Terms & Conditions
In these Terms & Conditions, “you” and “your” means all persons named on the Booking including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date. “Party Leader” refers to the person who heads the booking and to whom all documentation will be sent and received. “I”, “me”, “my”, “she” and “Owner” means the owner Sandy Ozanne
- The Property
- The property, known as “La Maison de Maître-Fongrave” is offered for holiday rental subject to confirmation by the Owner.
- It should be noted that the Owner lives in a property in the grounds separated by a gated fence. I have one young, friendly and lively dog, Billy, a “Border Collie” who loves to meet people, especially if they are happy to play with him!
- The rental prices include bed linen, house towels, pool towels, kitchen linen, gas, electricity and water for all appliances other than the laundry facilities. (See Clause 8).
- The water is heated by electricity.
- Weekly rental period is Saturday to Saturday. Other days are subject to availability and to arrange this you would need to make contact with the Owner.
- The Owner requires that the property is vacated by 10am on the day of departure and arrivals are not permitted prior to 5pm. This allows the Owner time to carry out inventory checks and ensure that the property is ready for the new occupants.
- If your arrival is delayed please inform the Owner as she needs to be present at your arrival.
- The Owner will need to carry out pool maintenance while the property is occupied, this will be early in the morning. (See Clause 4)
- The Owner try not to disturb the guests and therefore try to carry out maintenance between bookings. It is only under exceptional circumstances that the Owner would require access.
- The Owner reserves the right to make modifications to the specifications of the property that are considered necessary in light of operating requirements. In the interest of continual improvement the Owner reserve the right to alter furniture, amenities, facilities, or any part of any activities, either advertised or previously available, without any prior notice.
- The Owner operates a No Smoking Policy inside the property ensuring (See Clause 10) the comfort of future guests and to satisfy fire regulations.
- It is extremely important that no sanitary, prophylactics, tissues or baby items are flushed down the toilets and only French toilet paper is used).
- Please note that there is a covered well on site by the clothes dryer, and whilst its cover is secured for safety, please ensure that you do not allow children to play in its vicinity.
- The cooker the house and the plancha are run on lpg gas bottles. The Owner checks to ensure you have gas to use prior to your arrival but please be prepared to contact the Owner to ask that they change over to a new bottle during your stay if necessary.
- Guests arriving with electric vehicles are advised that the Owner is unable to provide charging facilities. This is because of our rural location the fact that our electrical system cannot support such a facility, it could be a fire risk and would invalidate our insurance cover. Should the Owner discover that an electric vehicle has been connected to our electrical system for charging purposes it will be immediately disconnected by the Owner and may incur a deduction from the guests’ security deposit. Please note that there are electric vehicle charging facilities in Castelmoron.
- Bedding & Linens
- All duvets and pillows are Hypoallergenic.
- Mattress protectors are fitted on all beds and pillow protectors on all pillows.
- Dish Cloths, Tea Towels, Bed Linen, House Towels and Pool Towels are included with the property.
- Reasonable requests for replacement of soiled Linen are free of charge so please let us know if an item is marked. If a stain cannot be removed the cost of replacement will be taken from the Security Deposit.
- If you have taken a booking of 9 nights or more, replacements will be provided free of charge half way through your stay so that you may change the linen and pass the used linen to the Owner.
- Welcome Packs
- Items described and shown on the website/literature in our Welcome Pack are not binding.
- As these are a Free of Charge Gift from the Owner no discount can be provided if they are not required.
- Swimming Pools & Grounds
- The swimming pool is available between April and October.
- The Owner cannot be responsible for low water temperatures at any period.
- The Owner will not be held responsible to reimburse the guest should the Government and or local laws forbid the use of water for pool maintenance therefore forcing the closure of the advertised swimming pool.
- Please note that swimming pools carry dangerous risks. Upon arrival at the property you and all members of your party must take time to familiarize yourselves with the pool alarm operating procedures. Please take special note of all signs and instructions for use which are displayed. Pool safety is of the utmost importance. You and your party agree to take full responsibility for the safety of all members of your party in and around the swimming pool.
- No glass or china is to be taken or used in the pool area. Plastic glasses are provided. Should any glass or china fall into tthe pool it is essential that the Owner is informed as soon as possible. It may be necessary to empty, clean and refill the pool to avoid injuries and the associated costs will be deducted from your security deposit and you will not be able to use the pool until the work is completed. Please note that in the event that a pool liner needs to be replaced due to damage caused by a guest, the cost of replacement is at least EUR8,000 plus any losses incurred whilst the pool is out of action which the guest should be able to claim on their personal insurance policy .
- As the area can be subject to sudden heavy gusts of wind, all sun umbrellas must be lowered and tied every evening and when you leave the property.
- Children and babies must be supervised at all times by an adult capable of swimming, the pool gate should be closed and locked when no adults are in the pool area.
- Smoking is permitted in the gardens but please do not litter and do please use the ash trays provided.
- Pets
- I regret that due to allergy considerations of future guests and the presence on the property of the owner’s pet, that guest pets (other than a dog by prior arrangement) are not permitted.
- The arrival of a guest or guests with a pet we are not expecting will result in them being turned away with immediate forfeiture of all payments.
- Children
- If the baby cots are required please inform the Owner at the time of booking via the Booking Form.
- No children are to be left alone by the swimming pool (See Clause 3 above).
- Discounts
- Any Discount relates to the Rental only. It cannot be used to discount any Optional Extras or the Security Deposit.
- Once the booking has been confirmed a discount cannot be added.
- Rentals – 1st October to 31st March
- The short-term rental price includes electricity and one load of cut wood for the Fireplace
- Additional wood can be purchased from the Owner at €15 per replacement load.
- Making the Booking
- Download and complete the Booking Form.
- Scan and email the Booking Form back to the Owner.
- If the Arrival Date is within 49 days full payment including the security deposit will be required
- If the Arrival Date is more than 49 days away then a deposit of 25% will be required
- Upon receipt of a payment the booking will be considered Confirmed.
- All changes will be confirmed by email.
- The balance is required 49 days prior to the Arrival Date.
- The Security Deposit must be received on the specified bank account prior to the guests’ arrival date.
- Payment is by direct bank transfer and details will be provided by email.
- The Party Leader must be a member of the party occupying the properties and must be aged 18 years or over.
- Bookings cannot be accepted from parties consisting of a high percentage of people under the age of 18 years.
- Age must be declared for all Guests under the age of 21, this is for Insurance purposes and to enable the Owner to pay Tourist Tax.
- All bookings are subject to acceptance by the Owner.
- All Booking Statements must be thoroughly checked and the Owner informed of any corrections or alterations, however minor they may seem. Without being informed of corrections/alterations the Owner cannot guarantee these changes will be accepted.
- Completion of the Booking Form, payment of either the Deposit or the full amount and acceptance of the Terms & Conditions form a binding contract between the Owner and the Party Leader.
- If full payment has not cleared within 49 days (7 weeks) of your Arrival Date the Owner reserve the right to consider the contract terminated. (See Clause 3 below)
- Security Deposit
- A Security Deposit of €1000 is required. Payment will be acceptable either by bank transfer or in cash upon arrival.
- Immediately after your departure an inventory and damage check will be carried out.
- If no damage to the property or its contents are found, nor additional cleaning required, the full amount of the security deposit paid will be refunded less any payment charges by bank transfer direct to the Party Leader’s specified bank account.
- Any issues will be reported to the Party Leader including photographs where possible. Replacements and/or repairs will be carried out and the cost deducted from the security deposit. Any remainder will be credited to the Party Leader by bank transfer usually within one week of guests’ departure.
- As you will be responsible for the payment of any breakages, loss or damage to the property caused by you or any members of your party it is strongly recommended that you take out adequate insurance to cover this.
- Where the item to be replaced is part of a pair or set the owner will try to replace the single unit but, if necessary, reserves the right to replace the pair or set with new.
- This Security Deposit does not limit the Party Leader’s liability to the owner. (See Clause 16 below)
- The Owner reserves the right to make deductions from the Security Deposit for any extra cleaning, over the number of hours allocated to departure cleaning.
- Disregarding the No Smoking Policy will cause total forfeiture of the Security Deposit.
- Damage will be repaired “In House” whenever possible at a labour charge materials and carriage if
appropriate.
- Where damage is repaired by a third party the customer will be charged the amount charged to the
Owner.
- Replacement costs are inclusive of P&P from our suppliers. Many of whom are not within France.
- Payments
- All prices are in Euro.
- Payment can be made by bank transfer to the Owner’s Euro bank accounts.
- Cheques are not accepted.
- The Owner is not liable for any charges made by the Payment Authority to the Party Leader for any reason.
- Extras
- Should extras be required (for example catering, child-care or cleaning), these should be arranged separately with the Owner and appropriate notice given.
- If changes are required these must be via email and are at the Owner’s discretion. Payment will be due on either the next scheduled payment (i.e. Balance) or as a one off on the day before guests’ departure.
- If a “one off” payment is required an invoice will be provided separately if required.
- For any chargeable extras accumulated once the guest has arrived payment will be logged and due before departure in Euros.
- No chargeable extras will be deductible from the Security Deposit.
- Alterations /Cancellation By The Owner
- In the unlikely event of a significant change to your booking by the Owner, the Party Leader will be contacted immediately.
- In the unlikely event of a cancellation to your booking by the Owner (with the exception of Clause 3 below) the Owner will contact the Party Leader and process a full refund of all monies paid.
- The Owner reserves the right to consider the Booking cancelled if full payment has not cleared within 49 days (7 weeks) of the Arrival Date. Should this situation occur the Party Leader may be emailed and informed of the forfeiture of the Deposit. No further bookings will be accepted from the Party Leader at any time.
- Alterations /Cancellation By You
- No changes are accepted from any person other than the Party Leader.
- Any alterations required after the booking has been confirmed cannot be guaranteed by the Owner.
- Any cancellation by you (for whatever reason) must be provided in writing or email from the Party Leader. Upon receipt of notification a confirmation will be sent as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation is the date the Owner receives notification of cancellation.
- If you cancel your booking prior to 49 days (7 weeks) before your arrival date you may lose your Deposit.
- If you cancel your booking after the 49 days (7 weeks) before your arrival date all payments will be lost.
- The Owner will use their best endeavours to obtain a replacement booking. If a replacement is obtained the Owner will then refund all monies paid by you, less any difference between the price you paid for the property and the price paid by the replacement.
- If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Claims must be made direct to the insurance company concerned and do not affect the contract between you and the Owner.
- Owner’s Liability
- The Owner cannot be held responsible for noise or disturbance originating beyond the boundaries of the property or which is beyond our control. In the event that a source of obvious noise has been in existence prior to your arrival and the Owner is aware of this, the Owner will contact you to inform you of the disturbance (See Clause 1 above)
- The Owner cannot be held responsible for the breakdown of any mechanical equipment such as pumps, boilers, swimming pool filtration systems, nor the failure of public utilities such as water, electricity and internet. However, in the unlikely event of a problem she will do her best to correct the situation with as little inconvenience as possible.
- The Owner shall not be liable for any loss, breach or delay to any cause beyond our reasonable control including, although not limited to “Act of God”, explosion, tempest, fire or accident, war or threat of war, civil disturbances, acts, restrictions, regulations, bye-laws, or measure of any kind on the part of the government or local authorities, strikes, lockouts, or other industrial actions or disputes or adverse weather conditions.
- In the event that travel is not permitted to France when you are due to stay, the Owner will endeavour to reschedule your reservation for later dates. No refunds will be offered and you should ensure that you have an appropriate insurance policy in place to cover this eventuality.
- The Owner has the right to terminate hire without prior notice and without refund or compensation if the agreed number of guests are exceeded.
- The Owner cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage to you personally, your belongings or your vehicles when using the accommodation, grounds, equipment or other amenities. The use of these amenities is entirely at your own risk and the Owner accepts no responsibility.
- Your Responsibilities
- You must keep the property and all the furniture, fittings, facilities, equipment and grounds in the same state of repair and condition as at the commencement of the rental, and in the same state of cleanliness and general order in which they were found. (See Clause 10)
- You must report to the Owner, without delay, any defects to the property or breakdown in the equipment, plant, machinery or appliance in the property and gardens, and arrangements will be made for repair and/or replacement as soon as possible.
- The parking of caravans/pitching of tents at the property is strictly forbidden.
- Only the number of persons stated on the Booking Statement may use the properties unless otherwise agreed with the Owner.
- The maximum number of people (including children) occupying the property is 10 including children.
- The Party Leader is responsible for the correct and decent behaviour of the party. Should you or a member of your party not behave in such a manner, the Owner may use their absolute discretion to terminate the stay of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation. The Owner will not have any further responsibility toward such person(s) including any alternate accommodation and return travel arrangements. No refunds will be made and the Owner will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
- Safety, Security & Valuables
- Any valuables left at the property are left at your own risk. The Owner is not responsible for any loss. Proper care must be taken against theft and burglary. It is essential, and also your responsibility, to ensure that all doors and windows are closed and locked when leaving the property. No refund can be given should you decide to vacate the property as a consequence of a burglary.
- Law & Taxe de Sejour (Tourist Tax)
- This contract and all matters arising out of it are governed by English law and shall be deemed to have been made in England. Any dispute, claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection with your contract will be dealt with by a court of competent jurisdiction in England.
- The Taxe de Sejour or Tourist Tax is paid directly by the Owner on behalf of the Guests.
- Data Protection
- In accordance with the 1988 data Protection Act the Owner will ensure that:
- The collation of personal information is fair and lawful.
- The Owner takes responsibility for all personal information held and used and that appropriate security measures are in place to protect this information.
- The Owner requests full details of all party members on the Booking Form as a safety measure whilst you are on vacation.
- Although it is necessary to retain your information on the Owner’s computer due to legal obligations the Owner can exclude you from ongoing offers. Please inform the Owner if you wish to be excluded.
- Whilst your details are not excluded the Owner may provide you with available discounts (See Clause 7 above).
- Your details will never be passed on to any other party.
- Should you require a copy of your details the Owner can email them free of charge or post them at a charge of €10.