Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I pay for the Farm Cottage?
We have tried to keep this as simple as possible. When you book your holiday week a 50-euros deposit will be requested. This can be paid by bankers draft. You can send 50-euros in cash by international registered post. Full instructions will be given by email. Please pay the balance, cash on your arrival.

How far are the local restaurants and supermarkets?
You will find plenty of restaurants in the neighbourhood villages. There is a good Mini Market 1,5 miles from the farm.

How far is the beach?
The beautiful Beach of Knokke is only a 20-minute drive away, with miles of sandy beach.

What if I have a medical problem?
A very good medical /emergency centre is just 3 miles away. A dentist and chemist shop are at 2 miles.

Do I need to bring bed linen and kitchen utensils?
The cottage is equipped with all necessary linen and inventory including sheets, duvets, pillows, towels and tea-towels as well as all necessary crockery, pots, pans and cooking utensils.

Do you have more than one cottage?
We offer two cottages at Bruges Farm Cottages, the Blue Grape Cottage and the Green Apple Cottage. We also offer a Penthouse Apartment in Bruges City Centre.

The rates are the same all year round, why?
Primarily because we hire out for short breaks, but also because our cottages are just very good, Winter or Summer, and there is full central heating, included in the price.

Is the cottage suitable for people with mobility restrictions?
The doors are only 78 cm wide, not wide enough for wheelchair access, but the cottages are located on the ground floor, and have no stairs.

How long does it take by car from Calais?
Without rushing it takes ninety minutes.

I'd like to bring some friends and family, is that OK?
We do not believe in cramming people in like sardines, so our basic rates are based on no more than four people in a cottage, and we believe it's a lot safer. Insurance policy states that one cottage cannot sleep up to more than four adults and a baby.

There are two of us who want a holiday for a week but I want two friends to visit for one night midweek, is this OK?
The farm cottage is up to four guests, so no problem for us.

Why don't we have to pay for gas and electricity?
We offer good value inclusive rates. We think the last thing you want to do is clean a large cottage, and start fiddling about with metre readings... etc!

What is there to do for a little boy/girl when it's raining?
The cottage is very much a home from home sort of place so if outside activities are ruled out he/she can play as he/she normally would at home. Privacy to do your own thing on holiday without affecting others is the reason so many families use the cottage. There is a shared separate games room with games that young children can play, there is also table tennis, mini-snooker, computer with broadband internet access... and plenty of space for all ages. Bruges has many sights and attractions, which can excite children: boat trips to Damme, carriage rides, a visit to the Folklore museum or Boudewijnpark with its large playground and Dolfinarium...

Can I pay for the self catering holiday in my own currency?
Yes, if you tell us the currency you would like to pay in we will quote and invoice you in that currency.

What do I need to bring with me for a self catering holiday?
We provide one set of bed linen per person, cleaning materials, washing up liquid, detergents and bin liners, hand towels for the kitchen, bathroom towels and tea towels for the kitchen.

If the Farm Cottage is too warm or too cold can I adjust the heating?
Yes you can lower or raise the heating to suit yourself .

Is there a telephone and fax machine in the Farm Cottage?
There is a telephone for outgoing calls but we ask guests to bring their mobile phone for incoming calls. We can send and receive faxes for you, and you can send your e-mails on the computer with broadband connection in the games room.

I have a baby, what do I need to bring with me?
We can arrange a baby cot (under 3 years) if required. Changing mats, high chair, toys and colouring books on request. All free of charge.

Where do I pick up the keys?
You will receive instructions by post, email or phone on how and where to pick up the keys. A direction map will also be supplied.

Is information provided inside the holiday home?
The Farm Cottage has some visitors information booklet which helps with local telephone numbers and the general run of the cottage. There is also a help line number if you require further information.

Can you recommend a good place to eat?
The visitor's information booklet that you find in the cottage gives the telephone numbers and a price indication of all the local restaurants.

How is the electrical system in Belgium?
The electrical system in Belgium is the same as the UK. 220-240V,
three pin plugs adaptors are provided. All UK appliances work normally.

Is there an airport near Bruges?
The International Airport is situated at Brussels (62 miles), there is a smaller airport at Ostend (16 miles).

Can we smoke in the cottage?
We ask our guests to smoke at the terrace.

What is your check in time?
Access to the cottage is between 3 PM and 7 PM on arrival day. This gives us the adequate time to clean and prepare the cottage for your arrival. Gaining access earlier is generally not possible. If you have a special request and reason why you need entry earlier, please make this clear at the time of booking. However, to allow for check outs and cleaning, the cottage is unavailable until 3 PM. If you will be arriving later than 7 PM due to flight times and delays, please let us know the time you will be arriving and we will arrange for the key to be left or for someone to meet you at the farm at an arranged time.

What is your check out time?
Check out time is at 10.30 AM.

Is bed linen included in your prices?
Yes. Full bed linen is provided and free of charge.

Do you have an Iron or Hair dryer?
There is an Iron and a Hair dryer available in the cottage.

Do you provide breakfast or meals?
We do not provide breakfast or meals

When is a booking confirmed for 100% ?
Only after receiving a 50-euros deposit and then we send you back a confirmation email.

How much do I have to pay for the Motorway Tolls?
Motorway Tolls are payable in France, in Belgium there is no toll to pay.

Do you accept credit cards?
No, we do not accept credit cards.

Are credit cards accepted in the shops?
Credit cards are commonly accepted in the main shops and restaurants, not so common in the smaller shops. Be prepared to pay cash for meals in smaller restaurants, for petrol in small filling stations and in smaller shops.

Is there a Market Day in Bruges?
Market day is on Wednesday at the Main Square (Markt) and on Saturday at the Zand Square. The market opens early and closes around 12.30 PM.

Are the shops open on Sunday?
Tourist shops, restaurants and bakeries are open on Sunday. Large supermarkets are open all day on Saturdays but generally most are closed on Sundays

Can you do something for special occasions?
If you are celebrating an occasion while you are on holiday, please let us know if you would like us to try and arrange something special. We cannot guarantee anything, but we will do our very best to help you.

Is it easy travelling around on the roads?
Roads are generally well signposted even in the country areas. Bear in mind though that road signs are usually only just before or actually at the junction where you have to turn and not as in the UK where you usually see the sign well before the junction.

Is it easy travelling around by rail?
It is a useful way of getting to some of the larger cities without using your car. There are good regular services from Bruges to Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent which may save you time in finding car parking. The central station in Brussels is well placed being at only 10-minute walking from the city centre.

Is the price per person or for the cottage?
The accommodation is priced as cottage and includes the maximum number of four persons.

Do you have more than two cottages at the farm?
Sorry, we dont have more cottages at the farm but we offer also a family Penthouse Apartment in Bruges City Centre for five guests.

How early do I need to book?
We recommend that you book as early as possible especially if you are planning your holiday during the busy months of June, July and August.

When do I pay in full for my holiday?
Payment of the balance is made on your arrival in cash.

What happens if I need to cancel or change my reservation?
Any changes to your reservation must be made as early as possible by phone, fax or e-mail. In case of cancellation, deposits are non-refundable but may be used for a later booking when cancellation is announced at least three months before arrival date. In the event of a no-show we are obliged to hold the deposit paid to us.

How do I know my booking has been received?
You will receive a Booking Confirmation email with full confirmation details, including deposit payment instructions.

How do I pay my deposit?
A deposits of 50-euros may be made by bank transfer. If your arrival is imminent (i.e. a late booking) the entire amount may be payable on arrival. Full details will be in your Booking Confirmation email.

Do you do bed and breakfast?
No, the accommodation is self catering.

Can you arrange a babysitter?
We can provide you with the contact details for local babysitting services. This will help you to make your own arrangements.

What happens if the weather is not too good?
Using our local knowledge, we have compiled a list of "Things to do - Places to visit". This can be found in the visitor information booklet.

Is there is a public swimming pool in the vicinity of your cottages?
There are two public swimming pools, one at 4 miles and one at 5 miles from the cottages.

Enjoy your Holiday . . .

Thought of a question we haven't answered here? Please email it to us and we'll include it in a future update of our FAQ's. Mailaddress: