Lost property: Left something behind during your stay?

At Osprey Holiday Cottages, we know that even the most organised travellers can accidentally leave something behind.  Over the years we’ve reunited guests with everything from coats and keys to mobile phones, toys, and baby clothes.  To make things simple, we’ve created a clear and friendly process for reporting lost property and understanding what happens to items left after you checkout.

Think you’ve left something behind?

If you think you’ve left something behind during your stay, please contact us as soon as possible.  The quickest ways are to:

• Send us a message via our online contact form
• Email us at [email protected]
• Call us on 01305 818118

We’ll need some details from you, so make sure you have these ready:

• Your name
• Cottage name
• Dates of stay
• Description of the item
• Your preferred return method

The more detail you provide, the faster we can locate your item.  If you’ve lost something really important (that could be as simple as a child’s toy! – we know its important) and have a picture, please send it to us to help us locate it.

We’ll always make contact with guests where we think you may have left something behind rather than wait for you to tell us.  You may be required to provide proof of ownership particularly for high value items.

What happens with lost property?

Once we locate your lost property, we will:

• Contact you to confirm the item is yours
• Arrange a suitable return option (postage costs may apply)
• Safely store the item for up to 1 month from the date it was found

We label and log all items to ensure they are handled securely and professionally.  If we’re returning items to you by post or courier, we’ll only ever use Royal Mail Tracked, ParcelForce (for larger items) and insured services such as Special Delivery, so let us know the replacement value of the item to make sure if it is lost or damaged in transit, you’re covered.

Don’t worry – we’ll also sort the return of items internationally.  We’ve reunited owners with items in the United States, Australia and Asia without issue…

How long do you keep lost property that isn’t reported?

To keep our self-catering holiday accommodation tidy and ensure fair handling of all items, we operate a 30‑day retention policy:

• All lost property is stored for 1 month
• If unclaimed after this period, items are responsibly disposed of

We never simply throw things away.  Instead, we prioritise:

• Donation to local charities
• Recycling where appropriate
• Safe disposal only when no other option exists

This approach supports our commitment to sustainability and community benefit.  We believe in reducing waste wherever possible.  Items such as clothing, books, toys, and household goods are donated to local Dorset charities.  Recyclable materials are processed through appropriate recycling streams.  So, only items that cannot be reused or recycled are disposed of.

How can I avoid leaving items?

Before you check out, we recommend a quick sweep of:

• Wardrobes and drawers
• Under beds and sofas
• Bathroom shelves
• Kitchen cupboards
• Charging points and plug sockets

A two‑minute check can save a lot of hassle later.

Need more help?

We’re always happy to assist.  If you’ve lost something, or simply want to understand our policy, just get in touch.  At Osprey Holiday Cottages, we aim to make every part of your stay, even the unexpected bits, as smooth and stress‑free as possible.