Useful guide
Practical Tips for Your Stay at Bonté
Everything at Bonté is designed to be simple and easy to enjoy.
This page is here if you need it — most guests find everything works just as expected once they arrive.
Living at Bonté
Most days naturally drift outside.
From morning coffee in the shade to long evenings by the BBQ, the house is set up to make the most of outdoor living.
Pool towels are provided, so everything you need is already here.
The Pool
The pool is ready to use at any time.
It isn’t heated, but the sun keeps it at a very comfortable temperature and guests happily spend all day in and around it.
If you’d like to freshen it up there is a net available and the housekeepers visit on a wednesday.
There’s no need to adjust any settings.
Please take care around the pool, particularly with children.
Parasols
We don't supply parasols as we had an incident recently where the wind blew one at a child causing harm. There is plenty of shade under the gazebos.
Hot Tubs
There are two hot tubs, the undercover tub is ready for you, and 38 degrees is a nice temperature.
Please be aware that some of the jets are slow (or don't flow) when the pump is on slow speed, we've had this checked and were told it is normal as we empty and drain the hot tub between guests, sometimes it takes a while for any air locks to work out of the pipes.
The eco hot tub is new this season and great fun to use.
Just lift the lid, step in and relax.
If you’re in and out during the evening, keeping the lids on between uses helps keep them warm.
The wood fired hot tub, furtherest from house is great fun. I've put some photos below to help you get the fire going but please could you follow some really important rules:
- Please do not overfill it. The water should be at least 9 inches from the top. If it overflows it can cause major damage.
- Please use a small amount of wood, it only needs to heat the water by about 10 degrees and is very efficient. Once hot it will only need a small log every hour or 2 (logs down the side of the house). The is some small kindling and firelighters provided to get you started.
- Keep children clear of the fire box at all times.
- The cover folds in half and then lifts off, please put it by the side of the hot tub away from the heater. There are some headrests in a box in the kitchen cupboard to the left of the fridge.
Do not fill it more than this.
Make a small fire on the grill as you can see below.
Use the handle at the bottom to open the door, lift it up a little and it will swing open from the pin.
Always keep the grill open to allow air into the fire.
Controls for the air pump and LED lights.
Keeping the House Cool
There is no air conditioning, but the house is designed to stay naturally cool.
- Keep shutters closed during the day, especially on the sun-facing side
- Open windows in the morning and evening to allow airflow
The thick stone walls do the rest and keep the house comfortable even in the height of summer.
Kitchen, Cooking and Beds
We have two king size bedrooms upstairs, two twin rooms and a twin room downstairs. It isn’t possible to make the single beds into a double, we’ve tried and guests say they fall down the gap! You’re more than welcome to push them together and we have found this works fine.
The kitchen is fully equipped and everything is straightforward to use.
You’ll find:
- Oven and hob
- Fridge freezer
- Coffee machine
- Sandwich grill
- Dishwasher
A small note on the oven: over time, cleaning has worn away the numbers on the dial.
- Turn it clockwise so it points down towards the floor for a low heat
- A little further round, roughly to the 8 o’clock position, will give you a high heat
Once you’ve used it once, it’s very easy.
For the hob, press and hold the key button for a few seconds to unlock, then use the on/off control.
When cooking, it’s best not to leave items resting on the hob as it can sometimes detect them and beep.
The coffee machine takes the little pods and we will leave loads at the house, they pop in here. Check the water container at the back you can just see behind the lid is full. We normally select 'large' and top up the coffee with boiling water and milk.
BBQ
There is a large charcoal BBQ outside, perfect for relaxed evenings.
Most guests tend to give the grill a quick clean while it’s still warm, which keeps everything ready for the next use.
Charcoal can be picked up locally if needed but we will leave some to get you started.
Washing & Laundry
There are two washing machines available and a tumble dryer.
Rubbish & Recycling
Rubbish is simple and kept just outside the house.
- General waste should be double bagged and placed in the black bin. Please double bag as the housekeepers have to lift them out the bin to take them away (no house bin service in France like we are used to in the UK)
- Recycling (excluding glass) can be rinsed and placed in a yellow bag, then into the green bin
- Glass can be placed in the box next to the bins
The housekeepers collect rubbish during their regular Wednesday visit when they check the pool and hot tubs.
Keys & Access
Your key ring includes the front door key.
Other doors (kitchen and lounge French doors) are best left with their keys in place during your stay so they don’t get misplaced.
On departure, please lock all the doors and return the front door key to the key safe. CODE 8512
Safety
The house is fitted with smoke alarms throughout and standard safety features.
There are two fire extinguishers located in the kitchen, easily accessible if ever needed.
An escape ladder is stored in the main bedroom wardrobe.
Upstairs windows are fitted with child safety locks which can be opened using the keys if required.
WiFi & Entertainment
WiFi is available throughout the house. Password is Bontewifi
There is a TV with English channels via FreeSat, along with a selection of DVDs, books and games in the lounge.
There are also children’s toys available, both indoors and for outside use.
Shopping & Essentials
There is a small supermarket in Duras and a large E.Leclerc in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, around 10 minutes away.
In the village:
- A boulangerie is just along the road (open mornings and late afternoon, closed Mondays)
Everything you need is close by and easy to access.
Car Hire
If you are hiring a car, Buggs Car Hire at Bergerac Airport is a good local option.
Outside
The property is maintained locally and may be visited occasionally to check the pool and hot tubs or drop off laundry.
This is always done discreetly and simply ensures everything continues to run smoothly during your stay.
There are two large storage lockers outside for the outdoor cushions if rain is on the way.
Occasionally there is the odd summer storm, you'll see the clouds coming over the vines and the wind can get quite strong so it's well worth putting the cushions away before it comes in.
Please do not drive on the grass.
Departure
Departure time is 10am unless arranged otherwise before your stay.
Before leaving, a simple reset helps everything run smoothly for the next guests:
- Load up the washing machines with towels
- Empty bins and dispose of any open or perishable food
- Wash up or put the dishwasher on
- Close windows and lock all doors
- Return the key to the key safe
If you have a moment, refilling the ice cube trays is always appreciated so they are ready for the next guests.
If anything has been damaged or needs attention, a quick note for the cleaner is always helpful.
Emergency Numbers
If needed:
- Fire: 18
- Ambulance: 15
- Police: 17
- European emergency number: 112
These numbers can be called from any phone.
Outdoor lights
There are quite a few and here is a guide for turning them all on.
There are two switches in the kitchen above the bins, turn them both on.
Outside there are the following:
- Just outside the kitchen french doors are two switches at head hight, this will light up the rear pergola.
- At the large pool pergola there are two switches at head hight for the lights here and the socket outlet.
- On each of the raised flower beds there is a switch right by the lights for them.
Outdoor radio
There is an outdoor radio in the kitchen, it's for the little shelf at head high in the large pergola and the socket is above it. It has bluetooth but you need to hold your phone right by it, to get it to connect. Please bring it inside if it rains.
Detailed instructions for the wood fire hot tub:
Before You Start
1. Check that the hot tub is full of water. Never light the hot tub when it is empty.
2. Locate the firewood, kindling, firelighters and matches.
3. Warn children and other guests that you are about to light the hot tub. The firebox and parts of the chimney will become extremely hot during use.
Lighting the Hot Tub
1. Open the firebox door and empty the ash tray into the designated ash disposal area.
2. Place firelighters and kindling inside the firebox and light them using the matches.
3. Once the kindling is burning well, add a few small logs.
4. Close the firebox door and open the air vent at the bottom of the door to create a good draught.
5. When the fire is burning strongly, continue adding logs little and often.
Important: Do not overfill the firebox.
Heating the Water
1. Leave the insulated cover on during the heating process.
2. Continue adding logs as required until the water reaches a comfortable temperature.
3. From cold tap water, heating typically takes around 2 hours in colder months. During the summer (June–September), heating times will be significantly shorter.
Checking the Temperature
1. Fold back part of the insulated cover.
2. Turn on the air bubbles for approximately 1 minute to circulate the water and even out the temperature.
3. Test the water with your hand or check the thermometer.
Once the Water is Hot Enough
1. Stop adding wood to the fire.
2. Any wood already burning will continue to heat the water, so allow for a small temperature increase after you stop refuelling.
3. The water should remain warm for 2 hours or more, depending on weather conditions.
Reheating the Following Day
The water should still be warm the next day. To raise the temperature, repeat the process above. As the water is already warm, it will take considerably less time to reach bathing temperature.
Important Safety Information
• The hottest water enters the tub through the upper outlet. Take extra care around this area as the water can become very hot.
• Do not operate the air bubbles while the insulated cover is fully closed, as this may cause the cover to inflate or become damaged.
• Never allow children to operate the firebox.
• Keep children away from the firebox and chimney while the hot tub is heating.
• Do not sit, stand or place heavy objects on the insulated cover.
A Comfortable Hot Tub Temperature
Most people find a water temperature of 37–39°C comfortable. Take extra care when the temperature exceeds 40°C, especially for children, older adults and pregnant women.
Enjoy your hot tub experience!
Whilst you are at Bonte, if you have an emergency, please contact the housekeeper Andrew on 00 44 7415 354578. Non-emergency call outs are charged at 100 Euros an hour and taken from the damage deposit.
Many thanks
Jim
