Terms & Conditions

Tallow Factory Self-Catering Booking Terms and Conditions — Direct Booking (scroll down for Tegfan)

Thank you for choosing to book to stay at Dedham Retreats. We look forward to welcoming you. By making this booking you are entering a legally binding agreement with us. Please read our terms and conditions of booking carefully before proceeding.

1. Prices

The price of the accommodation includes the following: electricity, linen, towels, cleaning, hot water, central heating and parking for up to two vehicles.

2. Purpose of Booking — Holiday and Leisure Use Only

The property is made available strictly for holiday and leisure purposes only. Use of the property as a primary or temporary residence, including but not limited to relocation during home renovation, construction, repair works, or any other domestic disruption is expressly prohibited. Use of the property as a base for business, commercial, or professional activity is also prohibited. Any booking found to be for renovation relocation or non-holiday purposes will be considered a material breach of these terms. We reserve the right to terminate the booking immediately without refund and to charge for any additional wear, cleaning, or damage resulting from such use.

3. Maximum Occupancy

The maximum number of overnight guests permitted at the property is six (6). This limit must not be exceeded at any time during the stay, including during the day. Only guests named in the booking are permitted to stay overnight. Any additional guests beyond the maximum will constitute a breach of these terms and may result in termination of the booking without refund. Additional guests beyond the maximum of 6 are not permitted without prior written approval. If approved in advance, an additional charge of £100 per guest per night will apply. Any violation of the maximum occupancy limit without prior written approval will result in immediate termination of the booking without refund.

4. Events and Gatherings

No events, parties, gatherings, or group activities are permitted at the property. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces including the garden and courtyard. A gathering is defined as any assembly of persons beyond the maximum occupancy stated in clause 3. Breach of this clause will be considered a serious violation of these terms and may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund and charges for any additional cleaning, damage, or nuisance caused.

5. Care of the Property

Guests are responsible for the care of the property and its contents for the duration of their stay. Guests must not move furniture or equipment from its original position within the property. Guests must not bring their own furniture, electrical equipment, or appliances into the property, including but not limited to televisions, air fryers, or other cooking equipment, without prior written consent. The property must not be used for any dangerous, illegal, noisy, or immoral activities, or be a nuisance or annoyance to neighbouring properties. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any part of the property, including the courtyard and car park. We reserve the right to terminate the stay at any time if any of the above conditions are being breached.

6. Security Cameras

For the security of the property and the safety of guests, security cameras are installed in external and communal areas of the property. No cameras are located inside the property. By proceeding with this booking, guests acknowledge and consent to the presence of these cameras. Footage may be used in the event of a dispute, damage claim, or breach of these terms and conditions.

7. Noise and Neighbours

Out of respect for neighbouring properties, no loud music or conversations are permitted in the garden or courtyard after 11pm. Guests are asked to be courteous to neighbours at all times. Noise complaints from neighbours may result in termination of the stay without refund.

8. Damage and Security Deposit

A credit card is required at the time of booking as security to cover any excessive housekeeping or damage resulting from the stay. Any charges will be invoiced prior to being deducted. Guests are responsible and liable for any breakages or damage caused to the accommodation or its contents. We do not normally charge for minor breakages, but we may invoice for repair or replacement if damage is significant. Any cleaning beyond the standard turnover clean — including stains on furniture, carpets, bed linen, or pet soiling — will result in a charge for excessive housekeeping. Charges may also be applied for breaches of these terms and conditions including but not limited to unauthorised guests, events, or use of the property for non-holiday purposes.

9. Liability

Dedham Retreats, its contractors and representatives shall not be liable for any injury, sickness, loss or damage to the property or personal property, directly or indirectly caused or arising from the use of the property or access thereto. Guests are advised to ensure they have appropriate personal travel and contents insurance for the duration of their stay.

10. Pets

No pets of any kind are permitted at the property. This includes dogs, cats, and all other animals. Any booking found to have brought pets to the property will be considered a breach of these terms. We reserve the right to terminate the stay immediately without refund and to apply an additional cleaning charge to the security deposit.

11. Parking

As part of the booking, guests have two reserved parking spaces: one alongside the wall of the property in front of the big tree by the main side entrance, and the second down on the right in the car park labelled Tallow Factory. Vehicle registrations for all cars parked in the shared courtyard must be provided prior to arrival. Parking in any other areas in the courtyard will cause inconvenience to neighbours. Free two-hour street parking is available on Dedham High Street, monitored daily 8am–6pm. Additional parking is available at Mill Lane Public Car Park, approximately five minutes’ walk away. Unauthorised vehicles parked in reserved spaces may be subject to a charge deducted from the security deposit.

12. Arrival and Departure

Check-in is from 3pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is by 11am on the day of departure, unless otherwise agreed in writing. On departure, all used linens and towels should be left on the floor, all dishes washed and put away, and all food removed from the fridge and freezer. All waste and recycling must be sorted and placed in the correct bins as directed in the kitchen. All recycling must be empty and rinsed — full or unrinsed containers will incur an additional housekeeping charge. Any items left in the fridge or freezer will be disposed of and additional housekeeping time will be billed at our standard hourly rate. Please ensure all lights are switched off, windows closed, and doors locked on departure. Keys should be placed in the secure lockbox with the numbers jumbled.

13. Payment

Full payment of 100% is required at the time of booking when paying by credit or debit card. Bookings are not confirmed until full payment has been received. Guests who wish to pay by bank transfer may contact us directly at hello@dedhamretreats.com to arrange alternative payment terms, whereby a deposit of 50% is required upon booking with the balance due 60 days before the commencement of the stay. Please note that bank transfer payments incur a £150 administration fee to cover the additional processing time involved. If an overdue balance is not paid by the deadline given within a written reminder, it will be assumed that the booking has been cancelled and the property will become available to re-let. If the property does not re-book, the guest will remain liable for the full balance.

14. Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email. Cancellation is not confirmed until a written acknowledgement is received from us. In the event of cancellation, the guest will be liable for the total amount due. If the property is successfully re-let, some of the balance may be returned less the deposit paid. We reserve the right to cancel a booking if it subsequently transpires that any of the above conditions have not been met, including misrepresentation of the purpose of the stay.

15. Non-availability of Accommodation

We would only cancel a booking if the accommodation were unavailable for reasons beyond our control. We would attempt to offer alternative accommodation. If this were not possible or acceptable, a full refund of all monies paid would be made. Our liability would not extend beyond this refund.

16. Contract

A contract shall only arise when the booking is confirmed in writing via a letter of confirmation sent by email. An automatically generated booking summary does not constitute a contract. A booking is not confirmed until full payment details and booking information have been received.

17. Privacy Policy

Any data collected during the course of this booking will be stored securely. With permission, we may from time to time contact guests about promotions and offers. We will not share personal details with any third party.

18. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. The version in effect at the time of booking will apply to your stay. Guests will be notified of any material changes prior to their arrival.

TEGFAN Self-Catering Booking Terms and Conditions – Direct Booking

Thank you for choosing to stay at Tegfan. We look forward to welcoming you. By making this booking you are entering a legally binding agreement with us. Please read these terms and conditions carefully before proceeding.

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing to stay at Tegfan. We look forward to welcoming you. By making this booking you are entering a legally binding agreement with us. Please read these terms and conditions carefully. We reserve the right to update these terms and conditions at any time. The version in effect at the time of booking will apply to your stay.

2. Purpose of Booking — Holiday and Leisure Use Only

The property is made available strictly for holiday and leisure purposes only. Use of the property as a primary or temporary residence, including but not limited to relocation during home renovation, construction, repair works, or any other domestic disruption is expressly prohibited. Use of the property as a base for business, commercial, or professional activity is also prohibited. Any booking found to be for renovation relocation or non-holiday purposes will be considered a material breach of these terms. We reserve the right to terminate the booking immediately without refund and to charge for any additional wear, cleaning, or damage resulting from such use.

3. Maximum Occupancy

The maximum number of overnight guests permitted is as stated in the booking. Additional guests beyond the booked number are not permitted without prior written approval. If approved in advance, an additional charge of £100 per guest per night will apply. Any violation of the maximum occupancy limit without prior written approval will result in immediate termination of the booking without refund.

4. Events and Gatherings

No events, parties, gatherings, or group activities are permitted at the property. Commercial photography is also not permitted without prior written consent. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces including the patio. Breach of this clause will be considered a serious violation and may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund and charges for any additional cleaning, damage, or nuisance caused.

5. Care of the Property

Please be mindful that you are staying in a Grade II Listed Building dating from the 1600s. Guests are responsible for the care of the property and its contents for the duration of their stay. Guests must not move furniture or equipment from its original position. Guests must not bring their own furniture, electrical equipment, or appliances into the property, including but not limited to televisions, without prior written consent. The property must not be used for any dangerous, illegal, noisy, or immoral activities, or be a nuisance or annoyance to neighbouring properties. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any part of the property, including the patio. We reserve the right to terminate the stay at any time if any of the above conditions are being breached.  Our drains are sensitive and you must only flush toilet tissue in moderation. Please use the bins provided for disposing of sanitary products, wipes or any other items. In the event of drain blockages or additional cleaning required as a result of negligence, costs will be charged to the guest.  Long term guests are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and tidy condition throughout their stay, including clearing any spiders, cobwebs, dead flies or other pests as they arise. Any excessive accumulation requiring additional housekeeping at the end of the stay will be deducted from the security deposit.

6. Security Cameras

For the security of the property and the safety of guests, security cameras are installed in external and communal areas of the property. No cameras are located inside the property. By proceeding with this booking, guests acknowledge and consent to the presence of these cameras. Footage may be used in the event of a dispute, damage claim, or breach of these terms and conditions.

7. Noise and Neighbours

Out of respect for neighbouring properties, no loud music or conversations are permitted on the patio or in outdoor areas after 11pm. Guests are asked to be courteous to neighbours at all times. Noise complaints from neighbours may result in termination of the stay without refund.

8. Damage and Security Deposit

A credit card is required within 7 days of arrival as a refundable security deposit of £1,500 to cover any damage or excessive housekeeping resulting from the stay. The funds will not be captured and will be returned to your card 7-10 business days after departure, provided there are no deductions. In the event of any deductions, photos and an invoice will always be provided beforehand. Guests are responsible for any breakages or damage caused to the accommodation or its contents. We do not normally charge for minor breakages, but we may invoice for significant damage. Any cleaning beyond the standard turnover clean will result in a charge for excessive housekeeping.

9. Liability

Dedham Retreats, its contractors and representatives shall not be liable for any injury, sickness, loss or damage to the property or personal property, directly or indirectly caused or arising from the use of the property or access thereto. Guests are advised to ensure they have appropriate personal travel and contents insurance for the duration of their stay.

10. Pets

No pets of any kind are permitted at the property. This includes dogs, cats, and all other animals. Any booking found to have brought pets to the property will be considered a breach of these terms. We reserve the right to terminate the stay immediately without refund and to apply an additional cleaning charge to the security deposit.

11. Parking

As part of your booking you have one reserved parking space in a private courtyard, approximately 2 minutes’ walk from the cottage. Parking for other vehicles is available in the Mill Lane Public Car Park, just 5 minutes’ walk away. Please do not pull into School Lane or park in our neighbours’ driveway behind our patio as this will cause significant inconvenience. We thank you in advance for your consideration.

12. Rubbish and Recycling

The local council collects waste every Friday from your property boundary by 7am. From 1 June 2026 the new collection schedule is as follows. Food waste is collected every week in the 23 litre kerbside caddy. Week 1 (alternating fortnightly): non-recyclable rubbish in the black 180 litre bin or up to three black bags. Week 2 (alternating fortnightly): mixed recycling including paper, card, plastics, tins and cans in the green 240 litre wheeled bin or clear recycling bags; glass in the green box; garden waste in brown wheeled bins where subscribed. Please ensure all waste is on the property boundary by 7am on your collection Friday. Long term guests are responsible for familiarising themselves with the schedule and following it correctly. Guests are responsible for taking any excess or uncollected waste to the local recycling centre in Manningtree (reservation required online). Please contact our housekeeper if you need assistance.

13. Gardening and Maintenance

For longer term stays our gardening team will make regular visits at a time convenient to you. Our window cleaners will also visit at least once every two months during long term stays, usually on a Monday or Wednesday around 9am, but a convenient time can be agreed with guests in advance.

14. Arrival and Departure

Check-in is from 3pm on the day of arrival unless otherwise agreed. Check-out is by 11am on the day of departure unless otherwise arranged. We ask all guests to leave the property in a clean and tidy state with all used linens and towels on the floor, all dishes washed and put away or left in the dishwasher which must be run before departure. All waste must be bagged and placed in the appropriate bins as directed in the house manual. Please ensure all lights are switched off, windows closed and doors locked. Please set the thermostat to 0 in the warmer months (May–September) or 15 in the colder months (October–April) upon departure. Place the key in the secure lockbox and jumble the numbers. Any cleaning beyond the standard turnover clean, including stains on furniture, carpets, bed linen or pet soiling, will result in a charge for excessive housekeeping.

15. Payment

When booking direct via bank transfer and if your reservation is made more than 60 days in advance, we are able to offer the option to pay 50% at the time of booking with the balance due no later than 60 days prior to arrival. A £150 administration fee applies to all bank transfer payments to cover additional processing time. All bookings made within 60 days of arrival require full payment at the time of booking. If an overdue balance is not paid by the 60-day deadline, it will be assumed that the booking has been cancelled and the property will be relisted. If the property does not re-book, the guest will remain liable for the total booking amount.

16. Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted in writing by email to hello@dedhamretreats.com. Cancellation is not confirmed until a written acknowledgement is received from us. In the event of cancellation more than 60 days before arrival a full refund will be given. For cancellations within 60 days of arrival, the guest will remain liable for the total amount due. If the property is successfully re-let, some of the balance may be returned less 50% of the amount already paid and received. We reserve the right to cancel a booking with immediate effect if it subsequently transpires that any of the above conditions have not been met.

17. Non-availability of Accommodation

We would only cancel a booking if the accommodation were unavailable for reasons beyond our control. We would attempt to offer alternative accommodation. If this were not possible or acceptable, a full refund of all monies paid and received by us at the time of cancellation would be made. Our liability would not extend beyond this refund.

18. Privacy Policy

Any data collected during the course of this booking will be stored securely. With permission, we may from time to time contact guests about promotions and offers. We will not share personal details with any third party.

19. Amendments to Terms and Conditions

We reserve the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. The version in effect at the time of booking will apply to your stay. Guests will be notified of any material changes prior to their arrival.

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