Guest Information

Welcome to Somerset, the land of the summer people. We hope the following information will make your time at Mill Meadow more enjoyable.

Before your arrival please make sure you have read our Terms and Conditions.

If you have booked a Hot Tub please read our Hot Tub Guidelines.

At Mill Meadow, we have a firm and evolving commitment to maintain and improve on the “Green Ethos” of Mill Meadow, outlined in our Green Policy.

Emergency Numbers: 999 (112 from a mobile phone) and ask for Fire, Police, Ambulance or Coastguard.

Mill Meadow is at postcode: TA2 8HL

The Mill Meadow Property Manager can be contacted on 07779 651911. After 9pm only in an emergency.

To make use of our free Wi-Fi Service please enter your lodge name and the code supplied in the Welcome Folder in your lodge.

There is a strict No Smoking policy inside all lodges.

To find your lodge please view these links Site Plan Key 2019 Site Plan 2019

We welcome guests with additional needs but ask that they read our Access Statement before booking.

Safety & Facilities:

• Mill Meadow is a gated Covid secure site.
• Access to Mill Meadow is strictly controlled to maintain our Covid Compliance.
• The 5 mph Speed Limit onsite must be observed at all times, traffic calming measures are in place, for the safety of all guests particularly children at play and also wildlife.
• Outside taps with recycled rainwater are provided for washing boots, outdoor clothing, bicycles and muddy dogs.
• Bicycles can be stored in the utility room in most of the lodges.
• The utility rooms have a drying rack and washing machine. Please use the most environmentally friendly programme at a low temperature if possible.
• Most lodges have access to a tumble dryer; please be aware of the impact of their use.
• All our lodges (except Buntings and Swallows Barn) have a private hot tub that can be available when booked in advance.
• All lodges are fully equipped with the essential kitchenware and domestic appliances to ensure you have a comfortable and relaxing stay at Mill Meadow – please ask if there is anything further you require.
• There are portable complimentary BBQ’s available on request with an initial supply of charcoal.
• We regret that fireworks are not permitted on site.

Groceries:

Taunton has several large supermarkets, the nearest to Mill Meadow is Morrison’s and there are also the following local grocery stores:

• Morrison’s, TA1 1DX – Tel: 01823 351598.
• Tesco Express, 36 Priorswood Road, TA2 7PS – Tel: 0845 671 9541. Open from 6.00am – 11.00pm.  Free ATM. 5 min driv
• M&S Simply and BP Fuel Station, Cross Keys, Norton Fitzwarren, TA2 6NR– Tel: 01823 350068. Open 6am – 11pm Free ATM 10 min drive.
• The Co-operative, 169 Cheddon Road, TA2 7AH – Tel: 01823 257888. Long opening hours. Free ATM. 10 min drive.
• Staplegrove Post Office and Stores, Manor Road, TA2 6AN – Tel: 01823 333071. 5 min drive.

There is a small grocery store at the village pub, The Swan, Kingston St Mary where basic items can be sourced.

Healthcare Services:

• Musgrove Park Hospital TA1 5DA – Tel: 01823 333444. Full Accident & Emergency Service.
• NHS Direct (Non Emergency Advise) – Tel: 111
• County Veterinary Clinic, 137 Kingston Rd, TA2 7SR – Tel: 01823 326222
• Pharmacy:
  • ASDA Superstore Creechbarrow Rd -Tel: 01823 252701. Open 24hr (not Sat & Sun nights)
  • Morrisons, TA1 1DX – Tel: 01823 351598

Public Transport, Taxi and other information:

We can provide pick up from the local bus and train stations, and arrange an airport pick up if required.

• Taxis: A1 ACE Taxis – Tel: 01823 332211
• Bus to Taunton: There is a bus stop at Mill Cross, the junction of Parsonage Lane and Kingston Road. See the timetable here.
• Local Tourist Office, Taunton – Tel:01823 336344.
• Cash Machines – Tesco Express, Priorswood Road, The Co-Op, Cheddon Rd, M&S Simply, Cross Keys. (see above)
• Public Telephone – There is no public phone in the area, please ask if you require assistance.
• Post Box – At Mill Cross on the junction of Parsonage Lane and Kingston Road.

Outdoor Equipment:

• Taunton Leisure – 01823 332987
• Angling – Taunton Angling Centre 01823 282518

Local Restaurants, Cafes, Pubs and Takeaways:

There are many local restaurants, pubs and cafés that offer a variety of dining experiences. Please see the list of recommended dining options here. We are also happy to discuss your needs for planning a meal out. We advise you to phone ahead to check their opening times. Post Covid 19 we expect all will require you to book in advance.

Please go to our Food & Drink web page for more or can also visit eatsleepsomerset for ideas from further afar.

Walks:

There are many local walks from Mill Meadow through country paths, lanes and across The Quantock Hills. The Macmillan Way West across the Quantock Hills and The Coleridge Way are wonderful walking experiences.

Due to Covid 19 we can no longer provide paper maps but there are some laminated cards in your accommodation with walks from your lodge.

You can also enjoy walks around local places of interest.

Local Places of Interest:

Information leaflets are available in your lodge/cottage for many places of interest in the area and further afield. More things to see and do can be found here.

Things to do with Children:

Check out local activities and attractions for children here.

The Countryside Code:

There are five sections of The Countryside Code dedicated to helping members of the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.

Heating:

Some of our lodges/cottages have under floor heating and this is set to maintain an ambient room temp of 20- 22 degrees centigrade.

If the room temperature is within the set range, the heating goes on standby and the tiled floor will feel cooler. When the room temperature falls the under-floor heating will start again and the floor will warm up.

The floor can feel cool when the house is at the set temperature and for that reason we advise guests to bring slippers or similar for their comfort.

Kingfisher and Woodpecker Lodges have log burners – these can be used to boost room temperature but due to the very high insulation standards of the lodges, the log burner need only be used for a short period if time. Wood and fire-lighting materials are supplied.

These combined methods of heating are highly energy efficient and help us to provide our guests with comfort and do our bit for the environment.

Saving Energy:

We are committed to our Green Policy and we ask that lights and appliances be turned off when not in use and when you leave the lodge/cottage.

Recycling:

In line with our Green Policy, we recycle as much waste as we can at Mill Meadow and there is a sorting guide available in your lodge.

Our Covid Compliance processes for waste handling are for the protection of staff, guests and all who visit Mill Meadow and must be observed at all times.

In Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Robins, Flycatcher, Heron and Cuckoo lodges, the recycling bins are situated in the utility rooms. For Swallows Barn and House Martins, there are external bin stores.

We recycle food waste in Somerset, and at Mill Meadow, we also compost vegetable matter. So please do not put ANY food waste in the black bin bag – please use the brown bins with special composting bags which are provided.

We provide clear waste bags for non recyclable waste so that we can manage the contents. Each lodge a rubbish bin or wheelie bin for waste that cannot be recycled. Please double bag nappies and dog waste before placing in the clear bin bags provided.

On departure please ensure you follow the recycling guidance and deposit any items at our onsite recycling centre.

Please be aware that an additional housekeeping charge may apply if guests choose not to recycle their waste.

We have a lot of opportunist wildlife onsite site so please make sure bins are closed securely.

We appreciate your support with our recycling policy.

Dogs:

Well-behaved Dogs are always welcome in many of our lodges (except Buntings and Heron). There is an extra charge of £35 per dog per stay.

Please help us by keeping your dogs on the ground floor in the lodges/cottages and out of the bedrooms – stair-gates are provided. Please also keep dogs off the beds and sofas. Do not leave dogs unattended in the lodges/cottages at any time. We ask you to bring dog towels to help keep them clean and dry inside, but we have plenty if you forget. Do not use the inside wet rooms to wash your dogs. Please use the external taps provided.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when outside the property for the safety of your pet and respect for other guests. Pick up after your dog from all areas of Mill Meadow. A portable dog run can be placed in the car parking or garden area of your lodge (except Swallows Barn) please asks for further information.

If you would like some information on local short walks, please ask.

Wildlife:

Within and surrounding Mill Meadow, you will discover an extensive and varied cross section of native flora and fauna.

The landscaped areas within Mill Meadow are designated wildlife areas carefully managed to provide a valuable habitat for common and protected species. We ask that you please respect these areas from a discreet distance and sit back and observe the beauty that nature offers.

You will find a supply of wild bird seed in your lodge, please use it to fill the bird feeder and you will enjoy the company of our feathered residents.

Noise:

Out of consideration for all guests and our neighbours by keeping noise levels outside your lodge/cottage to an absolute minimum after 10:00pm.

Hot tub jets should be turned off at 10.30pm and please vacate the hot tubs by 11:00pm.

Non – Resident Guests:

Mill Meadow is a gated Covid secure site and access to Mill Meadow is strictly controlled to maintain our Covid Compliance.

If you wish to invite friends or family to visit during your stay, you must request this on your booking form and await consent. Under no circumstances must visitors arrive on site without prior and reasonable notification. All non-resident guests must be off site by 10:00pm and are not allowed to stay over night, unless previously agreed with the owners.

Care of wooden floors:

In the lodges/cottages that have wooden floors, we ask that no outside footwear is worn upstairs, high-heeled shoes especially cause damage to the wood which is chargeable.

WiFi:

We ask that you don’t touch the Wi-Fi box in your lodge. If you have a problem with the connection please ask us to help.

Hot Tubs:

The majority of our properties have a private hot tub available subject to booking in advance and essential terms and conditions. The hot tubs are capable of accommodating normal use by the guests in that lodge/cottage ONLY. We ask that you bring beach towels for use for the hot tub and suitable footwear given the decking can become slippery when wet or in icy conditions.

Excessive use or over occupancy can cause water quality problems, which may require the hot tub to be drained and refilled. In such circumstances a refill charge will apply and you will not be able to use the hot tub until the water get backs to temperature.

As part of our Covid Compliance guests must only use the hot tub that is on their lodge. This is essential as part of social distancing and to reduce the health risk.

Until further notice day visitors should not use the hot tub.

Please note during busy periods and in the winter months the hot tub may not be up to the correct operating temperature on your arrival day.

Also on the day of your departure your hot tub will not be available after 8.00am so that it can be cleaned and disinfected.

Key Return:

If we are not available when you depart please turn off all lights and appliances, close windows and lock the lodge/cottage before placing the keys in the mailbox by the Mill Meadow site plan at the main entrance.

Guest Feedback:

Feedback and suggestions are very important to us and our owners. We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of our guests at Mill Meadow. After you leave you will receive an email with details on how to leave a review but we also value feedback on TripAdvisor.

You can also find us on social media:

• Facebook – Mill Meadow EcoHomes
• Instagram – @millmeadow

Problems & Observations:

We want you to enjoy your stay so if you have any concerns, please notify us immediately so that we can deal with them promptly and during your stay.

Guest Feedback:

Feedback and suggestions are very important to our owners and us and we are always looking for ways to improve the “Mill Meadow Experience” for our guests. Cuckoo Lodge has a visitor’s book and after you leave you will receive an email with details on how to leave a review. We also value feedback on Trip Advisor and Facebook.

Before you leave us:

To help us to make a full refund of your damage deposit and also complete the detailed cleaning required under our Covid Compliance, guests are required to vacate the lodges/cottages by 9:30am and also to:

• Leave the lodge/cottage clean and tidy.
• Follow our recycling procedures ensuring all waste is removed from the lodge.
• Let us know of anything broken or damaged.
• Where we have provided bed linen and towels please remove the pillow covers, duvet cover and sheet (leave the mattress and pillow protectors in place) and fold bedding and place in the laundry bag with the folded towels and leave the closed  outside under the front porch.
• We prefer that you take all unused food home with you but if there are items you need to leave please do so as follows:
  •  in date and unopened food in the fridge
  •  opened food to be placed into the food waste bin
• Food waste MUST NOT be placed into the non recyclable waste.

PLEASE TAKE CARE WITH MAKE UP AND FAKE TAN ON OUR TOWELS AND BEDDING AS WE MAY HAVE TO PASS EXRA WASHING COSTS ON TO YOU. IF YOU DO NEED TO WASH OUR BEDDING OR TOWELS PLEASE KEEP THE WHITES SEPARATE FROM COLOURED GARMENTS.

 And finally…

Whatever the occasion is that brings you to Mill Meadow and to Somerset, it is important to us that you enjoy your stay with “the summer people” so please let us know if there is something specific you would like to know.

For useful information to help you make the most of your stay, please take a look at www.visitsomerset.co.uk and/or www.visit-exmoor.co.uk. and please leave the lodge information folder for future guests to use.

 We hope you take with some amazing #MillMeadowMemories with you to share with your family and friends.

 The Mill Meadow Team.

Chris Heayns

General Manager