Q. How do I check-in / get the keys?
A. Check-in information, including the lock-box code(s) for the key(s) will be emailed to you the day before your arrival. Please make sure you check your junk mail.
Q. Can you send me directions?
A. Directions will be included in the check-in information that will be sent to you the day before your arrival. Generally, aim for post code EH18 1EH, and follow the signs to Orchard Cottages on arrival.
Q. Is parking available?
A. Yes, each cottage has space for two cars side-by-side.
Q. What essentials are included?
A. The kitchen is fully equipped with baking trays, pots and pans, cutlery, plates, gIasses, mugs etc. You will be provided with salt and pepper, oil, tin foil, baking paper, cling film, tea bags, coffee and sugar. There are also dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, hand soap, cloths and tea towels.
Each guest will have a bath and hand towel and the bathroom has a couple of bath mats, toilet rolls, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. All of the beds will be made up with bed linen for your arrival. All bins will have liners provided and a spare kitchen bin liner can be found under the kitchen sink.
Q. Can I check-in early?
A. Check-in is from 4pm unless agreed in advance. Please do not arrive early unless it has already been arranged. Unfortunately, an early check-in is not usually possible.
Q. Can I check-out late?
A. Unfortunately, that won't be possible due to the way our cleaners work. Check-out is at 11am on your day of departure.
Q. Is there WiFi?
A. Yes, we have good WiFi, the password is in the Welcome Book.
Q. Can I bring pets ?
A. We allow up to 2 dogs to stay in each cottage. Whilst the cottage gardens are as dog proofed as we can make them, if you know your dog is a bit of an escape artist I would recommend keeping them on a lead whilst roaming the garden. We also ask that you respect our property and other guests by picking up all dog poo. There will be a £50 fine taken off your deposit if any is found after your departure.
Q. Can I bring a cat?
A. You can bring an indoor cat as long as you are confident that they won't cause any furniture damage. Unfortunately, we can not have cats roaming our grounds as our own dog would attack them.
Q. Is there a cot and highchair available?
A. A travel cot and a highchair can be provided if requested in advance. Please send me an email requesting this before your arrival. Please note that cot sheets are not provided.
Q. Could I request pillows with man-made fibres?
A. All of our pillows, duvets and cushions are hypoallergenic as standard.
Q. How do I book the tennis court?
A. You do not need to book the tennis court. It is available on a first come first serve (no pun intended) basis within the hours advertised in the welcome book.
Q. Can you send me recommendations for local walks and restaurants?
A. Information about walks, places to eat, places to shop, public transport options, days out etc is provided in the Welcome Book. I would recommend giving it a good look through for ideas.
Q. Do I need a car?
A. I would highly recommend a car during your stay as we are remote, and it will give you a lot more options for places to visit and for getting groceries. There is a bus stop about 10 minutes walk away, and taxis are available, but Ubers are hard to get hold of.
Q. Can I have more than 4 people stay?
A. Unfortunately, due to our short-term let licence, we can only accept 4 guests at a time, including infants.
Q. Can we book the main house as we have done in the past?
A. We bought Gorton House last year and it is now our residential home. We only rent out the three Orchard Cottages, Plum, Apple and Cherry. Stable Cottage has a new owner.
Q. I know someone who had a wedding on the estate a few years ago, can I book the property as my venue?
A. Unfortunately not, as it is now our home.
Q. Could I get a VAT receipt?
A. As we are a small business, we are not VAT registered so can't provide a VAT reciept.
