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Karen's Kottages

Holiday Cottages in Northumberland

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 17, 2020

Update 22/2/21: The Government has announced we can re-open from 12th April 2021.
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Update 7/1/21: The Government has locked down the country which means we are closing our cottages until the end of March.
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Update 30/12/20: The Government’s update today puts Northumberland in Tier 4, meaning our holiday cottages must remain closed until further notice.
Update 17/12/20: Following the Prime Minister’s update we are closed until we hear the next announcement in January (exact date to be advised).
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Update 26/11/20: Following the Prime Minister’s update we are closed until we hear the next announcement on 16th December.
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Update 1/11/20: Following the Prime Minister’s update last night, we are closing our cottages from Thursday 5th November until Friday 4th December and are in the process of contacting all customers affected.
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Update 3/7/20: We are re-opening our cottages from Saturday 4th July!
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Update 23/5/20: We are hoping to open our cottages again during July and are awaiting the next Government update on 4th July…
 
Our calendars are open for bookings from 6th July onwards – and if we have to cancel your booking for any reason including closure due to COVID-19, then every customer will be offered either alternative dates or a full refund.
 
These Terms & Conditions have been in place since we started the business a few years ago and were written to be fair to both parties.
 
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Update 10/5/20: Following Boris’ update tonight we understand the need to keep our cottages (and pub) closed for the foreseeable future. It’s a difficult time for everyone and we are taking each month at a time.

We are currently in contact with all customers who have booked to stay with us up until the end of June.

Stay safe

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Update 22/3/20: It is with a very heavy heart that I write this post to advise that I am closing both of our holiday cottages until at least the end of May.

The increasing health concerns surrounding Coronavirus are such that we don’t think guests should be travelling around the country, potentially bringing issues to rural communities that would struggle to cope with an outbreak, nor do we feel that we can ask housekeepers to continue cleaning.

As a small business, this has been a very difficult decision as we know our insurance does not cover this type of event and are unsure as to whether we’d qualify for any government aid. However, lives are more important.

We have written to all of our April/May bookings this afternoon and are hoping that everyone will help us through this situation by postponing rather than cancelling their booking.

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17/3/20: It is currently business as usual for our self catering holiday cottage business. Indeed, we have just taken a couple of last minute bookings for customers who have had their holidays abroad cancelled.

We are based in rural Northumberland, the least populated county in England, with many guests choosing to holiday with us each year due to the large open spaces in the surrounding countryside and the excellent nearby beaches. It’s a great area to walk, cycle, fish, stargaze or to recharge batteries, walk dogs or just to get some fresh air in peaceful surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is lots to see and do in the area too, particularly castles, beautiful gardens, Roman forts and history; many of these attractions are outside.

Both of our cottages are self-contained with their own front door and outdoor space with easy roadside parking, which is ideal for guests arriving by car. There are several small and national shops in the area, and major supermarkets deliver to both villages.

We, like many other businesses in Northumberland, are a small business relying on tourism – and March is the beginning of the season! The knock on effect to the area if people stop visiting is devastating; many small businesses will simply not survive and thousands of people will lose their jobs as the county spirals into recession.

We have put our heart and soul into making our cottages the best we can for guests to enjoy, and sincerely hope bookings will continue to go ahead throughout the next few months. We do however appreciate that some customers, particularly older guests, have health concerns and are worried about leaving their homes. Unfortunately insurance does not cover us for this type of event so we are having to adhere to our Terms and Conditions, which were designed to protect us whilst being as reasonable as possible.

Thank you for your support and the very best of wishes to everyone.

Karen

Useful Links | Things to Do in Northumberland | Out and About in Northumberland | Days Out in Northumberland | Cottages in Harbottle near Rothbury and Alwinton in the Northumberland National Park | Dog-friendly holiday cottages in Northumberland | Clennell Hall Music Festival Accommodation | Naughty Northumbrian MTB Accommodation | Alwinton Round Challenge Walks Accommodation | Northumberland International Dark Sky Park Accommodation - Dark Sky Friendly

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