Welcome to Williamston Barns
We would like to offer a very warm welcome to Williamston Barns and do hope that your stay is relaxed and comfortable. To help you whilst you are here, please do take a moment to read through the following information about the Barns and the farm.
Garden and grounds
Williamston is working farm and we do hope you have an opportunity to see something of the operation of a hill farm whilst you are here. The sheep on the farm are looked after by Ben and his father, Paul, who you will see around the farm. There are a number of farm trails that you can use – please download the maps available. We ask that you keep your dogs under control whilst out on the farm and shut any gates after you (unless they are already open).
For guests staying in the Barn, access into the garden is from the dining room. We provide logs for the outdoor firepit, and a charcoal BBQ. (Charcoal is available to buy from the Spar in Alston.) For guests staying in the Cowshed, access onto the Cobbled Yard is available from the front entrance. Please let us know if you would like to use a charcoal BBQ.
Heating
The Barn and Cowshed have underfloor heating throughout and are supplied with constant hot water from our biomass boiler. Wall mounted thermostats are positioned in each room with heating timed to come on at various points during the day.
We provide logs for the indoor woodburning stoves – please let us know if you need further logs during your stay which are available for a small charge (£10 large basket/£5 small basket). The downstairs stoves are opened with a removable door handle that attaches to the bottom right hand spindle. Handles are kept in the box for firelighters. Move the handle to the left to open. Opening vents when lighting the stoves will ensure fires are lit effectively, but should be closed when the fire has become established. Avoid adding too many logs as this can cause over-firing, and make sure the stoves are secure and not newly lit when leaving the property.
Electric Car Charging
An electric car charging point is available at a cost of £10 per charge (full electric) or £5 per charge (hybrid). Please ask Viv in the main house or Ben in the farm cottage for assistance.
Water and Bathroom supplies
We are very fortunate to be able to enjoy our own spring water straight from our spring. As we are not on any mains supply, please ensure that sanitary products, wet wipes, cotton wool etc are not flushed down the loos but disposed of separately. All bathrooms are supplied with Cowshed bathroom products which we hope you will enjoy. If you wish to take any of the products with you when you leave there will be a charge.
Recycling & Waste Bins
Large wheelie bins for emptying general waste and recycling can be found behind the stone wall outside the Barn entrance at the start of the fell track. Please note that the black wheelie bin is for recycling (glass not included) and the green wheelie bin is for general waste.
Please do not include any glass in your recycling. A bottle bank is available as you leave the farm – in the layby over the bridge. Please recycle your bottles before your departure.
Housekeeping
We aim to keep the properties as perfect as possible for your stay. If you do have any comments on housekeeping arrangements, please do keep us informed by writing in the housekeeping book, kept in the utility cupboard in each property.
Damage and breakages
We understand that accidents can happen. Please leave us a note and a contribution towards replacements in order that we can replace the item on your behalf. In the unlikely event of any major damage in the property, the cost of repair or replacement will be taken from your housekeeping deposit. Please do inform us, or our agents Crabtree & Crabtree, as soon as possible of any accidental damage to the furnishings of the property.
Emergency information
In the event of a fire, please call 999 and ask for the Fire Service, and ensure everyone leaves the property. Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are located under the sinks in each kitchen. Additional fire extinguishers are located in the upstairs bedroom wardrobes.
Electric fuse boxes are located as follows: in the Barn this is in the downstairs cloakroom; in the Cowshed this is located in the boot room area of the entrance hall. In the event of a power cut, torches are kept in the Housekeeping cupboards of each property. First Aid kits are provided in each Housekeeping cupboard.
The following facilities are all available in Alston, located 5 miles South of Slaggyford:
Hospital – Alston cottage hospital provides non-emergency care. 01434 382218
Doctor’s surgery – this is adjacent to the hospital. 01434 382218
Chemist – open 6 days a week (early closing Tuesday). 01434 381588
Vet – The Old Stone Vets in Alston open 6 days a week plus out of hours. 01434 381792
Petrol/ATM – both available at Spar convenience store, open from 7am to 11pm every day
Garage – Henderson’s Garage for car repairs (Tel 01434 381204) (opposite the Spar).
Taxi services – Richard is available on 07990 593855.
Tourist information centre – Alston Town Hall on Front Street.
Finally, if you have any more questions during your stay, please call Laura (07725 195310) or Viv (07711 771297).