We have taken precautions to make sure that your stay at The Blue Door is safe. Part of our risk assessment is to highlight were risks may arise and measures to minimise the risk.
Stairs – typical of many old cottages, the stairs are steep and should be taken with caution. Please use the handrails. There are no stair gates. The stairs are not suitable for very young children or the infirm.
The ceiling is low on the stairs, MIND YOUR HEAD when climbing/descending.
Fire – The Blue Door is a NO SMOKING property. Please do not smoke or vape whilst in the cottage.
There is a wood-burner stove in the living room. Only dry seasoned wood, heat logs and firelighters should be used, NEVER use paper or card as these are known to leave deposits and increase the risk of a chimney fire. There is a stone hearth surround and no items should be placed on here or in close proximity when the fire is in use to avoid combustion. The fire and chimney are serviced annually.
There are two smoke alarms to alert you of a potential fire and two fire extinguishers (one located at the top of the stairs and a second in the kitchen) to aid your exit in the event of a fire. There is also a small fire blanket in the kitchen.
Carbon Monoxide – like all solid fuel appliances there is a potential of carbon monoxide. For your safety, in addition to the annual servicing of the wood-burner a carbon monoxide alarm is located in the living room. If this sounds please open all the doors and windows and/or vacate the property. Stop using the wood-burning stove and contact the owner immediately.
There are no gas or oil burning appliances in the cottage.
Kitchen – please take care in the kitchen. Kettles, hobs and ovens remain hot for some time after use. Please do not allow children unattended in the kitchen whilst these are in use or remain hot. Please clean the grill and oven after each use to avoid smoke.
A small fire extinguisher and fire-blanket are located in the kitchen.
Wet-room/Shower room – The toilet and shower room has tiled floor and walls. Please take care as these can become slippery when wet.
There is also a heated towel rail that will get hot at times. Avoid touching.
Water – The shower and hot water taps in the kitchen and toilet can get very hot. Please take care when in use. The Hot water heater is a low volume sealed unit under the kitchen sink and the cold water is mains fed. There is no cold water tank and water is not re-circulated therefore the risk of the legionella bacteria is deemed to be low.
It is recommended that during the off season (October to May), when the property may have been empty for longer periods, guests run the taps and shower for a few moments before first use to emit any water that may have been in the system for an extended period of time.
Bedrooms – please take care when placing or gathering items from higher shelves in wardrobes to avoid injury. Place heavier items on the lower shelves. Take care when stepping down from the bedrooms on to the landing/top of stairs.
There are electric radiators for your comfort in each bedroom. Please do not touch or move these when they are hot.
Both bedrooms have a blackout blind with cord/plastic chain which can be dangerous. The blind is NOT fitted to the twin bedroom for safety however can be fitted on request when adults are staying in this room.
Unless requested otherwise, the double bedroom will have the blackout blind fitted. Young children should not be left unattended in this room due to the risk. The blind can easily be removed, if you would prefer to have the blind removed please notify prior to arrival and this will be removed for the duration of your stay.
Outside – there are stone steps to the front door of the property and a raised paved area. Please take care.