NARRATOR:
You will hear a man asking the owner of a holiday cottage about renting accommodation.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to six.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to six.
SHIRLEY:
Hello, Shirley Fitzgerald speaking.
TOM:
I was trying to reach Jack Fitzgerald because I'm interested in hiring one of your cottages.
SHIRLEY:
I'm Shirley, Jack's wife.
SHIRLEY:
We run the cottages jointly so I can deal with your inquiry.
TOM:
Friends stayed in Granary Cottage last year and recommended it.
TOM:
My wife and I would like a week there in May.
SHIRLEY:
Which week were you considering?
TOM:
Ideally the one starting on the 14th.
SHIRLEY:
Unfortunately, somebody has already taken it then.
SHIRLEY:
It is available for seven nights from the 28th, and that is its only free week in May.
TOM:
We might be able to rearrange things.
TOM:
What is the weekly price?
SHIRLEY:
As that date falls at the start of the high season, the charge is 550 pounds.
TOM:
That is rather above our limit.
TOM:
We had allowed no more than 500 pounds for the accommodation.
SHIRLEY:
In that case, there may be another possibility.
SHIRLEY:
We have just turned a different building into a cottage and named it Cherville Cottage.
TOM:
Could you repeat the name?
SHIRLEY:
Cherville C-H-E-R-V for Victor I-L.
SHIRLEY:
It grows wild locally.
SHIRLEY:
That cottage is available for your preferred week and the rent is 480 pounds.
TOM:
Could you describe it for me?
SHIRLEY:
The structure was originally a garage.
SHIRLEY:
It is slightly smaller than Granary Cottage.
TOM:
Does it also accommodate two people?
SHIRLEY:
It has one double bedroom.
TOM:
Is there any outside space?
SHIRLEY:
There is a garden reached through French doors from the living room.
SHIRLEY:
We supply two deck chairs as well.
SHIRLEY:
A patio is planned, although I cannot promise it will be ready before May.
SHIRLEY:
The entrance faces the former farmyard.
SHIRLEY:
There is plenty of space at the front for parking, along with several trees and plants in pots.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions seven to ten.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions seven to ten.
TOM:
And what equipment does the cottage have?
TOM:
I assume there are ordinary things such as a cooker and a fridge.
SHIRLEY:
The kitchen area contains a fridge freezer, and we have recently installed an electric cooker.
TOM:
Is a washing machine provided?
SHIRLEY:
The living room also has a television which can play DVDs.
SHIRLEY:
There was not enough room in the bathroom for a bath, so we fitted a shower instead.
SHIRLEY:
Many guests prefer one now, in any case.
TOM:
It uses less water, unless someone stays under it all day.
TOM:
How is the place heated?
TOM:
Even in May, the weather can turn chilly.
SHIRLEY:
It has central heating, as well as a stove if you would like a fire.
SHIRLEY:
We supply as much wood as you need.
SHIRLEY:
It has a much pleasanter smell than coal, and makes the room feel very comfortable.
SHIRLEY:
We use the same kind of stove at home.
TOM:
Perhaps winter would be the best time to appreciate it.
SHIRLEY:
Once our fire is lit, we rarely feel like going anywhere.
SHIRLEY:
I should also mention the views.
SHIRLEY:
From the living room you can see a well-known old stone bridge, one of the earliest in this area, quite close to the cottage.
SHIRLEY:
The bedroom faces the other way, towards the hills and the monument on the summit.
TOM:
Everything sounds ideal.
TOM:
I'd like to reserve it.
TOM:
Do you require a deposit?
SHIRLEY:
To confirm the booking, we take 30%, which comes to 144 pounds.
TOM:
When is the remaining amount due?
SHIRLEY:
Since your stay is in May, please pay it by the final day of March.
SHIRLEY:
I'll just need to take down your details.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute.
