This area is dedicated to our special guests.

We really hope you are looking forward to your stay.  We are certainly looking forward to welcoming you.

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GARDENS AND GROUNDS ​

We ditched our lives in commuter land and bought Ash Beacon in 2017. A labour of love has now started to transform the property and grounds to their former glory.

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We have also created an entirely private garden for guests with a wonderful view of Beacon Hill, which housed one of the beacons that were to be used to get messages to London in case of invasion by the Spanish Armada in the time of Elizabeth the 1st. Climb to the top of the Hill (which is directly behind the loft) and through the far valley you can see the sparking sea at Seaton on a clear day.

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Inspired by our location and natural surroundings the loft has been thoughtfully decorated throughout with ‘special touches’ including a nod to the Jurassic (you will see where).

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RESPECT, OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND HOUSE RULES

We have tried to think of your every need and have used the very best of materials. We really hope you enjoy your stay and only ask that you respect the love, care and attention that we have put into this lovely apartment as well as the beautiful nature it sits in. 
 

KEY INFO

Check-in: After 15:00

Check out: 10:00 or before. No exceptions

Self check-in with lockbox

No smoking

No parties or events

Respect the wildlife (and Squeaky)

Long-term stays (28 days or more) are allowed

Quiet hours 10pm-10am

No flushing of anything other than what comes out of your body and loo roll.

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Before you leave

Please leave the loft clean and tidy. A squiffer and hoover is provided, cleaning stuff is under the sink in a flippy bucket. 

Check all the drawers and cupboards for personal belongings.

We wash EVERYTHING after you go (all crockery, pots, pans, sheets, duvets, cushions etc etc) – please leave the dishwasher on and un-emptied when you leave so we know what has been cleaned already. 

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

A health and safety risk assessment has been conducted.

The Loft has been designed so its easy to keep clean and germs away. We are committed to enhanced cleaning processes. 

Social distancing and other COVID-19-related guidelines apply

Carbon monoxide alarm

Smoke alarm

Fire Escapes

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LOFT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS & SAFETY INFORMATION

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WIFI

To be confirmed. But there will be some.

 

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HOT WATER.

This should be switched on for you. We have got a megaflow system with a fairly large tank - although it could run out - so please be mindful of your hot water use. In case we forget to turn it on before you arrive. In the king / front bedroom there is an electrical circuit box. The switch for the water is clearly labelled. Everything else is switched on - so if you notice that the water switch is the other way round, then please flick it on.

 

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THE LOO - POO AND WEE (yes a section on this)

Our loo is linked to a septic tank that can only handle poo, wee and toilet paper. EVERYTHING ELSE that you might put down a loo (ladies sanitary products, condoms) needs to be bagged up and popped in the little bin in the shower room or main bin. Its a small ask - and a lovely loo. Please do remember to do this. We've provided some paper sanitary bags for this.

Those who block the loo - mend the loo.

 

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RECYCLING / COMPOST / LANDFILL

Two bins are provided alongside a compost caddie. Blue bin is for landfill items. Green bin is for recycling. Please add CLEAN glass jars and bottles, cans, paper, cardboard and hard plastic items. Unfortunately our local council don't collect soft plastics (which need to go to landfill - or you can take to Tesco who have a collection). A compost caddie is provided in the kitchen. Almost any food waste can be composted except meat. If this gets full, give us a knock and we can replace with a fresh one.

 

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FIRE SAFETY

A fire risk assessment has been conducted. Smoke alarms are installed throughout. These are plugged into the mains and cannot be switched off.

Please be mindful of the fire risk of and take extra care with the log-burner in particular (instructions below). Do not hang ANYTHING on the radiators - both represent fire risks.

We have provided a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the kitchen.

There are two main fire escapes to the outside. One in the king (front) bedroom and one out the main front kitchen door. There is also a small door that links the two bedrooms - so that if there is a fire in the main living area, guests staying in the twin room can escape via the king room.

Only use the BBQ away from the wooden steps. Not next to. 

 

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LOG FIRE / WOODBURNER

Our super eco and very cosy woodburner should keep you toasty warm. If you wedge the bedroom doors open - it will heat the whole place in less than 30 mins. Fireguard is available for people who are nervous or who have kids. Please just ask. 

We can give you a demo if needed :-) its not the easiest to light so please follow the instructions carefully.

 

Lighting the fire

Please take note of these instructions which have been especially developed with this specific fire in mind, which has a 'nack' to lighting.

1. Tightly scrunch up 6 sheets of newspaper (provided, but please do leave some if you have read a paper whilst you are with us) and place in fire

2. Always add a firelighter (provided). This is important as it doesn't light without one (even though it should). Please do not try and light without a firelighter as it will smoke and usually go out.

3. Stack up a modest amount of kindling (provided) on top of the paper / lighter (making sure you can see the firelighter).

4. Add a small log or two on top (provided). be careful not to over fill the fire, as this will block the air inlet holes and it wont light.

5. Pull the air inlet knob (under fire door) to fully open (see turning up and down note below). Light the firelighter and paper that has been placed in the fire, then SHUT the door immediately.

6. Keep an eye on it. If it goes out, wait until it has stopped smoking to try and re-light.

7. Turn off the cooker hood when lighting as this can draw air away from the fire.

 

Turning the fire up and down

There is a knob under the fire and above the log store. 

PULL fully open which will give you lots of air and a roaring blaze (only leave the knob pulled out to light the fire, it will overheat if left on this setting)

PUSH = will decrease airflow. If you fully push in - it will eventually go out. We find if you push in fully then pull out ever so slightly - this will usually be enough to keep the fire going at a nice heat.

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Never leave the fire on high setting

i.e. when the air inlet knob is fully pulled out.

This will overheat the fire and potentially cause serious damage. Only use this setting to light the fire.

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Opening the fire to refuel

When your logs are burning low its time to reload.

1. PUSH the airflow knob in fully, to decrease the airflow and minimize the chance of flames coming out the fire / smoke.

2. Wait for flames to decrease.

3. Get your logs ready (next to door)

4. Gingerly open the door (slowly). If flames start to come out the door, shut it immediately and make sure the air inlet knob is pushed in fully before re-loading.

5. Put on the safety glove and place logs in fire.

6. Shut the door immediately, turn handle so its securely shut.

7. Open the air inlet (pull) to desired burn.

 

Fire Smoke

If you do happen to open the fire and let smoke escape - then please shut it immediately. Open the main door and windows and turn on the cooker hood. Smoke alarms are installed throughout. These are plugged into the mains and cannot be switched off. The smoke alarm will probably sound and will only go out when there is no smoke. Come and get us if you are worried.

 

Emptying the fire 

You shouldn't need to empty the ash from the fire unless you've been burning logs all week. Wait until the ash is cold. Always use the metal pan and provided (behind the log basket). This will be emptied when you leave. Never put ash in the plastic / main bin or use the plastic dustpan and brush. If your ash bin gets full, ask for help.

 

Lit log falls out of fire

We hope this will never happen. Always open the door slowly. If a log looks like it might fall out - then shut the door and wait for it to burn out. If an alight log should fall out the fire, please use your fire glove to push the log onto the fireplace.

Put a damp tea-towel or fire blanket over the log. It should go out.

A fire extinguisher is also provided, which should do the job (if needed). Please don't panic and chuck loads of water over it.

Once out - open all the windows and doors.

Please make sure everyone is safe and also come and get us using the fire exits. 

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Never go out with the fire on

To shut down, push in the air inlet knob fully. This will pretty much extinguish the fire (enough to be safe).

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Call us if any issues. 

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HEATERS

These are electric and have been pre-programmed to come on when the weather is cold at certain times of day. They are pretty expensive to run, so please be mindful of this and do not leave them on when you go out. The Loft is super insulated so it really does heat up quickly. The log fire heats the whole place in less than half an hour.

Never go out with the heaters on - This is a fire risk and also hugely expensive. Call us if you do and we can turn them off remotely. 

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TV

Samsung smart TV.

This should be pretty self explanatory.

We can also come up and show you how to drive it.

Terrestrial Freeview, Netflix and free Amazon Prime shows are included. .

 

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WASHING / DRYING

The washing machine should be self explanatory.

Please do not hang any damp clothes on the radiators. They may catch fire.

A washing line is outside, or you can use the clothes horse provided.

If desperate for a quick dry - please do give us a knock and you can borrow our dryer for a modest donation.

 

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FLOORS

Our lovely floors are oak so have a lovely feel but can get scratched. They do not like getting wet either.

Please do not wear wheelies, stilettos or other shoes that may scratch or damage the floor.

Do not wash! A squiffer, special liquid and hoover are provided if you need to clean up :-)

If you spill a drink on it - please wipe up with a dry cloth immediately.

Come and get us if you are worried about a stain.

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MINI SHOP

We've created a mini shop in the smallest kitchen cupboard. This includes a few treats and essentials to keep you going if you have forgotten some items or don't want to go out. Prices are shown on the inside of the door. We are building a way to pay for items on our website. If this is not yet live when you stay - you can leave cash. Thank you.

 

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DELIVERIES

Please use address Ash Beacon Churchill Axminster Devon EX13 7LZ

What Three Words - option.outfit.rucksack

We can put trugs out for supermarket deliveries for you. Will happily help take in shopping if we are in.

Morrisons, M&S, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Amazon all deliver

 

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SQUEAKY - THE CAT

Our lovely, super friendly cat is called Squeaky (Boy). He will probably come and visit you - so if you have a cat allergy do let us know and we will endeavor to keep him away. He's black - so not always that easy to spot. He also loves cars. Before you drive anywhere, please do look under and inside your car as he may be hiding out there. We would be devastated if he got squished so please do be careful. He's pretty sensible but does like a car snooze. Hes lovely - so if you do love animals - he will be delighted to meet you.

 

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NEAREST SHOPS (nearest first)

1. Chardstock Post Office. Next to Chardstock Villiage Hall / School. Tiny shop, but has an amazing array of basic items if you are short of a pint of milk etc. This does not sell booze.

2. Tytherleigh Farm Shop (opposite Tytherleigh pub on main road). Lovely range of locally sourced items, veg, meat and treats. Sells booze. Not cheap - but quality items.

3. Mini Morrisons Tatworth. Small but has all the basics.

4. Axminster - Tesco, Coop, other. Good veg market on a Thursday morning.

5. Chard -Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury's, plus other independent shops.

6. Nearest Waitrose - Sidmouth, Bridport.

7. Best for gifts - Probably, Lyme, Bridport or Sidmouth

 

 

BARBEQUE

We have bought a new Kettle BBQ and have selected it based on robustness andn easiness to clean. ​

Guests are responsible for cleaning after use.  We have provided a big trug for this purpose. 

Ash / spent charcoal can be disposed of in the metal bin. 

Top cleaning tip - soak the wire racks in hot water and use a dishwasher tablet. 

Scrubbing tools provided. 

If you cant be bothered to clean it properly - £20 will be deducted from your security deposit.

Or we will also provide some disposable BBQs (eco) which shoudl be used on, top of the bbq grill or bricks provided (not the patio floor on the sundeck or the wooden benches).   

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THE FORT / SUN DECK

Richie built this himself. We have provided some cushions to protect bottoms. These are located in a trug under the bench. 

Please to put away after use. Wash / leave somewhere obvious if they get grubby. 

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I'M SURE WE HAVEN'T COVERED ALL OF IT.  ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL  please just ask :-)

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