Certainly looks like a lovely Chateau. Here is the link if anyone wants to take a look.

http://www.bettervillas.com/villas/villa64.aspx

I would agree that the pricing indicated on the web site is rather ambiguous and although it does state that prices are "exclusive" it would certainly be helpful to have indicated what is excluded from the rental price. I can not see what the booking agent is trying to hide by not being up front with the pricing. This is what is shown;

Rates

The rental prices for the Chateau Maison 2004/2005 up to 16 persons

Peak Season £2,950pw
High Season £2,200pw
Mid Season £1,600pw
Low Season £1,200pw
For 16-20 persons please contact me.
The rental price is exclusive.

Although often, and thankfully, a rare occurrance, these types of issues should be kept in mind if DIY'ing and booking parts of a holiday from an unknown and unbonded party.

Hope it all works out for you and that you recover your money.

Agree anyway with paying with credit card, but section 75 of the consumer credit act only applies to UK purchases. The credit card issuers are keen to ensure foreign purchases aren't covered and I believe the situation is unclear and requires a test in court to determine the position.

If Mrs Roberts accepted credit cards and was based, say, in France you might not be able to bounce the porblem onto your card issuer.

My advice, post this sorry story on as many travel websites as possible and write to the travel supplements of the national papers - Mail on Sunday would be a decent start. If she's based in this country have you returned to the courts to get their bailiffs to act ?

What about the police - can fraud charges not be brought ?

My God, I detest thieves like this.

Mike

You now have protection when using your credit card for overseas purchases. More HERE

luci

Luci,
thanks for that link - you are on the ball aren't you.

I always view things from a cynical point; I have two credit cards, one is an Amex "Blue" card and I receive statements in the post - from Florida for the account. The other is a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Mastercard. The statements again are posted to me, but from within the UK.

I'll check with AMEX to ensure they honour section 75 non-UK purchases, and likewise MSDW - I'm off on a wine run to Calais tomorrow and intend to use credit cards at various places in France.

I'll post the answers from Amex/MSDW here when known.

Mike

Thanks for your replies - yes Chateau Maison looks nice doesn't it? I don't know because I never got there!
I should say that I did receive a contract from Mrs Roberts confirming the price - I didn't just take the website price.
The judge said that the addition of the extra £350 was "a complete try on!".
I am indeed still pursuing other options to recover my money!

To RobM677.
If she lives in England( Mrs Roberts) use a debt recovery agent. With a court order they can consfigate property,make sure the court allows them to recover thier costs from her.

Hi just want to ask a silly question but surly £350 is a bit much for electricity ?

The judge said that the addition of the extra £350 was "a complete try on!".

I'll say!! You were right to walk away. Hope you get sorted in the near future.

If she lives in England...

She does and was very easy to find on Google

Both Amex Blue and MSDW cards are UK issued and hence carry section 75 protection when purchasing abroad - I asked both companies directly.

Mike

This sounds just awful. I rent out a small apartment and am unable to take credit cars but would never rip anyone off like that. The security damage sounds ridiculous.
If this tale is putting anyone off renting from owners, I can only suggest that you visit the http://www.laymyhat.com forum where you will see that there are many owners that really go out of their way to ensure that their guests have the best possible holiday.
No one likes these rip of merchants, including the many owners who do price fairly and do their best.