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. (Chickens at Kipscombe and North Kipscombe)

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 Devon Banks holidays is not the place for them. There may of course at times be dogs having fun in the nearby secure field during the day so at times you may hear exited barking.

Is WiFi available?
Yes Swallows Roost holiday lodge 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 / BT mobile / T-mobile, there is little or no reception for Vodaphone or O2 - occasionally can pick it up in the 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 holiday property you may be able 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. Swallows Roost cottage has a fully enclosed patio garden with a fence approx.  120cm (4ft) high, most dogs should be perfectly safe off lead here (we believe it's very secure). Also within a short stroll is our secure exclusive use dog field which can be booked during your stay (extra charge maybe be applicable). 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). Our own dogs also use this field.

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 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 if they are nervous. The large 3 acre field is a communal area (currently us and swallows roost only). There is also an exclusive use 2 acre secure field which is available to be booked for specific time slots. see our dogs welcome page.

Specific to Cottage

Is your cottage suitable for those with limited mobility?
Swallows Roost - From the parking area and fenced garden there are 5 shallow steps up to the front door leading into a Boot room, once inside everything is on one level. Due to the location some of the grounds are uneven and gently sloped. Unfortunately the property is not suitable for those in a wheelchair as access is by steps.

Do you allow children within the property?
No sorry. No persons under the age of 18 and no infants. We run our business as Exclusively for Adults. (secure dog field may have occasional children with parents)

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 extra bedding cleaning). Our cottage bedroom is immaculately presented and aim to make sure that there is no evidence of previous dog guests. Guests who do not like dogs being in bedrooms will be given a different set of bedding.

Can I leave my dog unattended in the holiday cottage?
NO. Sorry dogs are not allowed to be left unattended in Swallows Roost. If you have an older dog that cannot manage long days out, we are happy to discuss you leaving this dog for short periods once they are settled. It must be agreed with us before hand and we will contact you to come back if we hear stressed barking. We may be able to dog sit your dogs.

Can we have food delivered to the cottage?
Yes you can. Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda all deliver to our postcode. We prefer you to arrange your food to be delivered after your arrival.

Does the Cottage have a washing machine?
No we are sorry, it is not practical to have a washing machine inside the property. We can provide details of local launderettes if needed, approximately 20 minutes drive away.

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

Can I vape in the cottage?
No out of respect for us and future guests please do not vape inside the property. Smoking can be within the garden but must be at the furthest point well away from the property and cigarette butts must be distinguished fully and disposed of carefully in a metal container

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.