Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Finding the right place for you

Read our write-ups carefully - we want to guide you to a place where you'll be happy. Remember that an ancient building may have temperamental plumbing and be less than hermetically sealed against draughts. If you are staying on a farm, don't be surprised to have tractors passing early in the morning, or to hear the farmer calling his cattle for milking.

Use our descriptions as a taster of what is on offer - we only have around 200 words to tell a whole story - and have a conversation with the owner about the finer details. Perhaps we've mentioned a pool and you might want to check that it will be heated at Easter or to ask whether the bikes will be available on a particular weekend.

If the entry says in italics at the end, "six other cottages available, too", do realise that you may not be in glorious isolation, but will perhaps be cheek-by-jowl with other guests and their families, cars, children, comings and goings, etc. This shouldn't spoil your holiday but, if absolute peace is vital, ask the owner how many other people are likely to be around.

Consider, too, that you may be out of reach for a few days; not all places have reception for any mobile phone network. If staying in touch with the outside world is a necessity, again check with the owner.

Addresses

The exact position and directions along with other details about the property will be given when booking. In the Details section of each page is the owner's contact information.

How many does it sleep?

If we say 'Sleeps: 4-6' this means the place sleeps four people comfortably, yet it can sleep six. The extra places may be on a sofabed, on a mezzanine level, on a single bunk over a double bed or in a 'family' room.

It's important to confirm in advance how many people will be staying. If you squeeze in the maximum number don't be surprised if space feels limited. Pitch up with more people than you said you would and you could be painfully squashed and/or, in breach of contract.

It is worth noting that properties on the same site have a combined sleeps total, so a sleeps range of 4-9 may mean there is one cottage for four and another for five, which could be taken over by a group of nine.

Bedrooms

A double means one double bed; a twin/double is two single beds that can be linked together; a twin means two single beds. A triple has three single beds; a quadruple, four. A family room has a double bed and either another double bed or one or two singles.

We do mention bunkbeds and sofabeds - many owners put them there for children; but if you want adults in them, check with the owner first. It's important to confirm in advance how many people will be staying.

Extra beds and cots for children can often be provided. This is indicated but may be at an extra cost, so do ask.

Bathrooms

If we mention a bedroom and a bathroom without punctuation in between the room is en suite, eg: 1 double with bath; 1 twin with shower. If there is punctuation in between the list of rooms, they are not en suite, eg: 1 double; 1 twin; bath & shower room. Bath & shower means that it has a bath and a separate shower; bath/shower means that it has a bath with a shower attachment over; bath or shower on their own mean that it just has a bath or just has a shower.

Checklist

The checklist is based on information given to us by the owners. Please check the information is accurate when booking.

Changeover day

There's often a set day for weekly bookings, generally Saturday-Saturday or Friday-Friday. This may only apply during the high season. Some places are entirely flexible and this is indicated. It is normal to arrive around 4pm and leave by 10am to give the owners/cleaners a chance to prepare the place for the next guests.

Prices

All prices are per property per week. We give a range from the cheapest, low-season, price to the highest, high-season price. Many owners offer weekend breaks or short breaks out of season and this is marked on their page. Check with the owner and confirm in writing the price for the number of your party. Prices are kept up-to-date by owners.

Symbols

Symbols are based on information given to us by the owners. Things do change, however (and we are not always kept up to speed with those changes): the bikes may no longer be roadworthy; the pool may be undergoing repair; the local shop may have closed. Do check these things on the phone when booking. Use our symbols as a guide, not as a statement of fact.

Point of Interest

These are extra snippets of information provided by owners that might sway your decision in their favour. They may want to bring your attention to the fact that they can provide baby-sitting services, offer yoga courses or are sited near interesting places to visit. Do investigate these - they can be reasons to visit in themselves. If you're unclear about what is said there, contact the owner to find out more.