By making a booking at Balvenie Cottage, Braemar, you are accepting the terms and conditions set out below.

Booking and payment

A deposit of 25% of the rental charge is payable at the time of booking to secure the reservation. Your booking is secured on our written confirmation after receipt of the completed booking form and deposit.

The balance is payable 8 weeks before the start of the let, or at the time of booking if it is within 8 weeks of arrival.

A refundable (see below) good housekeeping deposit of £200 is payable along with the balance 8 weeks prior to arrival.

What’s included

The rental charge includes bed linens and towels, and a starter pack of logs. It also includes up to £100 of electricity usage per week (or pro rata for a short stay). If the cost of electricity use exceeds this amount during the period of your stay, we reserve the right to charge you for the excess at cost by deducting this from the good housekeeping deposit or billing you for the additional sum involved. The meter is in the box on the wall at the top of the stairs.

Cancellation

The deposit paid at time of booking is non-refundable. If you cancel your booking more than 8 weeks prior to the let, we will refund the total paid less the deposit.

If you cancel your booking within 8 weeks of the let and after payment of the full rental charge, we cannot guarantee a refund. However, we will issue a refund (less the deposit) if we re-let the property during the period of your booking. You may find it advisable to take out holiday insurance.

In the unlikely event of cancellation by us due to unforeseen circumstances, we will offer the option of a booking at an alternative date if possible or refund the sum paid in full. We have no further liability. For the avoidance of doubt, we cannot accept liability for any loss, expense or inconvenience caused.

Arrival and departure

The cottage will be available from 4pm on the start date and departure is by 10am to allow time for cleaning.

Good housekeeping

The property is let on condition that it is kept clean and neat throughout the let. The property must be left in a clean and tidy condition on departure. In the event of more than normal cleaning being required there will be an additional charge, deducted from the good housekeeping deposit.

The good housekeeping deposit will be refunded as soon as practicable within one week of departure, less any deductions for damage, additional cleaning or supplementary electricity use beyond the amount included.

Safety and security

The cottage must always be locked with the mortise key when unoccupied. Possessions and vehicles are left on the property at the renters’ own risk.

For prevention of fire hazards, the use of candles, barbecues (other than the one provided for use on the allocated barbecue spot in the garden) or fireworks is not permitted inside or outside the house. The woodburning stoves should be kept closed once they are alight.

No tissues, wipes or sanitary products other than toilet paper should be flushed down the toilets. Please use bins provided.

Smoking

No smoking is permitted in the house or on the premises, including the smoking of e-cigarettes.

Occupancy and conduct

The occupancy and use of the property is limited to the number of adults and children as detailed in the booking form at time of booking, and to one dog if agreed at time of booking. Any children must be over the age of 10.

Any proposed changes to intended occupancy after initial booking can be made only with prior notification and agreement.

The property must not be sublet and no tents, camper vans or motor homes are permitted. The cottage cannot be used to entertain people other than the occupants. Occupants must not cause any nuisance to neighbours or act in a disorderly manner.

No hen or stag parties.

Dogs

One well behaved dog is allowed if agreed at time of booking and on payment of the applicable charge. Dogs must be at least one year old and fully housetrained.

Dogs must be clean and dry before entering the house, must not enter bedrooms or go onto furniture, must not be left in the house or garden unattended, and must not cause a nuisance for local residents.

Dog owners must remove all trace of their dog from the property on departure, both inside and outside. Dog waste must be disposed of in the bin provided.

Purpose of the let

The property is let under the Housing (Scotland) Act 1988, section 12 (2) and Schedule 4 paragraph 8, as a tenancy the purpose of which is to confer on the tenant the right to occupy the house for a holiday. It is let for the specified period of hire only and must be vacated at the end of the period of hire.

Acceptance of these terms

The person making the booking certifies that he or she is over 21 years of age and takes responsibility for the actions of all members of the party, and for payment for any loss or breakages other than fair wear and tear. They also accept that the property owner has no liability for any loss or injury to any occupant.

Termination

In the event of any breach of terms and conditions the contract will be subject to immediate termination.