant.

7.0 Laundry

If a laundry area is provided you will find a washing machine and maybe a condensing tumble drier together with some washing machine tablets. There is also an iron and ironing board.

Please ensure you read and understand the instructions for the appliances before you use them. In particular, ensure that pockets are empty and that all items are suitable for tumble drying. Do not tumble dry any footwear regardless of whether the instructions permit it or not.

Please check the collected water level of the condenser drier and clean the removable particle filter before use.

We would prefer it if you only used the appliances when you are awake and at the property.

8.0 Wood Burning Stoves

The wood burning stoves are wonderful features of this property however if used incorrectly they pose a danger to both life and to the property.
We would ask that if you would like to use the fires that you let us know so we can explain their best and safe operation and where to obtain fuel from. This is also a requirement of our fire risk assessment.
We would be delighted to offer you a complimentary basket of wood to get started with further fuel available at cost.
Not all fuel on site may be “seasoned” and ready to burn. Please ask and we will be happy to help.
The stoves are very efficient and will not require much fuel.
Do not overfill the fire box and observe the flue temperature using the fitted gauge often. You should aim to keep the temperature within the “best operation” range.
Only burn approved fuels. Do not operate the stoves with the doors open. Doing so is not efficient and poses a high risk of smoke particle inhalation, damage and property fire.
Failure to follow these instructions can damage the stove and the flue and may put your health, the health of others and the safety of the building at risk.
Ash. We do envision you will need to empty the ash pan during your stay and we will be happy to do this for you on your departure. Under no circumstances must ash (hot or cold) be placed in the bins in the house or outbuildings.
If however, you observe the level of ash to touch the metal grate of the fire; please contact us.

9.0 Guests Receiving Guests

Only those forming part of the original booking are permitted to stay. It is not permitted to allow others outside of the original booking party to stay. This is for your safety and insurance requirements.
Parties and other similar gatherings at the house are not permitted unless agreed and confirmed by us in writing.

10.0 Recycling

You will find three bins in the recycling room to be found just off the inside of the wood store.
Please use these for:
General and non-recyclable’s;
Glass and metals;
Plastics.
There is a smaller food waste box also for scraps and leftovers.
You do not need to use recycling bags.
Please do not place any items for collection kerbside.
Should any bin become full during your stay; contact us and we will arrange for it to be emptied.

11.0 Parking & Outside

At Glyn Y Coed the space immediately in front of the courtyard is available to you for your parking. Should you have a second (or even third) vehicle you are welcome to use the remainder of the driveway. Please be mindful of the safety information above.
At our other properties you may park inside or outside of the main gate. We would remind you of the location and the livestock advice above, and also our exclusion of liability for vehicles.
Whilst every effort will be made to ensure that your vehicle will be safe, we cannot accept liability for any damage howsoever caused to your vehicle(s) whilst at Glyn Y Coed or our other properties.
You are welcome to use and explore all the garden around the house. Care should be taken if children are to explore our woodlands – At Glyn Y Coed this includes the old quarry face opposite the main entrance which may contain loose rock and if approached from above may pose a risk of falling (falls from height).
The area is home to much wildlife including owls and buzzards and it is highly likely you will encounter several foxes, even in the day!
Caution! Foxes have a tendency to take small shoes and other similar items! Be mindful of what is left outside over night.

12.0 Useful Property Information

12.1 Heating

The heating is provided by a combi boiler located in the right-hand laundry and utility cupboard, to the right of the bathroom.
You will not be required to access the boiler or make any adjustments to it.
Where the floors are covered with the original floor tiles, the heating is provided via a wet underfloor heating system controlled by a zoned thermostat.
Where the floors are covered with the original wooden boards, the heating is provided via cast iron radiators with the option of a wood burning stove.
Your preference for a particular temperature range will affect your approach to heating and how it is managed. As a guide, the underfloor heating takes longer to react to changes than the cast iron radiators.
We would be happy to offer guidance if required.

12.2 Instruction Manuals

You will find the instruction manuals for the following appliances located in the left-hand drawer of the sideboard in the kitchen.
Please do not remove these from the house:
Cooker & hob;
Washing machine;
Tumble drier;
Television;
Clear View stove (living room);
Yeoman stove (master bedroom).

12.3 Entertainment

A free view smart television may be found in the living room.
A selection of board games may be found in the cupboard beneath the television.

12.4 Checking In & Out

Depending on your arrival time you will be greeted by either the owner or the house keeper to hand over the keys, make sure you have everything you need, and answer any questions you may have.
There are a number of original and modern door locks to your door and we would suggest you familiarise yourself with the yale style lock which in certain positions may allow the door to close and lock behind you, possibly locking you out.
Don’t worry, help will not be far away!
On departure, you are welcome to say goodbye or simply leave the keys on the kitchen worktop and ensure that the yale door lock locks the door behind you preventing re-access without the yale key.

12.5 Damage & Breakages

We know that accidents can happen. Please let us know if an item or area becomes damaged so we can act swiftly to repair or replace it.

12.6 Outside Equipment

12.7 Out Side Tap

An outside tap is located in the courtyard between the house and the outbuilding at Glyn Y Coed, and will be sign posted at other properties.

12.8 Out Side Furniture

A sun umbrella and seat cushions may be found in the cupboard located in the living room.
The umbrella and seat cushions are permitted to get wet and will soon dry outside.
If they are caught in the rain, leave them outside (or perhaps on the bins in the outbuilding) and we will be happy to dry and store them when ready. Please do not store wet umbrellas and cushions in the house.
A BBQ may be found in the outbuilding. Please use only BBQ charcoal as fuel and please do not use the BBQ as a firepit or to burn logs.

12.9 Electric Vehicles & Charging

We are currently working with our supplier to be able to provide electric vehicle charging points and at present there is no dedicated charge point.
We may however, be able to offer you the facility to charge your vehicle – please speak with us.
Do not try and charge your vehicle from the house using an extension lead. This may be dangerous and it could damage our electrical installation(s) and/or cause a fire.

12.10 Charging of Personal Electrical Devices

Please only use and charge electrical devices which comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Do Not leave charging devices (including phones) unattended (or whilst you are asleep).
Do Not leave devices (including phones) charging when you go out or are asleep.
Understand the Do’s and Don’ts’s earlier in this guide.

12.13 Smoking & Vaping

All our properties are smoking and no vaping property.
You are not permitted to smoke or vape either in the house or on the grounds.

13.0 Fire Notice & Instructions

It is in your own interests to:

To familiarise yourself with the layout of the property and know what to do in the event of a fire;
To familiarise yourself with the various routes to safety and alternatives should your preferred route be compromised.

14.0 Window & Door Locks

We hope you will enjoy and appreciate the original exterior doors and sash windows. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the locking mechanisms as this may be vital should you need to escape.

The front door utilises a combination of a yale style lock and the original rim lock which uses a traditional key. We will provide you with a key to the yale lock only. This way, you will always be able to exit the building via this route regardless of where the door keys are.

You will find the following equipment on each sash window sill:

Two brass threaded sash restrictor locks;
A key shaft which can be located in the non-threaded end of the sash window restrictor lock;
A key shaft (black head) to lock the sash window lock

The sash window restrictor locks can be screwed into the threaded sockets on the sash window sashes using the key shaft in two locations:

Using the lower position in the top sash will prevent the widow from opening at all;
Using the position higher in the top sash will allow the sashes to open by approximately 100mm only (top or bottom) which will allow some ventilation whilst preventing access / egress from the building.

It is important that if you choose to use the sash window restrictors that the room occupants fully understand how they must be used and where the relevant keys are.

The key shaft with a black head may be used to lock the grub screws on the window sash locks in the closed position.

15.0 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

15.1 Smoke Alarms

There are a number of smoke detectors / alarms in the main bedroom(s) and living areas. The alarm may be silenced should it sound during cooking for example.

The smoke detector will “blink”. This is an indication that the system is working correctly.

15.2 Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide detectors / alarms are located in all areas where there is fuel burning appliance (where there is a wood burner and near to the boiler).

They are rectangular in shape.

15.3 On Hearing the Smoke Alarm or Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Were the alarm(s) activated by otherwise safe cooking practices? If so, silence the alarm.
Should the alarm sound again, follow the Fire Instructions below.
If the alarm(s) sound and there is no cooking and the otherwise safe cause of the activation is not known, follow the Fire Instructions below.

15.4 On Hearing the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Only

On hearing the sound of the carbon monoxide alarm only, proceed to open all windows and follow points 1 and 2 of the Fire Instructions below. Remember! Carbon Monoxide is an odourless gas. Trust the alarm.

15.5 Fire Instructions

If you discover a fire:

Raise the Alarm
Inform those staying with you, and also those in the building above you.
If you are uncertain if the floors above are occupied or there is no response, call 07703 007098.
Get Everybody Out

Dial 999 and ask for the fire brigade

Tell them there is a fire at:

GIVE THE ADDRESS WHERE YOU ARE STAYING – A CARD WILL BE PLACED ON THE BACK OF THE MAIN DOOR WITH THIS INFORMATION.

If you feel you can do so safely, consider the fire fighting equipment information below

Do not stop to collect belongings

Do not return to the building until authorised to do so

15.6 Fire Fighting Equipment

There is a CO2 fire extinguisher located outside of the laundry cupboard. Use this for:
Electrical fires;
Some flammable liquids.
There is a foam fire extinguisher located at the bottom of the domestic staff staircase. Use this for:
General use (including electrical and liquids);
Furniture, paper, wood, etc. fires;
Flammable liquids.
There is a fire blanket hanging on the wall to the right of the oven and hob. Use this for:
Kitchen Fires – If possible, turn off the heat and place the fully unfolded blanket over the fire.
Clothing Fires – Fully unfold the blanket and wrap the individual with it. Encourage them to roll on the floor whilst wrapped in the blanket.
Use as protection for you or child to assist with escape.

Whilst evacuating the premises is the safest thing to do, if you feel competent and you feel it is safe to do so, you may be able to tackle and prevent a small fire becoming large and out of control and you may even save a historic heritage asset.

Staying In Our Buildings

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