🏡 Rental Conditions & Guest Policies

Last updated: October 2025

Holidays-Normandy – Ursula Gîte

🧾 Property & Booking Terms

The gîte is offered as a self-catering accommodation rental by the owners, Lee Edwards & Samantha Beavis, to the named renter (you, the Client).

The booking is made in Euros (€). All payments are processed in Euros.

Payment Terms: 10% is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid 30 days before arrival.

All bookings include a free cancellation period up to 30 days before arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days before check-in are non-refundable.

By booking, the lead guest accepts all terms outlined in this agreement.


💶 Security Deposit

A €300 pre-authorization is held on your payment method 1 day before arrival and automatically released 7 days after departure, subject to a satisfactory inspection.

This applies to all bookings (direct, Airbnb, Booking.com, Abritel, and others). The deposit is not charged unless damage, excessive cleaning, or rule breaches occur.

You are required to check the inventory on arrival. Please report any issues immediately. The Client’s liability is not limited to the deposit amount. We hope not to levy charges except in exceptional circumstances.


🧹 Cleaning

The gîte is cleaned before arrival. Guests must leave the property in a tidy and respectful condition. A €50 end-of-stay cleaning fee applies.


🧾 Tourist Tax

A small local tourist tax (taxe de séjour) is payable either at booking or on arrival, depending on your booking method.

Full info: Taxe de séjour – Coutances


🕒 Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in: After 4:00 PM
Check-out: Before 10:00 AM

We’re happy to store luggage if you arrive early—just ask.


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Occupancy & House Rules

  • The gîte accommodates up to 10 guests.
  • Only the guests named on the booking form may stay.
  • Any guest changes must be agreed in advance.
  • No parties or events without prior approval.
  • Quiet hours begin at midnight.
  • No outdoor shoes inside the gîte, please.
  • Guests must not act in a way that would cause disturbance to neighbours—we reserve the right to terminate stays with no refund in cases of serious disruption.

🐾 Pets

  • We welcome up to 2 well-behaved dogs per booking.
  • Price: €5 per dog per night.
  • Must be agreed in advance.
  • Dogs must be kept on a lead when outside the rental space.
  • A dog bowl is provided, but no other pet supplies.

🚭 Smoking

No smoking inside the gîte. Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas only. Smoking indoors may result in loss of deposit.


🌡️ Heating & Utilities

Water and electricity are included. From November to February, a €30/week heating supplement applies.


🧺 Linen & Towels

All bed linen, towels, and kitchen linen are provided for use inside the gîte.

1 cot and mattress are available free of charge, but must be agreed in advance. Cot bedding is supplied.

Fresh linen is supplied on Saturdays for stays of 2 weeks or more.

Beach/pool towels are available to hire for €3 each.


🔐 Insurance

We are not responsible for missed travel, delays, cancellations, or accidents.

You are strongly recommended to take out comprehensive travel insurance including:

  • Cancellation cover
  • Personal belongings
  • Public liability
  • Medical/injury

⚠️ Liability & Safety

Use the facilities responsibly. Children must be supervised at all times, especially:

  • Around the swimming pool
  • Near the pond, animals, terrace, and spiral staircases (1 person at a time only)

The Owners shall not be liable for:

  • A: Temporary disruption of services/utilities
  • B: Loss or injury due to weather, strikes, riot, war, etc.
  • C: Destruction/damage before your stay—if so, all money will be refunded
  • D: Any accident, injury, death during your stay
  • E: Theft or loss of personal belongings

All damage, faults or breakages must be reported immediately.


❗IMPORTANT: Septic Tank Rules❗

We are rural, and the property uses a septic tank system. To protect it:

  • 🚽 Only flush toilet paper marked: "utilisable avec"/"convient aux fosses septiques"
  • 🚫 Do NOT flush: Sanitary products, baby wipes, face wipes, cotton pads, or hygiene items
  • 🧺 Use the bathroom bins provided for anything else.

Failure to comply is the Client’s responsibility and may result in additional charges.


❌ Cancellations & Refunds

Free cancellation up to 30 days before arrival. Cancellations made less than 30 days before check-in are non-refundable.

Please ensure you have valid travel insurance to cover unforeseen events, as refunds are not issued within 30 days of arrival.


⚖️ Legal Info

This contract is governed by French law. Legal proceedings must be taken in a French court of competent jurisdiction. Our maximum liability is limited to the amount paid for your booking.