XCottage
Horizontal Agreements
Anarchy is order
These guidelines have been collectively agreed by the current residents of Cross Cottage. Like everything here, they exist by free agreement and can evolve through the consensus of present and future residents.
If you are coming to Cross Cottage, it is because you have been invited. While the space is informal and shared, the place also carries certain responsibilities for those who live here and those who visit.
If you are staying with us, you will be given a hold harmless agreement. Please take the time to read it carefully. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, we encourage you to raise them, conversation and clarity are always welcome.
Please read the following guidelines before, during, and after your stay.
By order of the management
XCottage is a place to share, but it is also a home. It’s not quite an open house and not a hotel. We love welcoming guests, but visits work best when arranged in advance and by mutual agreement.
We have three double rooms and one twin room available.
If you’d like to visit, please contact us at least two weeks in advance with your arrival and departure dates and times. This helps us plan around each other’s lives.
Email: vamos@xcottage.org
There are three nearby train stations. The Cottage is somewhat tucked away, so we’re often happy to pick you up or drop you off if you let us know your travel times.
Life here runs on shared care and shared labour. The house and grounds need looking after, and many hands make light work.
We provide bedding and towels. At the end of your stay, please strip your bed and place bedding in the laundry.
There’s also a list of house tasks and ongoing projects if you’d like to lend a hand.
At XCottage we often eat together. You’re very welcome to bring food to cook or share.
The kitchen is well equipped, please treat it kindly so everyone can enjoy it.
If something breaks and can’t be repaired, please let us know. If you’re able to replace it on a future visit, that’s appreciated.
And as a gentle reminder: clean what you use. There are no maids here, just us.
XCottage is a vegetarian house and mostly vegan (apart from our feline comrades). Please don’t bring meat into the house.
If you have dietary requirements or allergies, let us know in advance.
There is a washer and dryer available for full loads, along with cleaning supplies. Please follow instructions and use them thoughtfully.
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Stay off the socials while you’re here.
We want XCottage to remain one of the few places outside the orbit of social media.
This extends to video and photos. Exercise your memory and allow people to experience, rest, perform and be in a space free of recording and surveillance.
Documentation if necessary can be discussed as a group and agreed upon.
Thank you for your care and commitment to keeping this a special and safe space for all here now and yet to come.
XCottage is non-smoking indoors. Smokers are welcome to use the patios and outdoor spaces.
The Cottage is home to two resident cats, and there is a beehive near the house, so please bear this in mind if you have allergies and let us know in advance.
Please respect our neighbours and the wider community. Though we’re slightly off the beaten track, the heart of the project is community, with visitors, residents, and the people who live and work nearby.
Strong communities negate the state.
We try to take reasonable care of one another’s health. Some people in our wider community have health vulnerabilities, and protecting them is an act of solidarity.
If you feel unwell or suspect Covid-like symptoms, please reconsider your visit or let us know.
Like any place, Cross Cottage has running costs. If you’re able to contribute, a voluntary amount of £20 per day after the first day helps cover food, energy, water, internet, council tax, and general upkeep.
If you’d prefer to contribute in other ways, just let us know.
Thank you.
