Conditions of Hire

Ashby Farms Ltd.

We want your stay to be enjoyable for you and for all our guests. Please take a moment to read the following conditions, which form part of your booking agreement with Ashby Farms Ltd. ("we" / "us"). By making a booking, you ("the guest") agree to these terms.

Descriptions and Changes

We take care to ensure all property descriptions on our website and online listings are accurate. We reserve the right to make reasonable changes to specifications, furniture, amenities or facilities where necessary, without prior notice.

Arrival and Departure

Check-in is from 4:00pm and check-out is by 10:00am. Please let us know in advance if you need to arrange a different time. Late departure without prior agreement may incur an additional charge, as our housekeeping team works to a tight schedule preparing properties for incoming guests.

Parking

Please park sensibly and do not block access routes or farm roads. The gate must be kept locked at all times.

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for the property and its contents during your stay and are expected to take good care of both. On arrival, please check the property and report any existing damage, missing items or concerns to us immediately, using the contact details on your booking confirmation. We cannot consider claims for issues not reported at the time.

Any damage caused during your stay, or items that are lost, broken or stolen, must be reported and will be charged for. All equipment and utensils must be left clean and in good order at the end of your stay. Rubbish must be disposed of as instructed in the property; a charge may apply if this is not followed. Please do not leave litter anywhere on the farm grounds — this can seriously harm wildlife.

Bed linen and towels are not included in the hire price and can be arranged separately for an additional charge.

Guest Conduct

We ask all guests to be considerate of others at all times. In particular:

  • Noise: Please keep noise to a reasonable level, especially between 10:00pm and 8:00am. Loud music is not permitted at any time.

  • Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside any property. Guests who wish to smoke may do so outside; please dispose of cigarette ends responsibly.

  • Alcohol and drugs: We ask guests to drink responsibly. The use of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on all Ashby Farms property. Guests found to have used illegal substances inside a property will be liable for additional cleaning costs and may be asked to leave immediately.

  • Pets: Pets are welcome in all our properties, subject to the pet supplement being paid at the time of booking. Pets must be kept on a lead at all times when outside the property and must not be left unattended indoors. Pets are not permitted on furniture or soft furnishings. Please clean up after your pet. Any damage caused by pets will be charged for.

  • Children near water: Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when near the lakes or any water on the farm.

We reserve the right to ask guests to leave without refund if their conduct is causing disturbance or distress to others or is in breach of these conditions.

Your Belongings

We do not accept liability for loss of or damage to personal belongings, except where this arises from a defect in the property that was, or should have been, known to us.

Security Deposit

A security deposit is required at the time of booking. Deductions may be made to cover:

  • Damage to the property or its contents

  • Additional cleaning required beyond normal use

  • Missing or damaged linen or towels (where applicable)

  • Rubbish not disposed of as instructed

  • Late check-out

  • Staff call-out costs arising from complaints or rule breaches during your stay (for example, a noise complaint requiring staff attendance out of hours)

Your deposit (less any deductions) will be returned within 14 days of your departure — normally to the payment card used at the time of booking, or by bank transfer if that was your original payment method. A breakdown of any deductions will be provided.

Cancellation

We understand that plans sometimes change. Our cancellation terms are as follows:

  • Cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, where the stay is more than 30 days away, will receive a full refund including the security deposit.

  • Cancellations made more than 30 days before the start of your stay will be refunded in full, minus the security deposit, which is non-refundable.

  • Cancellations made within 30 days of the start of your stay: the full balance remains payable. If we are able to rebook the property, the balance paid (minus the security deposit) will be refunded.

We strongly recommend taking out holiday cancellation insurance.

Fishing and Shooting

Fishing and shooting are not included in the standard hire price unless your booking confirmation specifically states a free fishing period. Otherwise, permits must be purchased separately in advance. Any guests who intend to fish or use firearms on the farm must read, agree to and follow our Fishing & Shooting Rules. These rules cover fishing permits, tackle requirements, fish care, firearms safety and site-specific access arrangements.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch:

  • Website: ashbyfarms.com

  • Phone: 01233 733332

  • Post: Ashby Farms Ltd., Place Farm, Kenardington, Ashford, Kent, TN26 2LZ