As far as possible we try to point out where animals are very close to a house; but most of the properties are rural and in rural Spain and Portugal this means 'Animals around' - and sometimes insects too.
We cannot guarantee that there will be no animal noises. Please ask us for advice at the time of booking if this is a matter that concerns you.
A double bed is normally 135 cms wide; a small double is 120 cms. Single beds are 90 cms, or occasionally 110 cms or 80 cms. Mattresses vary, but Spanish taste seems to be mainly for the springy softer variety.
Prices for self catering accommodation are listed on each property and are per property per week, including electricity, gas and water, except for heating charges which may be made separately.
Booking requests may be made online. Hotel prices are normally listed on a room per night basis.
We ask that clients leave the properties as they would wish to find them ie. clean and in good order. The final washing of bedlinen and towels will be done by the owner, but clients are expected to wash linen as they go along.
In most cases it is possible to arrange for a cot, usually of the travel cot variety, to be in a property if needed. There is a charge of £20.00 per week per cot. Please tick the appropriate box on the booking form if required. NB. Cot bedlinen is not supplied.
Along the north coast there are occasionally periods of high humidity.In the older stone properties this can lead to dampness.Dehumidifiers are effective in dealing with this, and are supplied in properties where necessary.
Electricity is always included in the price of the rent unless used for heating out-of-season, when a charge is usually payable locally.
NB - In some properties it is not always possible to use several electrical appliances simultaneously.
Obviously this varies from house to house, as each owner has his/her own idea of what makes a holiday home comfortable. However every property has:
(i) a fridge, a cooker or rings (we state if there is no oven), adequate cooking equipment, crockery, cutlery for the maximum number. You will not usually find a teapot or kettle.
(ii) stoves: some properties have solid stoves as well as another cooker/hob. These are normally for out-of-season use only.
(iii) bedding (usually blankets rather than duvets); sheets and pillowcases, unless otherwise stated.
(iv) some towels, teatowels, unless otherwise stated, but not beach towels and probably not enough large towels for the full number of people per property.
(v) many of the properties have automatic washing machines (detailed in house descriptions); these do an adequate job but are not generally as efficient, especially at spinning, as machines used in Britain.
(iv) properties in Cantabria, Asturias, Galicia and Portugal have barbecues, except where there is no area suitable for barbecuing.
NB. If something you feel is essential is not supplied, ask the owner. But please remember, this is rural Spain -you cannot expect to find everything exactly as you would at home. (We personally always take our own sharp knife, a tin opener, cork screw and pepper grinder on any holiday). And do take a phrase book or dictionary if you don't speak Spanish, as the owner may well speak no English.
You may find you can buy milk and fresh garden produce through your owner or nearby - it's worth asking.
Gas, which is of the bottled variety and is largely used for cooking and heating water, is included in the rent of the property; should a gas heater be used for out-of-season heating there may be a charge made.
Changeover of gas butanes,should they empty during a holiday,is normally undertaken by the holiday maker and/or owner/keyholder.
The properties in this website belong to local Spanish or Portuguese people, and are as varied in character as are their owners. Most are in villages or rural situations and, except in the Salamanca/Extremadura area, within easy reach of the sea. In our description of each property we have tried to be as clear as possible, and to make plain whether it is old or modern, simple or more luxurious - but please phone if you feel you need to know more. Simple or not, the houses all belong to caring owners, who want their guests to enjoy their stay.
Costs for central heating, for extra gas and/or electricity, and for firewood are usually payable locally, unless included.
Please note that,although used to looking after English-speaking guests,very few of our owners speak English,nor will you always find English spoken in the region.
The houses vary in room size and people capacity - the numbers given refer to the number of beds, but obviously only you know how much space you need in other ways. Please ask, if in doubt. The maximum number stated must not be exceeded (please refer to Booking Conditions).
Parking space is available either on the land belonging to a property or close by, eg in lane adjacent.
Water is included in the rent of the property.Occasionally there have been water shortages in some villages in the summer.Obviously owners will do all they can to help should a client be faced with no water at certain times of day.
