Scotland's finest selection of holiday cottages.
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Help
 
Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about using website and taking a cottage holiday with us.
 

Q) How do I search for a property?

There are three ways to search

  1. Property reference. If you are familiar with the cottages that we offer, or have been to the site before, you may want to find a specific property.
  2. Quick search allows you to browse the products before selecting a date when they are available.
  3. Availability search allows you find a cottage that is available on the dates that you require. You can make this search and simple or complex as you by selecting you cottage requirements such as the number of bedrooms or having a pub nearby!!

Q) How are the search returns structured?

The more specific your search request, the closer our search returns will be. Our quick search allows you to browse the product, our Availability search is a more detailed search allowing you to search on specific features such as 'pub nearby' or 'swimming pool'.
For both searches, the results will feature properties sleeping up to four more than you requested. For example a search for a property sleeping 4 people will also display properties sleeping up to 8 people. For a search sleeping 6 or more people the search will return all properties that could accommodate that party size.

Q) Can I take a pet?

Many properties welcome pets for a small additional charge of £20 per pet per week or short break. You will find details with each property. All that we ask is that you respect a few simple, common sense requests:

  1. Please keep your pets off the furniture and remove pet hairs from carpets before you leave.
  2. Please exercise your pets outside the garden.
  3. Please don't leave pet's unattended in the property.

Q) Do you accept Short Breaks? When can I book a Short Break?

Short Breaks are accepted at many of our UK properties and can be booked online. Where accepted, 2 night short breaks start on a Friday or a Saturday, 3 night short breaks start on a Friday and 4 night short breaks start on a Monday.

Short Breaks may be booked at any time in advance, except for the following arrival dates, when they can only be booked within 28 days of arrival:

October Half Term 2003 24/10/03 - 31/10/03
Christmas and New Year 2003/4 19/12/03 - 02/01/04
Easter 2004 02/04/04 - 15/04/04
May Bank Holiday 2004 30/04/04 - 06/05/04
Summer Season 2004 28/05/04 - 02/09/04
October Half Term 2004 15/10/04 - 29/10/04
Christmas and New Year 2004/5 22/12/04 - 04/01/05

Please call to book a short break at a French of Irish property.

Q) What do the abbreviations within the property text mean?

Occasionally you will find abbreviation within a property's descriptive text. Here is an explanation of the abbreviations to help you:

AONBArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty
NTNational Trust
NSHNight Storage Heating
G/OFCHGas / Oil-fired central heating
CHCentral Heating
IncIncluded
POAPayable on arrival
ElecElectric / electricity
D/washerDishwasher
W/machineWashing Machine
T/dryerTumble Dryer
M/waveMicrowave
F/freezerFridge freezer
BBQ Barbecue
AvailAvailable

Q) How do I find a Virtual Tour

Many of our properties now feature Virtual Tours and continuing to add more as they become available. On the 'Availability Search' page you are able to select properties that feature virtual tours as part of your search.

Q) Do you have properties suitable for the disabled?

The suitability of a property for the disabled is indicated in the property description. 'Easy walking access' means that a vistor using a walking aid should have no difficulty gaining access to the principal rooms and garden. 'wheelchair access' means that a visitor in a wheelchair should be able to gain access to the principal rooms and garden, although assistance from an able bodied member of the party may be required for some manoeuvres

Q) What is provided for in the cottage?

As a self-catering cottage, you will find most of the standard appliances you would expect to have at home. All properties have a full description of services and facilities available.

Q) Can we take extra people to the property?

Yes, as long as it is within the number of people which the property clearly states it can safely accommodate. Please advise us of any changes using "Contact Us."

Q) What time can I arrive at the property?

You can arrive anytime after 15:00 hours on the start date of your holiday.

Q) What time will I have to leave the property?

You must vacate the property by 10:00 hours on the last day.

Q) Is linen provided?

Most property owners provide linen at no extra charge, this is stated in the individual property details. Some prefer to hire out their linen, at the nominal charge of £4 per person per week. Linen must be requested at the time of booking. Please note cot linen is not provided.

Q) Can you tell me anything about parking arrangements?

Most properties offer space for off-road parking, details are stated in the individual property descriptions.

Q) When will I receive my booking confirmation?

We will acknowledge availability and booking within 48 hours. On receipt of your initial payment we will send your booking confirmation and insurance documents to you, usually within 7-10 working days.
The information will include the name and phone number of your holiday contact, and will tell you when you must pay the remaining cost of your holiday. Upon receipt of the balance of your payment we will send you your travel directions.

Q) How can I pay for my holiday?

We accept all major credit / charge and debit cards.

Q) When is the final balance due?

If booking within 8 weeks of your holiday start date, you will need to pay the full amount. Otherwise the balance is due 8 weeks before your holiday.

Q) How can I get the best performance from this site?

  • This site is best viewed with browser versions 4 and above.
  • This site works best if javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser – this is the default setting for all common browsers.
  • AOL users may find that results are displayed more quickly if they use Internet Explorer or Netscape rather than the bespoke AOL browser.
  • This site is designed for a screen resolution of 800 x 600 but you can view more results if you change your resolution to 1024 x 768



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Stoney Bank, Earby, Barnoldswick BB94 0AA    Telephone:
Scottish Country Cottages is a trading name of Holiday Cottages Group Limited
Registered in England and Wales. Company Registration Number 01400552
VAT Registration Number: GB 598 22 99 77