Life House

A-Z INFORMATION FOR DURING YOUR STAY

ACCIDENTS

If you incur any injuries while on holiday, please let us know.  Please see below for Emergencies, and look under Hospitals for details of your nearest Accident and Emergency Unit.

ACCOMMODATION

As is stated in our contract with you, we cannot accept more than 6 people and one infant (under 2) in the house. Please note that due to the size and layout of the rooms, you can only put a cot bed in The Reading Room bedroom.

BOOKS

In the Reading Room, you will find some of the most therapeutic works of eastern and western literature, carefully curated for Life House. Please leave them for others to enjoy. They are checked after each visit. Any damage or losses will be charged.

BREAKAGES

If you happen to break anything, please leave a note as it assists our Housekeepers to replace items effectively during the limited change-over period.

BRICK ROOM

The roof light opens using the switch by the door. Please close it when you leave the room.

CAR CHARGER

Car charger along with power cable can be found in black store adjacent to parking area. 

CLEANING

Our Housekeeping team will come in after your departure to make the house ready for the next guests (see Departure below) and although we don’t expect, nor want, you to clean, it would be hugely appreciated if you could leave the house in a good condition.

If you do need to clean the house during your stay, please only use the products that we have left, as some of the materials used in Life House need very special treatment.

In particular:

There are a dust pan and brush and hoover in the kitchen cupboards, which you are welcome to use.

The terrazzo floors are sealed, but If anything should be spilled on the floors, we would appreciate it if you would mop it up immediately to prevent staining the surface.

CONTACTS

Living Architecture:  07734 323464

(Mon–Fri office hours, plus emergencies).

If you require a prompt response please telephone this number. Please do not email, text or tweet as these means of communication are not monitored as frequently out of hours.

DEPARTURE

You probably don’t want to think about the end of your holiday just yet, but on the day of your departure please make sure that you leave the house by 10am. We need time for the house-keeping team to get the house ready for the incoming guests.

On leaving, lock the front door and place the master key in the key safe where you found it on arrival. The spare front door key should be left on the kitchen island where you found it.

Please close the gate when you leave.

DOCTOR

The nearest doctor’s surgery is: Llandrindod Wells Medical Practice, The Surgery, Spa Rd East, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5ES

DRONES

Please do not use drones near the house as they annoy the neighbours and upset livestock in the area.

DRYING CLOTHES

Please dry any wet outdoor clothes in the hall, a drying rack can be found in the kitchen cupboard.

ELECTRICITY

Should a fuse blow at any time during your stay, the fusebox can be found in the entrance area.

In the event of a power cut, the following aspects of the house will not operate: the water supply from the well, and the under-floor heating.

In the case of power supply disruption to the area, this can be checked with UK Power Networks. Text POWER LD1 6TW to 80876 for updates

There is a wind-up torch in the kitchen cupboard.

EMERGENCIES

If you need to call the emergency services, they will require the full postal address:

Life House, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales, LD1 6TW

Fire

There is a fire extinguisher by the front door and a fire blanket in the cupboard directly above the hob.

However, for anything serious, we would rather you close all the doors (providing it is safe to do so), evacuate the building and contact the fire service.

Electricity

If a fuse blows, the fuseboard can be found in the entrance hall cupboard.

Water

If you need access to turn off the water, the master stop tap is located in the Plant Room. To gain access, please ring (see Contacts for details).

See Hospitals section for medical emergencies.

See Contacts for other emergencies.

FIRST AID

A simple first aid kit is located in a cupboard above the hob. Please leave it out if you had occasion to use it.

FIRE

The fire in the sitting room burns only the self-burning logs provided or seasoned logs. Both should be burnt on a bedding of ash.

Please do not use ‘found wood’ as this will only create smoke and set off the alarms.

The fire is opened by means of the handle, taking care when the fire is hot.

Please do not try to adjust the tile fixings.

Matches can be found in the cupboard above the hob.

FIRE ALARM

Should the fire alarm sound and when you are sure that there is no fire (the sensors can react to burnt toast for example) the fire panel can be found in the cupboard in the hall.

Press the red button to silence the alarm and then the green one to re-set it.

If in any doubt on how to silence the alarm, do contact us – see Contacts above.

FIREWORKS AND LANTERNS

Life House sits in a rural location so, as livestock are often in the surrounding fields, fireworks are not permitted. In addition, Chinese lanterns are not allowed as the wires and bamboo supports can be eaten by sheep and cattle, causing injury.

GARDENS

We aim to provide gardens at our houses that reflect the local area. At Life House we have cut a few pathways within the wilderness meadow.

HEATING

Life House is heated through an underfloor system, which is set to reflect a comfortable temperature throughout the year.

To boost the temperature in the bedrooms, use the switch on the walls labelled Heating Boost - the light will come on.

It will automatically switch off after one hour or, to stop the additional heating sooner, press the switch and the light will go off.

The fire provides additional heat in the sitting room – see Fire above.

HOSPITALS

The nearest hospitals are:

Accident and emergency - Hereford County Hospital, Stonebow Road, Hereford HR1 2BN. Tel: 01432 355444

Minor injuries clinic - Llandrindod Wells County War Memorial Hospital, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells, Radnor, Powys LD1 5H

HOT WATER

Hot water is produced by the use of a heat pump in combination with an efficient immersion heater to boost the water temperature at times when the heat pump alone cannot produce enough hot water – night-time and winter for example.

This means that there should be a readily available source of hot water, provided that not everyone takes a bath, fills the sinks, or takes a shower at precisely the same time.

INSTRUCTION MANUALS

We have included in below how to use the simple functions of the electrical appliances, but should you need the detailed manuals, they can be found in a box in the kitchen cupboards nearest the artwork.

KEYS

When you enter the house, you should find a spare front door key on top of the island in the kitchen. Please be sure to leave it in the same place when you checkout.

On final departure, lock the front door and place the master key in the key safe where you found it on arrival.

LIGHTING

Please note that some of the light switches are three-way switches, meaning that by holding the switch down, the lights will dim. This applies to lighting in the sitting room and the bedrooms. The lights can operate either in tandem or individually.

To switch off the lights together, hold the button down until the lights have synchronized.

Bedroom lights - To operate the brass bedside lamps, ensure that the switch by the bedroom door (third from the left) is switched on first. Then touch the switch on the lamp itself.

LOST PROPERTY

Please try not to leave anything behind when you leave the house. If you do, please let us know as soon as possible. Unfortunately Living Architecture cannot accept liability.

Lost property will normally be disposed of if it is not collected within 6 months. Living Architecture may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of storage, handling and postage.

MUSIC

There are two devices to play music at Life House – a state of the art valve Hi Fi system in the music bedroom and a wireless Bluetooth speaker in the living room. You will find instructions next to each device.

Music Room Equipment. Please do not move any part of the system, it is intended for use in that room only. It is a valve amplifier and there are some important points to note, especially if you have children in your party:

Valves can get very hot, therefore ensure the protective cover is in place at all times.

The mains transformers will get warm.

The amplifier may smell slightly when first used.

Valves make a tinkling sound when warming up and cooling down.

Do not change any other switch settings on the amplifier, as it has been set to provide the best sound. Changes may cause irreparable damage to the unit.

The unit will get hot in use.

There is a selection of CDs in the music room, carefully curated by producer Caius Pawson to reflect the house. They are checked after each visit, please leave them for others to enjoy.

Any damage or losses will be charged.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Life House is situated in a rural environment surrounded by agricultural land, for both livestock and arable use. At certain times of the year the house can be subject to the sort of conditions that come with its rural location. This might include insects, flies and the odd field mouse, especially when crops in the area are cut or harvested.

Please respect the countryside and local residents at all times.

PARKING

A parking area for Life House has been created; please use this area when you park your car(s).

Please ensure the main gate is closed at all times, otherwise the sheep are likely to enter and may cause damage to your cars.

PETS

One well behaved dog is allowed at Life House. Please do not allow your dog on the furniture or the beds. Please ensure that your dog is under control and does not trouble the local wildlife or farm animals.

RUBBISH AND RECYCLING

Powys Council, who collect all trade and domestic waste in the area, are very particular about recycling - to the extent that if they find any items in the wrong container they don’t take any of the waste, so your co-operation in helping to re-cycle your waste is appreciated.

When the bins in the kitchen are full, please transfer your waste to the coloured containers in bin shed as follows:

Glass (aqua coloured box)

Clean glass bottles & jars only

Plastic and metal (red box)

All other waste (general waste)

SHOWER MATS

Non-slip shower mats can be found on the shelves in each bedroom.

TELEPHONE

Most mobile providers operate in this area – however, telephone reception can be limited in the house itself. You may have to stand near the entrance or the gate to get the best reception for voice services.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING

Your contract with us is bound by the terms and conditions to which you have agreed. These can be found at www.living-architecture.co.uk/terms-conditions.asp

To help preserve the high standard of our houses and for insurance purposes, we want to remind you not to allow anyone into the house except for those guests who are actually sleeping in it – so please do not allow extra visitors (unless you have made a prior arrangement with Living Architecture).

TOWELS

You will find a set of towels for each person that the house accommodates (please do not use these outside or as beach towels).

(UNEXPECTED) VISITORS

As there is strong interest in Life House, we have noticed that a number of people have been turning up asking to look round the house.

In the interest of your own privacy and security, we urge you not to do this.

WATER

All the water at Life House comes from a private well and goes through a complex treatment process before it comes out of the taps. At times, the pressure is affected (especially if everyone in the house is using the baths or showers). As part of the water filtration process, there is a weekly “flush” through of the system. This takes place at night and can result in a noise emanating from the plant room. Drinking water is supplied through the main tap in the kitchen.

WI FI

Life House is set up with Wi Fi. However please note that due to its location, and for reasons beyond our control, internet access can at times be intermittent.

Please note that there are repeaters around the house; please do NOT switch them off.

WINDOWS

Our policy is to clean the windows periodically, but due to the elements it is not always possible to keep them clean between these times.

ELECTRICAL

OVEN

Miele H25261 BP

The oven has the following functions:

Light (bulb symbol)

Conventional Heat (2 horizontal lines)

Bottom Heat (1 horizontal line)

Grill (3 inverted triangles)

Pyrolytic Cleaning (flame) NB you should not need to use this function

Rapid Heat Up (thermometer and arrows)

Fan Plus (fan symbol)

Fan Grill (3 inverted triangles and fan)

Auto Roast (2 square brackets)

Gentle Bake (dish with lines above)

The second knob sets the temperature.

MICROWAVE COMBINATION OVEN

Miele H6100BM

The unit has the following functions:

Grill (3 inverted triangles)

Defrost (star with raindrop underneath)

Microwave (3 wavy lines)

Microwave and Fan (3 wavy lines and fan symbol)

Microwave and Auto Roast (3 wavy lines and 2 square brackets)

Rapid Heat Up (thermometer and arrows)

Fan Plus (fan symbol)

Fan Grill (3 inverted triangles and fan)

Auto Roast (2 square brackets)

Gentle Bake (dish with lines above)

The Microwave function is rated at 850W.

HOB

Miele KM6386

The hob has sensitive electronic sensors that react to finger contact.

Please do not press the sensors indiscriminately as the hob will not operate.

The hob must be switched on using the sensor at the front of the control panel – a vertical line inside a circle. The sensors will all light up.

If no function is selected, the hob will switch off automatically to save power.

There are 5 cooking zones. Touch the cooking zone you wish to use and then touch a number for the power level you require e.g. 3 or 4 for a medium level heat, 8 or 9 for boiling.

Please note that induction hobs only operate when in contact with a suitable (induction) pan.

Should the hob not operate, it is likely to be for one of two reasons:

1. Child lock activated:

Solution: Touch the clock and II> buttons for 6 seconds.

2. Demonstration mode activated: (error code dE or PO) refer to the instruction manual, pages 46 and 47.

Solution: First switch off the mains supply to the hob for 30 seconds. The switch is in the cupboard to the left of the fridge and around the corner.

If the problem persists -

With the hob turned off, touch and hold the “On/Off” and “Safety Lock” symbols AT THE SAME TIME until the safety lock LED flashes and PS appears in the display (this takes approximately 6 seconds).

Set the rear left ring to power level 0 (Zero) if not already showing as this.

Set the front left ring to power level 0 (Zero) if not already showing as this.

Set the front right ring to power level 1 (One).

Touch and hold the “On/Off” symbol until all the displays go dark.

For other error codes refer to the manual.

Please do not clean the hob with washing up liquid, only a suitable ceramic liquid can be used or wiping with plain water also works very well.

WARMING DRAWER

Miele ESW 6214

A warming drawer can be found below the combi oven. Push the drawer to open.

Sensors:

On/off (circle with line through it)

Function selection (small arrow with 3 lines)

Temperature (thermometer)

Duration (clock)

Functions – to warm:

Cups and glasses (cup symbol)

Plates and dishes (plate symbol)

Food (plate and 3 wavy lines)

Low temperature cooking (thermometer)

COOKER HOOD

Miele DA2270

To switch the fan on, press the joystick (located above your head!) once to the right. A higher power level is achieved by pressing the joystick further to the right and to get a lower speed, to the left.

To switch the fan off, press the joystick to the left until the power indicator lamp goes out.

The light is switched on by pressing the joystick backwards – pulling it forward reduces the brightness.

FRIDGE AND FREEZER

There are two fridges and a separate freezer located in the kitchen.

DISHWASHER

Miele G6470 SCVi

A few dishwasher tablets have been left for your use in one of the drawers.

Once the machine is loaded, ensure that the spray arms are not obstructed. Please note that there is no cutlery basket, instead there is
a cutlery drawer at the top of the machine.

Switch the machine on. Select the required programme using the Programme selector button.

There is a delay function – use the button with the clock symbol and select either start or finish time.

The door will open when the cycle has finished there is a safety catch, just pull firmly to open.

Please do not put wooden items such as chopping boards into the dishwasher.

WASHING MACHINE

Miele WKF 120

Select the washing programme you require using the knob.

You can adjust the temperature of the water and spin speed and also delay the start time using the buttons on the Function panel.

TUMBLE DRYER

Miele TDA150C

The door opens using the door button to the bottom right of the panel.

Select the programme required using the knob in the centre of the panel.

To start, press the start button to the bottom left of the panel.

Please note that the tumble dryer has been plumbed in so there is no need to empty the water collector.