FAQs and Troubleshooting
We hope everything runs smoothly during your stay, but if something isn't quite as expected, you'll hopefully find the answer below. Many of the questions we're asked have a quick and simple solution.
If you can't find what you're looking for, or something isn't working as it should, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We'd much rather help early than have you spend your holiday trying to solve a problem.
The cottage feels cold
Pebbles is an eighteenth-century Cornish cottage with thick stone walls, which means it stays remarkably stable in temperature throughout the year. Upstairs is particularly cosy, while the slate floor downstairs can naturally feel a little cooler underfoot.
The heating is set to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the cottage. Each radiator can also be adjusted individually, so if you'd like a little extra warmth in one room, simply increase the temperature using the control on the radiator. Once the room has warmed up, we'd be grateful if you could return it to its previous setting. As we can't adjust the heating remotely, leaving it turned up after your departure can result in unnecessary energy use.
On particularly chilly days, the log burner is by far the quickest and most effective way to make the downstairs wonderfully warm and cosy.
We don't have hot water
The hot water system should provide plenty of hot water for normal use.
If the water isn't heating:
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Check that the hot water programme is switched on. The controls are inside the cupboard on the right-hand side of the master bedroom. The timer is on the left as you look inside the cupboard. It can helpful to use your phone or a torch to help you see.
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The timer should normally be set to Timer.
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If there has been a power cut, or the water hasn't heated at its usual time, you can temporarily switch it to On. After around an hour, once the hot water is flowing again, please remember to switch it back to Timer.
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If you've tried the above and you're still having problems, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
The cottage smells a little earthy
Pebbles is a traditional Cornish stone cottage, and like many historic buildings it behaves differently from a modern home. During periods of wet or humid weather, the thick stone walls naturally absorb moisture from the air, which can sometimes create a faint earthy smell.
This is completely normal and simply part of the character of an old stone cottage. Opening a couple of windows for 15–20 minutes to create a through-draught will freshen the air, and the heating or using the log burner will also help.
Where is the cutlery?
Believe it or not, this is probably the question we're asked most often!
The cutlery is stored in a hidden drawer inside the large drawer beside the fridge. We've added a label to make it easier to spot.
If any cutlery or utensils seem to be missing, please also check the top drawer of the dishwasher, as they can occasionally be overlooked when it's being emptied.
We can't find...
We've tried to stock the cottage with everything you'll need, but some items aren't always where you might expect.
Hairdryer – master bedroom on the chest of drawers or in one of the cupboards. Please not leave it plugged in when not in use.
Iron and ironing board – there is an iron and a little tabletop ironing board in the cupboard under the stairs
Torch – there should be one hanging on the wooden hooks in every room.
Fire extinguisher - mounted on the wall in the under stairs cupboard.
Bin bags – usually in the cupboard with the bins. If they've run out there, you'll find more in the outhouse.
Washing machine - in the outhouse
Tumble dryer - in the outhouse.
Washing machine tablets – in the jar on top of the washing machine.
Dishwasher tablets - in the labelled jar under the sink.
Washing up liquid - in the amber pump bottle by the sink.
Access to the courtyard and outhouse
There is a small key cupboard under the stairs containing the spare keys you'll need during your stay.
The key labelled Back Door opens the courtyard door. We recommend leaving this key in the lock while you're staying at Pebbles.
To access the outhouse, use the key labelled Outhouse to unlock the padlock.
The Wi-Fi isn't working
The router is on the high shelf above the radiator in the kitchen.
If you're having problems with the Wi-Fi, try turning the router off for around 30 seconds before switching it back on. It may take a few minutes to reconnect.
If it's still not working afterwards, please let us know and we'll investigate further with BT.
There is no electricity
If the property has no electricity, it's worth checking whether the consumer unit has tripped. You'll find it in the cupboard under the stairs. If all the switches are in the On position, it may be a local power cut.
Although they're uncommon, they can occasionally happen on the Lizard during severe weather. We'll usually receive a notification from E.ON if there's a local outage, so feel free to contact us. You can also check the National Grid website using postcode TR12 7NJ.
https://powercuts.nationalgrid.co.uk
Something has broken
Accidents happen, and we'd much rather know about them than have you worry.
Please send us a quick message so we can repair or replace the item before the next guests arrive.
The boiling water tap isn't working
Unfortunately, the boiling water tap can't be troubleshooted remotely and any faults require a specialist plumber.
If you experience any problems, please let us know. In the meantime, you'll find a Hario stovetop kettle, which heats water very quickly on the induction hob.
Still need help?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please give us a call or send us a message.
We're always happy to help and would much rather hear from you early so we can get things sorted and help you enjoy the rest of your stay.