Closing up

Rubbish and recycling

  • Anything that has missed its collection or accumulated since should be taken to the recycling centre
  • Minimally, all organic waste must be recycled (or dropped off in a public bin)
  • Other types could, if needs be, be left in the hay loft in their bags or boxes
  • Remove the recycling boxes from outside the kitchen and store in the hay loft

Closing up the garden

  • Put the pool box with all the pool equipment in the hay loft. If the pool is open, leave the pole by the pool as the pool cleaner uses it.
  • Put the garden and pool furniture back in the hay loft
  • Ensure the cushions are covered as birds and bats can get in the hay loft
  • Return all garden tools, pizza tools etc to the hay loft
  • Empty the fridge in the hay loft, unplug it and prop its door open
  • Lock the hay loft
  • Close and padlock the garden gates

Closing up the house

  • Clean the kitchen and run the dishwasher
  • Strip all the beds that have been used.
  • Put used bedding and towels in the laundry room. Do not wash.
  • Turn off all lights
  • Turn off all the AC units
  • Put all the mosqito screens up
  • Close all the windows
  • Close all the internal doors
  • Put the bikes in the cantina or garage and lock together with the combination lock
  • Bolt the garage doors and the orange gate to the garage
  • Lock the stable doors
  • Lock the arched door and it’s security gate
  • Put all the keys (except the one to lock the front door) into the key drawer
  • Make sure the back door on the stairs is bolted
  • Leave by the front door making sure the fixed half is secured with its bar
  • Lock the front door

When closing the house for extended periods

  • Defrost the fridge and freezer in both kitchens a day or two before leaving
  • Cover soft furnishings with dust sheets
  • Empty the fridge and freezer in both kitchens
  • Turn the fridge thermostats to zero and unplug them
  • Leave the fridge and freezer doors slightly open
  • Turn off the water at the stopcock
  • Do NOT turn off the electricity (as it is needed for remote monitoring of the house)
  • Unplug / turn off the water heater in the second floor bathroom
  • Turn off the water heater in the services room
  • Close all the shutters