FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Before you arrive

 

1. Where are Tregear Barns?

The barns are located in a picturesque setting in the middle of Cornwall, amongst hundreds of acres of farming and woodland, around 5 miles north east of Truro at TR2 4NX. The barns are next to a ‘quiet lane’ directly between the villages of Ladock and Trispen.

 

We are approximately 2 miles from either village and around 3 miles from the A30 at Carland Cross (the roundabout with the big wind turbines). To get here - if you don’t have a satnav or it does not handle postcodes:

 

From the A30 follow the signs to Ladock and then take the small road opposite the Falmouth Arms for 2 miles. We are on the right. The entrance with the slate sign - after the slide and swings - leads onto the carpark.

 

2. When can I check in?

You can check-in anytime after 5pm – However, please let us know by text if you are likely to be arriving later.  If you really need to request an earlier check-in, which may occasionally be possible, please call in advance. Please do not turn up early, as we are likely to be in the middle of cleaning and re-setting your barn!

 

3. How do I get the keys?

We will either be there to welcome you and handover the keys or we will provide directions in advance on how to access the keys. Please ensure we have your mobile number as well as your email address and that you have ours already in your phone, in case you do get lost, or we need to coordinate for any reason.

 

4. What happens If I arrive and no one is there?

If you have not made arrangements in advance and received directions to pick up the key, or have other problems, please call 07971 646956 for advice.

 

5. Where do I park?

There is a substantial off-road, gravelled car-park, right next to the barns, which can accommodate four cars in total and your vehicle(s) can be parked within view. The car park is gated. With young children often staying, we would appreciate it if you can keep this gate closed when not in use.

 

6. Can we have extra guests?

Yes you may invite additional guests for one or more nights and at no extra charge. Please do arrange this with us in advance of their stay. There is a maximum per barn of 2 additional overnight guests. In ‘The Byre’, in addition to the bedrooms, there is a large sofabed in the sitting room that can comfortably accommodate two adults. In ‘Skyber’ the sofa could accommodate an occasional guest and we can provide camp beds on request. The second bedroom has a double bed and a full single bed, so that young families often bring grandparents or friends to stay for part or all of their holiday. We can also provide a cot.

 

7. What do I need to bring?

The barns are very well equipped. Linen and towels & tea towels are provided, and to start you off a small supply of kitchen roll/toilet roll and cleaning supplies, such as washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets. We can also provide a cot or travel cot, stairgates, high chair, changing station, potty and or toilet step and bottle steriliser on request and free of charge (n.b: please bring your own bedding for the cots). Additional supplies of cleaning materials and toiletries should be purchased when you first shop, but you will usually find some tea, coffee, sugar when you arrive. There are also DVDs, books and board games, should you need indoor entertainment. There are flat screen TVs and a music system with Bluetooth connection in ‘The Byre’ - or in the case of ‘Skyber’ the music system has an Iphone/ipod dock.

 

On the deck there is a hardwood table and ample seating for outdoor dining, plus a couple of deckchairs along with a charcoal barbecue, tongs etc. There is also a first aid kit in case you burn your fingers! (please do re-stock after use..)

 

Aside from a good selection of dry and wet weather clothing - it is Cornwall after all - you should probably bring sun-screen and beach towels.

 

8. What equipment does the barn have?

Fridge & Freezer, Electric hob & oven, Microwave oven, Toaster, Kettle, Coffeemaker (some filters and fresh coffee are provided), Dishwasher, Washing machine/tumble dryer, Clothes airer, Iron & Ironing board. Flatscreen satellite TVs, Stereo, Wifi, Hairdryer.

There is also a charcoal barbecue on the deck. Plus baby equipment on request.

 

9. Does the barn have free Wifi/Satellite TV/ Heating/

The barns now have access to a 4G wifi signal which offers very good connection speed and free unlimited data. Each barn also has Freesat satellite TV’s, including DVD players and a library of discs, books and board games. The underfloor heating and hot water is provided by oil-fired boilers. There is no air conditioning. However, small electric fans have been provided in case the weather is really warm. There are no additional charges for utilities.

 

10. What facilities are there for babies and young children?

In addition to the range of baby equipment already listed, which can be provided on request, guests have their own private gated deck with garden and access to a ‘fort’ that has a slide, swings and climbing wall. Parents are reminded to supervise their children at all times when using this equipment. (see later for entertainment)

 

11. Do you take dogs/other pets?

 

We have made an occasional exceptions in where the owners have convinced us that their dog is exceptionally well behaved, is a non-intimidating breed and would be kept off furniture and out of bedrooms etc etc.

 

Despite owning a dog ourselves - a Rough Collie - as a general rule we usually say no, as the furnishings are still in great condition, some people are allergic to dogs and the families staying in the other barn may have children who would be frightened of dogs. So...it is very much by special request and negotiation. Please don't even ask if your dog could in anyway be described as an intimidating breed. We know that as a rule it is the owners and not the dogs who are the problem, but if a child is bitten or even frightened by a dog then that is not a risk we need or want to take. 

 

Cornwall is very dog friendly in general, so there are lots of places that are more relaxed in their approach and happy to accept all dogs and if you need any help in identifying suitable accommodation, we may be able to point you in the right direction.

 

 

12. What are the cancellation policies?

If booked through an agency such as Airbnb or Holiday Lettings etc. then the policies and processes agreed with the relevant agency apply. In the event of a cancellation, you should firstly refer to their terms and conditions. 

 

If you book directly with us, we require a booking deposit of £200, payable within 5 days of booking, which is refundable in the event of cancellation up until 30 days from commencement.

 

Any rental payments made will also be refunded up to this point. The rental amount is then non-refundable within 30 days of commencement. The booking deposit becomes a security deposit during your stay and will then be refunded within one week of departure on condition of satisfactory inspection. No deductions will be made for small breakages e.g: wine glass etc. providing we are informed at the end of your stay, so that we can rectify the matter for subsequent guests.

 

When you are here

 

13. Where is the nearest small shop/supermarket?

If you need a small shop then turn right out of the gate and continue past the five-way junction towards Trispen. In Trispen, turn left at the T junction and you will find a shop/post office c.100 yds on your right. This store has a good variety of basic supplies and is usually open until 7.30am - 9pm. Tel: 01872 279627

 

For a more extensive selection of fresh and local produce do visit the farm shop/butcher and small supermarket in Probus. Turn left out of the gate and head into Ladock then turn left immediately after the pub then 150 yds later turn right and follow this lane to Probus. The shops will be opposite the end of this lane. Tel: 01726 882419

 

You can also find some supplies at the Post Office in the portakabin across the road from the Falmouth Arms in Ladock, although the opening times are much shorter than the shops already mentioned. Tel: 01726 883603

 

14. Where are the nearest pubs?

There is The Falmouth Arms in Ladock – 2 miles - which is now very much a restaurant/pub or The Plume of Feathers in Mitchell 3.5 miles. There are also plenty of options for food and drink in Probus with the Hawkins Arms pub and several restaurants and takeaways, including fish and chips.

 

15. Where is the nearest supermarket and do they deliver?

The nearest supermarket is Waitrose on the Newquay Road on the way in to Truro (c.3.5miles). If you then continue in to Truro you will see Tesco on your left by the river. Most of the Truro supermarkets will deliver to us (definitely Tesco & Waitrose). To get to Waitrose or Tesco – turn right out of the gate towards Trispen. Go past the school and take the second left turn, signed to Truro or continue to the T-junction and turn left then follow the signs.

 

16. Where are the nearest restaurants?

The Falmouth Arms with Kevin Viner is now a very decent restaurant. The Plume of Feathers is very good for food and drink, with a really nice conservatory and separate dining room. There is also very good food to be had in Probus at the Hawkins Arms plus other restaurants and takeways. After that it is a choice between Truro & Newquay, with dozens of great places to eat in either. If it is haute cuisine you are after, you should visit Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’ at Watergate Bay, the Watergate Bay Hotel also at Watergate or The Scarlet Hotel nr. Mawgan Porth. For great Fish & Chips try ‘Port and Starboard’ just up the A30, or any of the ones in Perranporth & the best is The Blue Fish in Mawgan Porth. 

 

17. Where is the nearest GP surgery?

Probus Surgery, Tregony Rd. Probus. 01726 882745

In Probus go past the shops and then church on the main road, keeping them on your right and immediately take the right where the road forks. The surgery is 200 yds on your right.

 

18. Where is the nearest A&E department – just in case?

Treliske Hospital, Penventinnie Lane, Truro, TR1 3LQ

01872 250000. Follow the signs into Truro – then go straight on at Tesco roundabout and stay in the right hand lane as the road climbs – continue on this road across several roundabouts and you will see signs to the Hospital which will be on your right.

 

 

19. How do I access an emergency dentist?

Call 01872 354375 Peninsula Community Health

 

20. Where are the nearest beaches?

On the North Coast

Perranporth 10 miles – level walk from car park

Lusty Glaze 14 miles – down steep steps

Crantock – 11 miles - National Trust car park next to beach

Holywell – 11 miles - National Trust car park & others - ½ mile across dunes to beach

 

On the South Coast Peninsula - to name a few

 

Porthlevey 13 miles

Porthholland 12 miles

Pendower 13 miles 

 

You can also get to nothern beaches without ever using a main road by using the country lanes, Try going via Mitchell, Newlyn East to Crantock or Holywell.

 

21. What entertainment is available nearby for children?

Dairyland - ideal for young children – pay once & visit again as many times as you like (last we heard..)

Lappa Valley Railway

Boscawen Park – Truro

Aquarium and Zoo Newquay

Owl sanctuary etc etc.

Seal Sanctuary (at Gweek)

 

22. Can I smoke?

We would appreciate it if guests confined smoking to the decks and disposed of cigarette stubs carefully. (i.e don’t stub them out on the deck or leave them for toddlers to find in the grass!)

 

23. What do I do if something does not work?

Call or text 07971 646956 –we will fix asap or arrange a repair, replacement or reparation!

 

24. What happens if we break something?

If it is a minor breakage we don’t mind, providing you let us know so that we can replace the item for our next guests. If it is something more substantial we will only deduct from the security deposit if we really have to. Our first approach would be to repair the item ourselves or find the most cost-effective substitute.

 

25. What do we do in case of fire?

Your safety and that of your family is the first priority and when it comes to fire the most important thing to do is to avoid having one. This means switching off appliances when not in use and not leaving the oven/hob unattended. Likewise be extra careful when using the barbecue on the deck and never light one indoors!

 

The second step is to leave the keys in the doors and windows and to familiarise yourselves with how each window opens and keep internal doors closed

 

The third is to acquaint yourselves with where you can find the fire blanket and fire extinguishers and then hope you never have to use them. 

 

 

26. Where can I walk/toilet the dog?

If we have agreed that you may bring your dog then when it is outside you will be asked to keep the dog on your gated deck and to ensure that it does not impact on the enjoyment of other guests. You will also be expected to toilet and exercise the dog on the lane or in our small paddock, rather than the garden and to clean up after the dog.

 

27. Can we extend our stay?

If we do not have a follow on booking or you booked a short stay and wish to extend this to a full week, we may well be able to accommodate you. Please just ask. We are likely to charge additional days on a pro-rata basis, unless there is a good reason not to (e.g: extending a stay into a higher band rate or bank holiday weekend)

 

 

When Leaving

 

28. What time do we have to be out by?

We would appreciate it if guests can vacate the barns by 9am, so that we may clean both barns thoroughly ready for our next guests. If you need to leave later this may be possible, depending upon the cleaning team's schedule but please do ask.

 

29.  What do we have to do to the barns before leaving?

We always appreciate it when guests leave the barns relatively clean and tidy as it makes preparing for our next guests so much easier – so thank you to all of our guests so far who have done exactly that!

 

Please leave used towels on the floor of the bathroom and any clean towels or flannels on a cupboard top, so that we know which is which. We do try to keep one eye on our environmental impact – using e-cover cleaning products, not washing items unnecessarily, recycling  etc. If you also wish to strip the beds that is always helpful.

 

General refuse should be in black bin liners and disposed of in the big red Biffa bin by the bottom gate, near the slide and swings. Plastic Bottles and tins may be disposed of in the smaller adjacent bin. There is also a bin for glass bottles. Please do not dispose of other packaging, such as margarine tubs and food wrappers in the plastic recycling bin - tins and bottles only please as this is what the recycling centre specifies.  

 

 

30. Where do we leave the key?

You can either leave the key inside the door in the lock - or if we are away and have requested you to do so - please return the key to the key safe in the 'Pump House' shed. You will have the code from your joining instructions.

  

31. Where can we leave comments, feedback or review our stay.

If you have any problems, or a complaint we would want to know as soon as it occurs, so that we can do our best to remedy the problem, so please just tell us when it happens rather than suffer in silence. If we are not around, then please do text or call. We would want you to enjoy your stay and will do everything we can to ensure that is the case.

 

If you have enjoyed your stay and want to tell others then we would obviously be pleased if you could write a review online, using the website you booked with, or Google, plus you can ‘like’ us on facebook etc. If you are able to do so, it really helps others to choose and to get a better idea of what to expect.

 

 

32. How do I get the deposit returned if booked direct?

There are two things to do:

 

a) Leave the barn close to how you found it i.e. relatively clean and tidy (we will always clean, so it doesn’t need to sparkle!)

and

b) email or text your account details following your stay.

 

Deposits are returned within a matter of days on condition of a satisfactory inspection.

 

33. How do we book if we wish to visit again?

The best measure of how much guests enjoy their stay is how many return each year. We are fortunate to have several families and couples now who are repeat visitors. If you are likely to want to stay again, please do keep our contact details and book directly with us; that way you can avoid the increasing fees imposed by booking agencies and we can provide you with the best rate.

 

Please be aware that the school holidays are often booked well in advance, with some guests booking their next stay before they leave! However, for out of season stays, these can often be booked at short notice and we will usually offer a discounted rate. (by the way, if you are not confined to school holidays, often the best time to stay in Cornwall is May/June) Please just email, text or call when you know your dates and we will be delighted to help.