BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Unique Cotswold Cottages — updated September 2026

Bookings are made and accepted based on the following terms and conditions ("Terms").

1.  Definitions

In these Terms, the following words have the meanings set out below. Where we use "writing" or "written", this includes email.

  • "Arrival Date" means the date and time from which the Property is available to you, as set out in your Booking Confirmation

  • "Balance Due Date" means the number of weeks before your Arrival Date, or immediately if you book after that point if applicable

  • "Booking Confirmation" means our written confirmation that your booking is accepted, sent once your deposit or full payment is received

  • "Booking Deposit" means % of the Booking Price, payable at the time of booking where you are booking before the Balance Due Date if applicable

  • "Booking Price" means the total price of your stay

  • "Cancellation Fee" means the fee charged in accordance with clause 9 (Cancellation and Alteration Terms)

  • "Damage Deposit" and "Damage Waiver" have the meanings given in clause 7

  • "Departure Date" means the date and time by which you must vacate the Property, as set out in your Booking Confirmation

  • "Group" means you and all individuals and pets attending the Property with you during your stay

  • "House Rules" means any property-specific rules provided to you which form part of these Terms

  • "Owner" / "we" / "us" / "our" means Unique Cotswold Cottages

  • "Property" means the holiday property you have booked, including any outside space, parking and facilities belonging to it

  • "Website" means uniquecotswoldcottages.co.uk, together with any other website we use to take bookings.

  • "You" / "your" / "Guests" means the lead booker and every member of their Group. You must be 18 or over to make a booking

2.  Contract and Booking

2.1 This agreement is made on the basis that the Property is to be occupied by the Guests for a holiday, as referred to in the Housing Act 1988, Schedule 1, paragraph 9. The Guests acknowledge that these Terms do not create a landlord and tenant relationship between the Guests and the Owner, and that no tenancy, right to sub-let the Property in whole or in part, assured shorthold tenancy, statutory periodic tenancy, or any other statutory security of tenure (whether under the Housing Act 1988 or otherwise) is granted or will arise, whether during or at the end of the booking.

2.2 Bookings cannot be accepted from persons under 18 years of age.

2.3 Any dogs or other pets you intend to bring with you must be declared at the time of booking and checked and authorised by the Owner.

2.4 No booking is valid until confirmed in writing (a Booking Confirmation) and the Booking Deposit or full payment is received.

2.5 As the lead booker, you are responsible for the acts and omissions of every member of your Group, and any pets attending the Property with you, whether or not they were declared to us or authorised by us.

2.6 We may accept bookings made for or on behalf of a business, company or other commercial organisation, but only where this is clearly declared to us at the time of booking and accepted by us in the Booking Confirmation. If a booking is later found to have been made for a commercial purpose that was not declared to us, this will be treated as a material breach of these Terms and we reserve the right to cancel the booking immediately, with no refund due.

3. Owner's Responsibilities and Liability

3.1 The Owner is solely responsible for providing the accommodation and for the safety of all Guests. We are not responsible for loss or damage that is not foreseeable.

3.2 We accept no responsibility for personal injury to, or death of, any Guest, or for loss of, damage to, or consequential loss or damage to, their belongings, pets or vehicles, or for other matters over which we have no control. We have no liability for loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption or loss of business opportunity, including where a booking has been accepted for a commercial or business purpose under clause 2.6.

3.3 Where internet access is provided at the Property, this is for recreational use only. We do not guarantee any particular speed, unrestricted bandwidth or uninterrupted access, and we are not liable for any compensation or expenses claimed in respect of its provision or quality.

3.4 Any recommendations we make for local businesses, services, restaurants or amenities are personal suggestions only. We do not guarantee the standard, safety or quality of any third-party service, and are not responsible for your experience of it.

4. Guests' Responsibilities and Forfeiture

4.1 The Guests shall keep the Property and all furniture, fixtures, fittings and effects in, on or at the Property in the same state of repair as at the commencement of the holiday and shall leave the Property in reasonable cleanliness and general order. We do not charge for cleaning unless additional cleaning is required.

4.2  "Reasonable cleanliness and general order" mean: dishwasher loaded and left on and used towels left in the bath or shower or in an obvious place. Where the Property is left requiring cleaning beyond this standard, beyond what a standard changeover clean would cover, for example excessive dog hair or stains on bedding or mattresses, we reserve the right to charge a reasonable additional cleaning fee

4.3 The Guests must report and pay to the Owner the cost of any damage or breakages caused during their holiday occupancy. The Owner reserves the right to make a reasonable charge where Guests have contravened an Owner's request for the Property to be smoke and vape free.

4.4 The Guests' right to occupy the Property may be forfeited without compensation if:

  • More people or pets than declared at the time of booking, or before the commencement of the holiday, and/or more than the number the Property holds, attempt to take up occupation;

  • Overnight guests are entertained without the Owner’s permission;

  • Any activity is undertaken which is illegal, or which may cause unreasonable damage, noise, behaviour or disturbance; or

  • Any of the Guest’s smoke or vape in or at the Property.

4.5 Vapes and batteries (including e-cigarette batteries and other lithium batteries) must not be disposed of in any bins provided at the Property, due to the fire risk they present.

5. Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, E-Bikes and E-Scooters

5.1 All belongings and vehicles are left at the Property at your own risk. Please ensure all belongings are removed by the Departure Date, as the return of lost property cannot be guaranteed and will incur a charge to return items to you.

5.2 Some of our Properties have an electric vehicle (EV) charging point installed; others do not. Either way, you must not charge an electric vehicle from a domestic socket using a portable, "granny", or trickle charger, indoors or anywhere at the Property.

5.3 E-bikes and e-scooters (and their batteries) may only be charged at the Property while someone is present to supervise the charging. They must not be left charging unattended, including overnight, due to the fire risk associated with lithium batteries.

6. Third-Party Providers

6.1  Third-party providers (for example caterers, private chefs, entertainers, or event/party organisers) are not permitted at the Property without our prior permission.

7. Damage Deposit and Damage Waiver

7.1 Depending on the Property and the option available at the time of booking, you will either be asked to pay a refundable Damage Deposit, or to purchase a Damage Waiver. Which option applies to your booking, and the relevant amount, will be confirmed with your booking.

7.2 Where a Damage Deposit applies: this is taken from you before your Arrival Date and held until after your Departure Date. Provided the Property and its contents are left undamaged and in the same condition as found (fair wear and tear excepted), and no additional cleaning is required, the Damage Deposit will be refunded to you within 7 working days of your Departure Date. Where damage, breakages, loss or additional cleaning is identified, we reserve the right to deduct the reasonable cost of this from your Damage Deposit, and to invoice you for any amount over and above the Damage Deposit held.

7.3 Where a Damage Waiver applies: this is a non-refundable payment which, once purchased, covers you for the cost of accidental damage to the Property or its contents, as confirmed at the time of booking. The Damage Waiver does not cover damage or loss that is deliberate, reckless, or caused in breach of these Terms (including any breach of clause 4 or clause 10 (Pets)) — this will be charged to you in full regardless of the Damage Waiver. The Damage Waiver is not a substitute for your own personal travel or contents insurance.

7.4 Whichever option applies to your booking, this does not limit your responsibility under clause 4.3 for damage, breakages or additional cleaning costs that exceed any Damage Deposit held or any Damage Waiver limit.

 8. Unavailability of Property and Events Outside Our Control

8.1 In the event of the Property becoming unavailable (such as due to fire or flooding), we will endeavour to source the Guests a suitable alternative accommodation or will refund all monies paid (or a proportion, in the case of curtailment). We cannot pay any compensation or expenses because of such an event.

8.2 We shall not be in breach of these Terms, nor liable for any delay in performing or failure to perform any obligation under these Terms, if this results from events, circumstances or causes beyond that party's reasonable control (an "Event Outside Our Control"). This includes butis not limited to: strike or industrial action, civil unrest or civil emergency, government prohibition or restriction on all or part of the economy or trade (including local lockdowns), pandemic or epidemic, extreme weather (including snow, ice, high winds and flooding), utility failure or interruption, and infestation by pests.

8.3 Where an Event Outside Our Control means the Property cannot be provided to you, we will let you know as soon as possible so that a refund, or alternative accommodation where available, can be arranged.

9. Cancellation and Alteration Terms

We understand that plans can change, so we aim to offer the most flexible terms possible.

  • If the booking is cancelled 14–28 days before arrival, then a charge equal to 45% of the stay will be made.

  • If the booking is cancelled less than 14 days before arrival, then a charge equal to the full booking amount will be made.

  • If the booking is cancelled 28 or more days before arrival, then a charge equal to £50 per booking plus any non-refundable payment processing fees that we have been charged will be made.

  • In the event of a no-show or booking reduction (after arrival date), the full cost of the booking is charged.

  • Changes can be made subject to availability and the cancellation terms above.

An admin fee of £50 plus any non-refundable payment processing fees that we have been charged will apply for all changes and cancellations.

If a refund is due, it will be paid within 15 working days of cancellation.

Our right to cancel

9.1 We may cancel your booking at any time with immediate effect, by giving you written notice, if you fail to pay us when payment is due, or otherwise breach these Terms or the House Rules in any material way (including any of the matters listed at clause 4.4). No refund will be due to you in these circumstances.

10. Pets

10.1 Guests wishing to take pets on holiday must abide by the following rules:

  • "Regret no pets" relates to properties where pets are not permitted; however, there is no guarantee a pet has not entered the premises at any time, and this does not imply the property is "pet free" - for example, a guide dog, or one belonging to the Owner.

  • "Pets welcome" and “Dog/Pet Friendly” relate to properties which allow pets and refers to fully house-trained dogs. Other pets may be acceptable on request.

  • Young pets (e.g. puppies under 12 months) MUST be declared at the time of booking and authorised by the Owner. Taking a puppy or young pet to a property without our consent could result in you being asked to leave without compensation.

  • Dogs must always be under strict control while in or at the Property.

  • Any fouling must be cleared up without delay.

  • Dogs MUST NOT be left alone in or at the Property at any time.

  • Dogs MUST NOT lie on beds at all and not be allowed on daytime furnishings without a dog blanket, and hair must be cleared up before departing.

  • Dog owners must ensure their pets are free from parasites and fleas before occupying the Property. Failure to do so will incur subsequent charges.

  • Any damage (which must be reported to the Owner immediately) or excessive cleaning that may incur an additional charge will be at the Owner's discretion.

10.2 We reserve the right to refuse admission, or to request the immediate departure, of any Guest whose pet is, in our reasonable discretion, a nuisance or danger to others. No refund will be due in these circumstances.

10.3 We are not liable for any allergic reaction caused by a pet present at the Property during a previous occupancy.

11. Owner's Access to Property

11.1 The Owner, or an authorised representative or agent acting on our behalf (including tradespeople), shall be allowed access to the Property at any reasonable time during any holiday occupancy for inspection, or to carry out any repair reasonably deemed necessary. Where access is required urgently, for example to address a safety issue such as a suspected gas leak, fire, flood or significant utility failure, our representative or we may enter the Property without waiting for a more convenient time.

12. VAT and IPT

All prices quoted include VAT and Insurance Premium Tax where applicable at current rates.

13. Complaints Procedure

13.1 In the event of there being cause for complaint concerning a Property, the matter shall be taken up with the Owner (or the Owner's caretaker/housekeeper) at once; they are the first point of contact for any complaint. This must be done while you are still at the Property, so that an on-the-spot investigation can be made if necessary and remedial action taken if required.  Clear and detailed photos and/or video clearly showing the issue must be provided by the guest at this time in order for us to address any issues.

13.2 Compensation is unlikely to be considered for complaints raised after the holiday has ended, where Guests have denied the Owner, Caretaker or Housekeeper the opportunity to investigate the complaint and to remedy matters during the holiday.

14. Literature

14.1 We have compiled the information in our literature and on our website as accurately as possible at the time of publication. However, facilities may be altered or withdrawn for reasons outside our control.

14.2 We make every effort to ensure the Property reflects the details provided. The Guests accept that minor differences between text, photographs or illustrations on the Website and the actual Property may arise. If a facility is particularly important to you, please check with us before booking.

15. Communication, Data and Privacy

15.1 Please refer to our privacy notice here: uniquecotswoldcottages.co.uk/privacy-notice.

16. Changes to These Terms

16.1 We may revise these Terms from time to time. Where we do, we will give you at least 14 days' written notice of any change before it takes effect, or as much notice as possible where your Arrival Date is less than 14 days away at the time of the change.

17. Legal and Other Important Terms

17.1 We may transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms to another individual or legal entity; this will not affect your rights or our obligations under these Terms.

17.2 Except for you and us, no other person has any right to enforce any of these Terms.

17.3 Each paragraph of these Terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them is unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.

17.4 If you fail to perform your obligations under these Terms and we do not enforce our rights against you, this does not mean we have waived our rights. If we do choose to waive any of our rights, we will inform you in writing.

17.5 Any dispute, claim or other matter arising in relation to your booking will be governed by English law, and you agree that it will be dealt with by the courts of England and Wales. If you are resident in Northern Ireland, you may also bring proceedings in Northern Ireland; if you are resident in Scotland, you may also bring proceedings in Scotland.

18. Check In / Check Out

18.1 Check-in is usually at 3pm and check-out is usually at 11am. We reserve the right to change these times as required. Guests must not enter the Property or use the parking space outside of these times without prior permission.

18.2 Please contact us if you have any questions about check-in or check-out, or if you need anything or have any issues during your stay.

These Booking Conditions apply to all confirmed bookings.