Settling You Into Lantern Cottage
There is a parking area on the right side as you look from the road in front of the kitchen window, and a smaller parking area on the left side in front of the shed. We reverse into the larger parking space (stopping when you’re over the ridge) to make it easier to come out again, but it might be easier the first time or at night to go in front first.
There are farm-style gates closing in the garden, but would not necessarily keep determined any small children/animals in, and the small well is also easily accessible. The garden furniture on the terrace is padlocked together against theft, but can be unlocked with keys found in the key cupboard inside/behind the front door. Further garden furniture and cushions are found in the garden shed (also locked by key is also in that same key cupboard). We’d be really grateful if you could mow the lawn whilst you are here – the mower is also found in the shed. There is both a petrol and an electric (Flymo) lawnmower. Please also keep the flowers and pots watered – the watering can is kept near the tap in front of the well.
The porch isn’t locked but is a little stiff so you might think it’s locked (give it a push!). Behind the porch door, there is a keysafe with the front door key in. Separately you should have been given the code by the family member you know* for this. Please ensure that you return the key here at the end of your stay. Behind the front door, there is a white cupboard, the door of which lifts up. In here, you will find the meter box and other keys and more front door keys.
If in trouble, call/text 07799747035 or 07786654455 with your name.
The main room is open plan – a dining area at one end and a sitting area at the other. The dining table can sit six. There is a wood burning stove, which we leave laid and ready to light. If you light it, please relay it and replace the firewood (the local Tesco sells bags of firewood). The family has worked hard to store wood in the gazebo so please only purloin it if you repace it.
There is no television, but some DVDs are left upstairs. If you pay for a UK TV licence at home, you can stream TV by wifi. There is also a collection of books, local maps and flyers for local attractions. All such information should be found in the black box and folder on the table/windowsill. Wi-fi is available and the access code is in the black information folder.
There are two frigs, large and small. We hope that the kitchen has all that you need for your time here. You may find some food in the cupboards – please replace any that you use and not leave anything with a short shelf-life. There are also some recipe books for you to peruse. There is a microwave, electric oven and night-storage heaters. The local council are very particular on recycling – there are separate bags (with directions on) in the drawer next to the kitchen sink. The information on collection days is in the folder; maybe on the calendar too on the stairs. The grey wheely bin is for rubbish, the brown one is for grass cuttings etc. Upstairs, there is a twin room and a double room. The stairs are narrow but have a handrail on either side. Please bring your own sheets and towels – duvets, pillows and blankets are provided. There is a bath and a shower in the bathroom. The shower is electric and there should be enough hot water to run a bath. Instructions for the hot water are also in the information folder.