FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions, with the answers. If your question isn’t here please contact us

General questions

Are you a working farm with farm animals?
We do not currently have any animals onsite other than our own dogs, you may see deer and other wild animals in close proximity.

We don't have a dog, can we stay?
Yes. We offer a quiet and relaxing holiday destination for Adults with or without a dog

Will there be constant barking?
No. We want to keep things nice and peaceful here. If dogs bark constantly then Kipscombe holidays is not the place for them. There will of course be dogs having fun during the day in the exercise fields or down by the stream so at times you may hear exited barking.

Is WiFi available?
Yes Babbling brook cottage has Fast Broadband but as we are rural it's speed cannot always be guaranteed.

Is there a mobile phone signal?
You will find a very good reception from EE/Orange, PLusnet, BT mobile & T-mobile, there is no reception for Vodaphone or O2 unless in the top 3 acre paddock.

My dog is scared of loud bangs, do you have any?
We ourselves keep everything nice and quiet, but we are located in a rural location surrounded by working Devon farms. September to February you may hear bangs in the distance from shooting teams, these do not last long and are not everyday. During Late May to end of July there may be local crow scarers going off to keep birds off newly planted crops. From the cottage you can barely hear them. If you are concerned about these bangs please get in contact with us.

Do you have area's where my dog can go off lead for exercise?
Yes we do. Babbling brook cottage has a fully enclosed patio garden with high fence, most dogs should be perfectly safe off lead here (we believe it's very secure). Babbling brook cottage also has exclusive use (by sessions) of the 2 acre secure dog field and there's an apple orchard which is within 10 meters of the cottage, dogs can go off lead here. Then there is also a large fenced 3 acre field for dogs off lead fun, although fenced we cannot guarantee how secure it is at this time (we recommend that you ascertain how safe it is before letting your dogs off lead). Dogs can play with other dogs.

Do I have to use specific dog poop bags?
Yes. We are trying to be as Eco as possible and reduce plastic waste. We now only allow compostable dog poop bags to be left on site, bags that can actually go on a compost heap. All other dog waste bags must be taken home or off site. We may provide some poop bags for free to get you going and sell compostable bags at cost should you require extra.

Are we the only ones with exclusive use of the fields and land?
Obviously we also walk our dogs around the land, and will do our best to avoid you and your dogs. The large 3 acre field is a communal area. There is also an exclusive use 2 acre field which is available. see our dogs welcome page.

Specific to Cottage

Is your cottage suitable for those with limited mobility?
The cottage unfortunately is on two levels, therefore NO Sorry. Through the front door there are 2 shallow steps up. Into the conservatory there are 3 steps down. From the conservatory patio garden to the parking area there is 3 steps down. The grounds are hilly.

Do you allow dogs on the sofa's in the cottage?
Yes we provided throws for furniture, although we do ask you keep very wet dogs off until dry. As dog owners ourselves we know that if your dog goes on the sofa at home, then they will expect the same when away. This is not a problem, your dog can cuddle up on the sofa too!

Do you allow dogs in the bedroom?
Yes we do as long as they are well behaved, we do ask that you bring your own duvet set & pillows or you can hire our dog friendly bedding set for a small charge (charge pays for bedding cleaning). Our cottage bedroom is immaculately presented and aim to make sure that there is no evidence of previous dog guests.

Can I leave my dog unattended in the holiday cottage?
NO. Sorry dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in Babbling brook cottage or conservatory. If you have an older dog that cannot manage long days out, we are happy to discuss you leaving this dog for short periods. It must be agreed before hand.We may be able to dog sit your dogs.

Can we have food delivered to the cottage?
Yes you can. Just let us know a day and time and we can take the food into the cottage for you. We use Tesco's

Does the Cottage have a washing machine?
No we are sorry, there is insufficient space in the cottage for a washing machine. We do provide a list of local launderettes, there are three approx within a 20 minutes drive.

Can I have candles in the cottage?
NO. Sorry no naked flames due to smoke alarms and risk of fire (wood burner in cottage).

Do you allow puppies?
Sorry but due to previous damage by puppies we now only allow dogs who are fully house trained and older than 12 months.

Can we charge an electric vehicle?

NO sorry, we do not have any charging points at this time. 3 pin plug charging is strictly forbidden due to risk of fire. Anyone seen charging an electric car direct from the cottage will be asked to leave and your housekeeping deposit will be retained.