We hope this Welcome Pack covers all the information you will need to make the most of your holiday with us. If, however, we can be of any further help then please contact either:

Barbara Read on 07981 117473 (primary contact if you are staying in Owl or Pheasant Cottage)

Note all mileages quoted herein are based on available Google Maps data and are approximate.

Links to external websites are selected and reviewed when the page is published, however, we are not responsible for their content.

We strongly advise you check for up-to-date opening hours before making a journey, as some businesses contained herein are seasonal and their hours are subject to change at short notice.

Local information 4

St James Church LN13 0AL (on our Farm) 4

Rigsby Wood LN13 0AN (0.5 miles) 4

Walks 5

Golf 5

Spa 6

Things to do and see 7

2019 Events 12

2020 Events 13

May 13

June 13

July 13

August 14

Places to eat/drink recommended by us & our guests 15

Nearest Supermarkets 17

Farmers Markets 17

Transport services 18

Petrol Stations 18

Banking/Cashpoint 18

Emergency Contacts 19

Local Doctors 19

Local Dentist 19

Louth Urgent Care Centre 19

Accident & Emergency 19

Vets 19

Key property information – The Stables 20

Address 20

Appliances 20

Bathroom & En-suite Mirror Lights 20

Carbon Monoxide Alarm 20

Laundry Facilities 22

Utility Room Extractor Fan 23

Vacuum 23

Wi-Fi Password 23

Health & Safety information 24

Guest Feedback 24

User Manuals/Instruction Booklets & Inventory 26

Local information

Welcome to some of Britain’s finest countryside! The Lincolnshire Wolds are a nationally important and cherished landscape. They were designated an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in 1973 on account of their high scenic unspoilt beauty. We love the long-distance views from Rigsby, over our farmland and across the rolling chalky downs to the coast. The big skies are great for cloud watching and star gazing too. The Lincolnshire Wolds is a living, working landscape, with woodland, grassland and abandoned chalk pits providing important habitats for rare flowers and wildlife.

Rigsby Farm – if you look closely you can just spot The Stables, but pre-conversion to guest accommodation

Walks

The Wolds have miles of well-maintained footpaths in expanses of open countryside and are home to the largest walking festival of its kind on UK Mainland. We love that we have so many options to walk from our doorstep, with freedom to explore without getting the car out.

An ordnance survey map of the area is provided for your use whilst staying with us. www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/countryside/visiting/walking/walk-search/ has hundreds of walks in its database that you can search to find your ideal walk. You can choose the area where you would like to walk, select the distance you want to walk and any features you would like the walk to include. It will generate a list of walks that match your criteria with more information about each individual walk. You will then be able to access information about each walk which might include a leaflet, map, photos and children’s activity sheets.

A walk to and around Rigsby Wood is one of our favourites, sheltered from the wind in winter and heat in summer: Our guests that have been in the Woods when the sun rises, have told us they loved hearing the dawn chorus.

Cycling

The Wolds have some of the UK’s quietest roads and there are routes developed for all types of cyclists, from beginner to the more advanced. Visit www.lincswolds.org.uk/enjoying/Cycling to download suggested routes and maps.

We particularly enjoy cycling from Rigsby through South Thoresby onto Claythorpe Watermill (www.claythorpewatermill.com) and to Galley Hill Farm (www.galleyhillfarm.co.uk), especially when ‘pick your own’ fruit is in season. The C4 cycle route also runs through Rigsby. We also recommend the Mablethorpe to Sutton-on-sea Promenade Cycleway in off peak season.

If you didn’t bring a bike then electric pedal cycles are available to hire from www.pedalelectriccycles.com / Tel: 01522 255760. Delivery available to our properties.

Fishing

There are five lakes which are regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout raised from egg on site. Brown Trout can also be caught on all the lakes. Half a mile of the Great River Eau is also open for fishing. This part of the water has wild Brownies and Grayling. Note there is a set limit for fishing. During summer, night fishing is allowed and those without rods can also rent on site. Advanced booking is always preferred.

There are three established coarse fishing lakes, about an acre each, set in 10 acres of landscaped grounds down a quiet country lane.

Golf

A full 18-hole course measuring 5,140 yards off the white tees, with an SSS of 65 and a Par of 67. Visitors over the age of 10 can enjoy the course by paying green fees on a daily basis.

The course offers a variety of challenging holes, designed by Patrick Tallack and opened in 1992. The clubhouse is a beautiful 19th century Grade II listed building, which was originally the Kenwick Estate's Coach House and Stable Block

A 6,444-yard 18-hole parkland course in an area of outstanding natural beauty, bordering Hubbard’s Hills with panoramic views over the Lincolnshire countryside and towards the Humber Estuary. It is suitable for golfers at all levels of skill and experience

Riding Centre

A family run riding centre, which offers riding and driving tuition for people of all ages and people with physical and learning difficulties.

BHS approved riding school and livery yard. Set in the middle of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Swimming

25m competition eight lane pool with moveable floor and leisure pool with pirate ship and flume for the children. Cafe that serves great cakes including gluten free. Hands of Gold by Carmen (Therapeutic & Relaxing Treatments).

A charity run swimming, leisure, sports and recreation facility available to the benefit of the whole community and anyone who wants to enjoy it. This heated outdoor pool usually runs from end of March to mid-September.

Spa

With a range of half and full day packages, along with twilight evenings and pure pampering packages, there is something to suit everyone who wants a Spa experience.

Tennis

One of the area’s leading tennis clubs, with 4 indoor tennis courts and 3 outdoor all-weather courts suitable for complete beginners or a seasoned veteran.

Theatre

A local community owned venue, maintained and run by Louth Playgoers Society Ltd – a dedicated team made up almost entirely of volunteers. You may find Barbara & her husband Bill volunteering in Front of House/selling ice-creams in the interval!

Things to do and see

Reputedly the largest thatched manor house in the country, built to a traditional H plan in 1611 that houses many of the town’s historic artefacts. Well worth exploring and opportunity to enjoy homemade cakes and biscuits in their beautiful tea rooms.

Promotes the manufacture of high quality, hand crafted goods from in and around Lincolnshire such as glass-blowing, blacksmithing, ceramics, restoration crafts and musical instrument makers. Their main events are held in the grounds of Alford Manor House (see Page 11 for details) where they have a wide variety of quality Lincolnshire crafts for sale, free live music, entertainment and craft demonstrations and entrance is on a 'Give what you can afford' basis. They also Tuesday Markets during the Summer in the Corn Exchange.

Visit their shop at 1 West Street, which is open 5 days a week 10 - 4pm. Closed Thursdays and Sundays.

They also offer a wide variety of arts and craft classes including felting, applique, knitting, sewing, crochet, pottery, glass fusing, lampwork, mosaics and ceramic painting.

Built around 1720, a Grade II listed former mill which ran until the late 1970s. Now a tranquil and beautiful place to sit by the river, feed the birds, fish and animals or yourself with lunch, coffee or cake in their Cafe. Also has a woodland play area across the road that children love.

We like to visit as children can enjoy the huge play area, the full-size maze and 'Dinothorpe' attraction, where a collection of moving and roaring Dinosaur models can amaze and scare children and adults alike. What’s more that’s all FREE. There is a huge undercover plant area, fantastic gift area and restaurant too.

A fascinating collection of around 6,500 model vehicles and motor racing memorabilia covering the many aspects of motoring history from the world of Formula 1, GT Racing, Rallying, Le Mans cars and Supercars. There’s a 'Pit-Stop' café and a 4-lane Scalextric circuit that’s just under 50m long, where you can test your driving skill.

Beautiful National Trust Hall built in 1700, 8-acre Gardens and cosy tea-room located in Lincolnshire Wolds.

Unspoiled & quiet seaside resort with beautiful beaches and Gardens that feature a waterfall, children’s play area, bowling green and Mapleleaf Paddling Pool.

A traditional seaside holiday town with six miles of blue flag award winning beaches.

A place that rescues injured seals and has a unique nature experience. Walk through two acres of landscaped dunes – only fifty metres from the sea – and gain first-hand experience of some of the county’s most stunning wildlife.

The UK’s first purpose-built marine observatory offering all year-round facilities for families and those enjoying a nice quiet winter walk along the beach. The building includes information and exhibitions on the local area’s rich natural history, an art space, a café and public toilets and serves as an impressive gateway to the Coastal Country Park.

The world’s largest Bomber Command museum and is home to Avro Lancaster NX611 'Just Jane', which frequently performs four engine taxy runs (the only place in the world you can see this done on an original airfield). You can even get a ride in the Lancaster!

A thriving market town with many independent retailers and a real foodie’s paradise.

It has the tallest spire of any medieval parish church in the country, which you can climb for fabulous views of the Wolds (so long as the Peregrine Falcons aren’t roosting!). A magnificent 15th century building that is featured in Sir Simon Jenkin’s book, England’s 1000 Best Churches. Thousands of visitors are drawn the church every year because of its aura of spirituality and architectural beauty.

32-acre beauty spot in Louth that attracts visitors from all over the world and is one of our favourite picnic spots/places for kids to paddle in the stream.

Lincolnshire’s last remaining cattle market on a nearly six-acre town centre site, that serves a large rural area in which arable farming dominates. Also hosts Car Boot sales, a Saturday auction being www.bowlerauctions.co.uk every Saturday with other auctions periodically.

Fondly nicknamed the ‘mini-Nürburgring’, it is one of the best circuits in the country to participate or spectate in motorsport, it is especially popular with bikers nationwide.

A small and friendly family run farm park & falconry centre set in 6 acres just outside Louth. Has an outdoor play area, tea room and gardens. Our family favourite is bottle feeding the lambs in Spring.

Horncastle (14 miles) – a quintessentially English market town that’s renowned as the antiques hub of Lincolnshire, with over 20 different outlets specialising in antiques and bygones, such as furniture, porcelain, jewellery and books.

Affectionately called Skeg/Skegvegas by locals and was one of the country’s first seaside resorts, but it is just as popular today. It has a blue flag award winning beach and on the main seafront road, Grand Parade, is the Embassy Theatre, fairground rides, amusement arcades, novelty outlets, a crazy golf course.

Trampoline & Ninja Warrior activity park, with Battle Beams, Total Wipeout, Jump Tower, Cardio Wall, Hourly Sessions. Great place to take the kids when it’s raining/they need to let off some steam!

A genuine working farm with large outdoor adventure playground, giant indoor Playbarn (soft play), tea rooms & gift shop, so something for everyone no matter what the weather.

Extreme rides and coasters will test thrill seekers’ nerves, while those looking for something more family-friendly will have plenty of rides, arcades and other attractions to choose from. There are lots for the little ones to enjoy too, including rides, a soft play area and live character shows during the high season. With over 30 rides and attractions there’s something for everyone. Ride-all-day wristbands offer real value or if you’d prefer to pay-as-you-ride you can do so too.

A place to celebrate the past and present of Batemans (one of the country’s oldest family breweries) with fun, food and froth. There’s a fascinating brewery tour, an enticing calendar of events throughout the seasons, old brewing and Batemans family artefacts, the biggest collection of bottled beers in the country and good food & drink to enjoy.

A dynamic stretch of unspoilt coastline running southwards from the edge of Skegness to the mouth of the Wash. Known for its impressive views and sheer scale and diversity of wildlife. We recommend a trip to the Visitor Centre & Café.

A beautiful inland resort with an Edwardian character, set amidst magnificent pine woods. Regarded as one of Lincolnshire's most attractive villages, Woodhall Spa is famous for its peaceful & relaxing atmosphere and the Aviation heritage sites associated with 617 Squadron - the Dambusters.

The Home of English Golf that invites you to experience their world-class golf courses and Academy, which is open to all. Two magnificent courses – including the Hotchkin Course - consistently rated among the world's finest heathland golf experiences and ranked in Golf World magazine's World Top 100 Golf Courses.

A full-time cinema that has been showing films continuously since 1922! The foyer is a mini museum dedicated to the Golden Age of Cinema. If you’re lucky the Wurlitzer organ is played during the interval in Screen 1, but if you go to the last film in there on a Saturday night it is guaranteed.

An award-winning museum housing collection from the Victorian period up to the present day and a Tourist Information Point.

There’s 1.5 miles of restored track operating (on a stretch of line that was once part of the Great Northern route from Boston to Grimsby) and a number of steam and diesel engines, with Footplate Ride and Signalman Experience available so you can get really involved.

Every November and December, grey seals give birth to their pups near the sand dunes here. It’s a wildlife spectacle which attracts visitors from across the UK.

A magnificent 15th century red brick castle rising proudly from the flat Lincolnshire fens, with its huge Gothic fireplaces and church-like windows, was designed to impress. The Great Tower is one of the earliest and finest surviving examples of English medieval brickwork. Take the winding staircase, wander through vast echoing chambers and walk out onto the battlements revealing the beauty of the Lincolnshire countryside.

RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre Coninsgby LN4 4SY (22 miles)

Access to the home of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby. A rare opportunity to see the Flight’s historic aircraft at close quarters and to observe RAF BBMF technicians working to maintain them in an airworthy condition (guided tour).

Lincoln (35 miles)

One of Britain’s best small cities with a wealth of history and heritage to discover, with a vibrant food and drink scene. Lots of independent stores line Steep Hill and Bailgate as well as global brands on the High Street. We recommend using the Lincoln Park & Ride facility at Waitrose LN2 4DS, as parking there is free.

One of Europe’s finest Gothic buildings with stunning views from the roof & tower and children love seeking out the funny carvings - in particular the famous Lincoln Imp.

Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it has stood for hundreds of years as a symbol of power and seat of justice. Scale the heights of the Medieval Wall Walk for great views of the city, follow in the footsteps of prisoners in the Victorian Prison and immerse yourself in the Magna Carta story, where you can see an original from 1215.

The largest and most diverse community museum in Lincolnshire. Exhibits illustrate commercial, domestic, agricultural, industrial and community life. A collection of over 250,000 objects for visitors to enjoy including a working Victorian kitchen and printing press during special event days.

An award-winning county museum and the region’s premier art gallery. People have inhabited the landscape of Lincolnshire for nearly half a million years. The archaeology gallery takes visitors on a journey through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages before exploring the Roman, Saxon, Viking and Medieval eras. The Usher displays a diverse collection of fine and decorative arts, including loans from national collections and a vibrant programme of temporary exhibitions supported by the Arts Council. Free Entry!

2019 Events

November

Light Show in Stourton Estates arboretum with atmospheric sounds and soft music as alternative evening entertainment to a traditional bonfire or fireworks night.

There will be a giant Lincolnshire Imp to burn and Brightlight Fireworks will be back

Christmas Market from 12 noon, Christmas Parade from 4pm, Lights switch on by LincsFM at 5.30pm

Entertainment and amusements throughout the day. Food and Drink. Local shops open until late. Gifts and Craft stalls on the Market Place and in the Corn Exchange.

December

Taste local Lincolnshire foods, in this German-inspired Christmas Market, that has been voted as the UK's best.

2020 Events

March

Free winter entertainment on Mablethorpe Beach, some big names in the biking world have been known to come along for a race and so you never know who you might see!

A weekend of free entry to many of Lincoln city and countryside's attractions, plus other free activities and special offers - part of English Tourism Week.

April

May

Usually refreshments and general wildlife information available on the day the bluebell display should be at its best.

Quality craft stalls, demonstrations of crafts, workshops, children’s activities on a theme of metal work

June

Tractor and Trailer rides, modern and vintage tractors, farm machinery, classic cars, animals, Bouncy Castles, plenty of refreshments, not forgetting their famous ice cream!

Experience a true celebration of rural Lincolnshire with an eclectic mix of breath-taking entertainment, food, shopping, music, horticulture and farm life – a great family day out

July

Celebrating life on the home front during the war years. A great weekend out for all the family with free entry.

One of the most popular events in the county's calendar that raises money for local charities. Keep your eye on their website for details of the programme when announced.

August

Annual full air show run to help raise funds for the ongoing restoration of Avro Lancaster NX611

A must visit for locals and visitors to the area alike, aimed at a family audience and is hailed as one of the most exciting and innovative outdoor art festivals in the UK.

Places to eat/drink recommended by us & our guests

Generous portions, reasonable prices and friendly hosts. Ideal for breakfast out. Open 8am-4pm Mon-Sat.

A favourite of ours serving great home cooked food, real ales - all year-round beer festival, real fire and is award winning.

Luxury dairy ice cream made on the farm. Also sell Stokes Coffee, Tea and cold drinks and light homemade refreshments. Lincolnshire produce, including locally grown vegetables available in the Farm Shop.

Cosy and traditional country pub dating from the 17th century, approached through a shallow ford in the village of Little Cawthorpe. The lawned gardens next to the picturesque ford make it an ideal place for eating and drinking in the sunshine.

Our favourite place to get take-out Fish & Chips, with just a short walk down the High Street to eat beside the sea.

Featuring in the Good Pub Guide & the Eating Out in Pubs Michelin Guide, The Bluebell is on the Viking Way, so a perfect place to stop, rest your tired feet, eat good food and relax. Whether you want a 3-course meal, a light snack or just to relax over a pint you will be welcomed.

Excellent quality, generous portions and reasonably priced, with fantastic views in stunning beach location.

For true artisan Gelato, made fresh on the premises every day. Carefully handcrafted with high quality ingredients sourced both locally and direct from Italy to give a truly authentic product. We’ve yet to find a flavour we haven’t loved.

The Oldest Thatched Pub in Lincolnshire circa 1367 serving Fine Real Ales and Superb Fresh Home Cooked Food.

‘Restaurant at Home’

Fancy eating out but not going out? Then treat yourself to gourmet ready meals from Meridian Meats, an award-winning Lincolnshire Butchers based in Louth. Hand crafted in small batches, using the freshest ingredients. Available in individual or two-person portions that have been blast frozen to lock in the freshness and ensure they arrive with you in the best possible quality. What we do instead of a take-away.

Favourite Picnic Spots

There is a car terrace with capacity for 60 cars overlooking the sea, which pretty much allows you to park on the large sandy beach so you don’t have to carry your picnic far. Also, if the weather takes a turn for the worse you can make a quick get away!

Nearest Supermarkets

Sainsburys – Boston Road, Spilsby, PE23 5HD (8 miles). Open Mon–Sat 7am–9pm, Sun 10am–4pm.

Lidl – High Street, Mablethorpe, LN12 1DP (10 miles). Open Mon–Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 10am–4pm.

Aldi – Newbridge Hill, Louth, LN11 0JT (12 miles). Open Mon–Sat 8am–10pm, Sun 10am–4pm.

Morrisons – 156-158 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 9AB (14 miles). Open Mon–Sat 7am–10pm, Sun 10am–4pm.

Tesco Superstore – Richmond Drive, Skegness, PE25 3PQ (15 miles). Open Mon–Sat 6am–midnight, Sun 10am– 4pm.

Asda - Lister Way, Boston, PE21 8EQ (25 miles). Open Mon 8am then open 24 hours daily until Sat when closes 10pm. Sun 9.30am–4pm.

Waitrose – Searby Road, Lincoln, LN2 4DS (33 miles). Open Mon–Thu & Sat 8am–8pm, Fri 8am–9pm, Sun 10am–4pm.

Note all of the above deliver to The Stables with the exception of Lidl (who do not offer an online shopping service or delivery in the UK).

Where we like to shop for food (within 2 miles)

Lincolnshire Co-op – Church Street, Alford, LN13 9EG. Open Mon–Sat 7am–10pm, Sun 10am–4pm.

Paul Saywell Butchers – 11 High Street, Alford, LN13 9DS. Open Tue–Wed 8am–5pm, Thur 8am–1pm, Fri, 8am–5pm, Sat 7am–1pm, Sun and Mon closed.

P & N Pitcher Fruiterer, Greengrocer & Florist – 104 West Street, Alford, LN13 9HA. Open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 8am–2pm, Sun closed (except Mothers’ Day, Valentine’s Day and Xmas when hours are extended).

Farmers Markets

Cheeses, honey, ice-cream, rapeseed oil, stone ground flour and various beers are amongst some of the items being regularly available from Farmers Markets, which are common across the Wolds and a great opportunity to buy direct. Products have been produced, grown, raised, baked or caught locally, normally within 30 miles of the Market. They take place on the 4^th Wednesday of each month at Louth and the 2^nd Thursday of the month at Horncastle throughout the year. See www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/article/5715/Farmers-Markets for diary dates for all markets in our district.

Lincolnshire delicacies

Lincolnshire’s food is some of the finest and freshest in the land. We are England’s second largest county by area, producing over 20% of all foodstuffs grown in the UK. If you consider yourself a foodie then it is the place to be! Local specialities are top of the menu across the country, from the peppery flavour of sage-flecked, coarse-ground Lincolnshire Sausages and slabs of the succulent, marbled Lincoln Red Beef, to the highly lauded Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese. One of the reasons the fish and chips are so great in places around Rigsby is that the spuds and peas are grown locally and the fish comes off the North Sea and is processed at Grimsby 45 minutes away.

Stuffed Chine – a traditional May Day or Christenings serving, neck chine of pig is stuffed with parsley and wrapped in muslin cloth before being boiled and left to cool.

Haslet – Lincolnshire sausage-meat wrapped in a natural fat membrane and roasted in the oven until the outside has turned brown and caramelised.

Plum Loaf – we hope you have enjoyed the Lincolnshire plum loaf in your Welcome Basket made by Myers, a family run bakery that’s been making it to an original recipe since 1901. They also have a bakery, café and deli that’s worth a trip if you’re in Horncastle LN9 5HU.

If you love cheese then do make a trip to The Cheese Shop & Deli LN11 9AA. An artisan delicatessen selling the highest quality British and Continental Cheeses, Deli Products, Ports and Champagnes and make their own savoury and sweet tarts, scones, and biscuits daily. Why not treat yourself to some of the highly lauded Lincolnshire Poacher cheese, as this is produced just 2 miles away from us by a cousin’s family.

Transport services

Taxis

Scaman’s Taxis 47 South Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9AN Tel: 01507 462240

8-seater minibus available. Pre-booking is always advisable, contact Cindy Scaman 07931 676283

Bus

On demand public bus service that can be used by anyone if a timetabled bus service is not available for the journey you wish to make. Register and book online at www.lincsbus.info/callconnect/ or call 0345 2343344 for more information.

Rail

Nearest Rail Station is at Lumley Square, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 3QL. Managed by East Midlands Trains.

Petrol Stations

Banking/Cashpoint

Nearest Cashpoint is within Ulceby Cross Filling Station (see ‘Petrol Stations’ above) or outside Alford’s Co-op (see ‘Where we like to shop for food’ above).

Post Office within Kwik E Mart 6 West Street Alford LN13 9DG Open Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 9am-10pm.

Emergency Contacts

Local Doctors

Merton Lodge Surgery, 33 West Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9 HT. Tel: 01507 463262

Local Dentist

Alford Dental Care, 8 South Street, Alford, Lincolnshire, LN13 9AQ. Tel: 01507 462666

Louth Urgent Care Centre

Accident & Emergency

Emergency care centre, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Scartho Road, Grimsby, DN33 2BA. Tel: 03033 304561

Vets

Key property information – The Stables

Address

Appliances

User manuals for Built-in Oven, Dishwasher, Hob, Kettle, Microwave & Toaster can be found in the ‘User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ Folder.

Bathroom & En-suite Mirror Lights

To switch on/off: move your hand behind the lower right-hand-side edge of the mirror. If this doesn’t work check the master power switch on the wall near the top of the door frame hasn’t been accidentally turned off.

Bedding

Quilts are 4.5 tog in summer and 10.5 tog the rest of the year, however, these can be put together with poppers to make 15 tog if required for your own comfort level. Spare fleece blankets for each bed can be found in the bottom of each wardrobe.

Check-in Time

You are welcome to arrive from 3pm onwards on day of arrival, unless you have made prior arrangements for an earlier check-in. In the event we can’t accommodate this request we can arrange a luggage drop off facility.

Check-out Time

Please vacate your property by 10am, unless you have made prior arrangements for a later check-out (note min 48 hours’ notice required for us to organise with our professional cleaning company).

Cleaning

We have the property professionally serviced for each booking. Guests are respectfully reminded to leave the property in the same state of cleanliness and general order in which it was found.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

This can be found on the built-in cupboard in the lounge area. Should the alarm sound please exit the building and contact us.

Cot

Cycle Storage

Dogs

Please do not allow dogs onto the sofas or beds. We hope they enjoy “The World’s best Flooring for Dogs” by Floors for Paws www.floorsforpaws.com

Guests are very welcome to walk on both the public footpaths and our field margins. Dog mess must be cleared up within the grassland where our cattle graze (to prevent Neospora caninum), while on the rest of the farmland please clean up after your dog if on the footpaths, otherwise you & your dogs are welcome to enjoy the freedom of the countryside. The very worst thing you can do is clean up after your dog using a plastic bag and throw the bag in a hedge bottom. If your dog fouls the patio area, please clean up after them.

During early Spring the cattle will be very nervous of dogs and it may be advisable not to walk dogs in the cattle fields for the safety of you and your pets.

Please do not leave dogs unaccompanied inside the property, in the parking area near the main entrance, or the grassed area behind as it is not fully enclosed. Dogs and children are not permitted in the working farmyard for their safety.

Farm Noise

The property is situated on a working farm, whilst it is peaceful, some tractor noise will be heard during the harvest months, (late August to mid-September and occasionally at other times, rarely before 9am and hardly ever after 10:30pm). Depending on the harvest there may be a need to run a grain dryer fan which can be noisy but thanks to triple glazing very limited noise can be heard within the property.

Firepit

This is stored in the neighbouring log shed and you are welcome to use in the garden, with small pieces of wood from the wood pile. Please do not place the hot spark guard onto combustible surfaces such as grass or wooden furniture. Allow the fire to burn itself out, do not use water to extinguish as this is dangerous. Once the firepit and ash are completely cold, please empty the ash into the metal wheel barrow in the log shed.

Front Door Key

Please return to the Key Safe on leaving the property, located on the right-hand-side of the external door frame.

Fuse Box

Hairdryers

Can be found in each bedroom in top drawer of chest of drawers, instructions for use can be found in ‘User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ folder.

The Stables has underfloor heating, with individual thermostats for all rooms except the utility and the en-suite, the latter is also controlled by the master bedroom’s thermostat. Note unlike conventional radiator central heating, it can take a while longer for the floor slab to cool down/heat up but this should keep The Stables at a more ambient temperature. We have found it feels a degree or two warmer than the temperature displayed and so we have configured as follows:

You can temporarily override the above temperature settings by using the up or down arrow key (at the upper right-hand-side of the thermostat) to adjust as desired and then press the tick key to confirm (at the bottom right-hand-side of the thermostat). If you have increased the temperature the flame icon should appear indicating the demand for heat. Likewise, if you have reduced the temperature the flame icon should disappear if the heating was on.

Please refer to User Guide in ‘User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ folder for further details. Please do not alter other settings without contacting us first.

High Chair

Laundry Facilities

A washing machine is provided in the utility room, the manual for which can be found in User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ folder.

There is an iron in the cupboard under the sink in the utility room, instruction booklet can be found in User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ folder.

An ironing board & clothes airer can be found in the tall cupboards near the washing machine.

A retractable clothes line is available outside the living room patio doors and can be fastened to the pole opposite.

Log Burner/Stove

Please refer to instructions for safe operation in the User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ folder /contact us for assistance if required.

A basket of logs is provided with our compliments, please contact us if you require more.

Warning the log burner handle does gets hot in use, please use the glove provided.

Please leave the log basket to the left-hand-side of the patio door when not in use to reduce fire risk.

Please only empty the ash from the log burner when it is fully cold, place into the ash bucket provided, before disposing of in the general waste wheelie bin at the rear of the property. Warning do not remove & dispose of warm ash/embers as these can produce carbon monoxide / cause a fire to start.

Map

An ordnance survey map of the area is provided for your use, but please leave for the next guests.

Outside Lights

Switches for these are located in the Boot Room and Master bedroom. These are motion detecting in the OFF position.

Parking

Patio Doors

To open the doors onto the patio in the Master Bedroom and Lounge (from the inside): unlock the right-hand-side door first, then the left-hand-side afterwards, as this door has an integral strip that closes the gap between the edges of the both doors. The same key operates both the left-hand-side and right-hand-side lock and have been labelled accordingly (note can’t be interchanged between rooms). To lock, lift the handle first to operate the multipoint locking system then turn the key as normal.

Robotic Lawnmower

The Stables has a Husqvarna Automower® 435X AWD - which is a pioneering all-wheel-drive robotic lawnmower.- with extremely low noise levels to ensure our guests will not be disturbed whilst grass cutting takes place. The youngest member of the family – Harvey – has christened it ‘Chop Chop Mr Chop’. It’s usual hours of operation are 7am-10am during grass growing season. If it gets into any difficulty it sends Harvey, or his Dad Paul, a text message so they know they need to pop over & attend to it. If you need us to temporarily suspend its operation e.g. it frightens your dog, then please let us know.

Rubbish/Recycling

The Kitchen cupboard to the right-hand-side of the hob houses two 32 litre pull-out waste bins. The one with a bin liner is for general waste except glass or liquids. The other is for mixed dry recycling items that must be loose (i.e. not in carrier bags) and food/liquids rinsed out of containers beforehand. Glass for recycling should be placed in the black flexi tub in the boot room.

Please dispose of sanitary products in the bags & bins provided in the bathroom & en-suite. Please do not flush down the toilets as we are not on mains sewerage.

Please put your rubbish out into the wheelie bins provided at the rear of the property (used dog waste bags should be placed in the general waste wheelie bin). We will move the bins to their collection point on Monday afternoon/evening for collection early Tuesday morning.

Smoking/Vaping

For the comfort of all our guests all our properties are strictly No Smoking/Vaping inside.

Stop Cock

Toaster

Note the bread carriage will not stay down unless the toaster is connected to the mains supply. Also always use bread slots 1 and 2 when toasting one or two slices of bread (slots 3 and 4 only work when 1 and 2 already in use).

Towels

Each guest is provided with a bath sheet and hand towel for use at The Stables. Please do not remove these from the property.

Toys

A small selection of games and toys is provided for all ages, please supervise young children at all times.

The operating instructions for the Panasonic LED TV (in the lounge) and the Hisense TV (in the Master Bedroom) can be found in the ‘User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ Folder.

Utility Room Extractor Fan

Vacuum

A small vacuum cleaner is in utility room cupboard next to the washing machine, user guide can be found in User Manuals/Instruction Booklets’ folder.

Wi-Fi Password

By connecting to the wi-fi you agree not use the wi-fi connection and the associated equipment in any way that:

a. is unlawful, fraudulent or otherwise inappropriate, or has an unlawful, fraudulent or inappropriate purpose

b. breaches any applicable local, national or international laws or regulations; or

c. is unsafe or used otherwise than in accordance with applicable instructions, and safety and security

and any person who connects to the wi-fi shall indemnify us for any losses resulting from any breach of these terms.

Health & Safety information

Please do not allow your children or pets to climb on shelves or cupboards. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that shelves will not topple, they are not designed for climbing on.

For your own safety, please ensure the anti-slip bath mat provided is used in the bottom of the bath if using the over-bath shower in the main bathroom.

For your safety guests do not have access to the farmyard as it is a working farm with heavy machinery using it.

Please do not leave children and / or dogs unaccompanied in the parking area near the main entrance, or the grassed area behind as it is not fully enclosed.

Whilst the outside patio is fenced, dogs maybe able to jump the fence so we cannot guarantee that it is safe to leave pets there unattended.

During the growing season we sometimes deploy bird scarers on our fields. Typically, these will run during day light hours and are usually a couple of bangs close together once or twice an hour. The bangers (as we call them) are blue canons about 1.5m long usually next to an orange gas canister. If you have to go past one within a few metres, we would recommend you very quickly walk past it - ideally with your ears covered.

Guest Feedback

If there’s anything else you’d have liked to have found in this Welcome Pack then do please let us know, preferably by emailing us at thestablesrigsby@gmail.com – thank you.

We would also appreciate you completing our Guest Feedback Survey at the end of this pack.

Rigsby Wold Holiday Cottages Welcome Pack

Welcome

Contents