Terms of use

Effective Date: 25th March 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

At Homestead Horizon (referred to as “we”, “us”, or “our”), by becoming a member of Homestead Horizon (meaning you have checked the consent box to agree to these terms as well as our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy), you agree to be bound by the following Terms of Use. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use the site.

2. Use of the Site and Content

Informational Purposes Only: The content provided on Homestead Horizon is for informational and educational purposes only.
No Professional Advice: We are not a professional advice service. Any action you take based on the information or inspiration derived from our content is at your own risk.
Personal Responsibility: You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions taken as a result of the content on this site.
Content and Community Guidelines: Some of the content shared on this website, as well as on our related channels (including email and social media), reflects the personal opinions of authors, combined with publicly available information and resources. These views are not definitive interpretations of what is right or wrong. While we welcome healthy debate and differing opinions, we ask that you express your views politely. If you engage in an impolite or disruptive manner, we reserve the right to remove your comments or chats, or terminate your membership and/or access without notice.
No Liability for Actions Taken: Homestead Horizon and its administrators and contributors do not accept any responsibility or liability for any outcomes, direct or indirect, that may arise from actions taken based on the content or guidance provided on this website or any associated channels.
"As Is" Basis: All content is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to the accuracy or reliability of any information.
User Discretion Advised: We encourage you to verify any information before relying on it and to seek professional advice where appropriate.

3. Intellectual Property

Content Ownership: All content on Homestead Horizon is the intellectual property of its creators and/or content partners, unless otherwise indicated.
Images/content used: Any image, video, drawing or other content displayed on our website, emails, social media channels and so on, are supplied from Unsplash, or private photographs from individuals used with their consent.
Usage Restrictions: You may not directly reproduce, distribute, or republish any part of this website's content without our explicit permission.

4. Modifications to the Terms

Right to Amend: We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms of Use at any time. Any changes will take effect immediately upon posting on this page. Where material changes occur, we will notify users via their registered account email at least 7 days before the changes take effect. We encourage you to review these terms regularly to stay informed of any updates.
Continued Use Implies Acceptance: Your continued use of Homestead Horizon after any changes have been made constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.
Our Other Policies: The information within this document should be understood along with the contents of our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
Possibility of Discontinuation: Although we will do all that we can to keep our service producing content, there is of course the apparent risk that Homestead Horizon may need to cease operations which could include a combination or sum of halting all memberships, closing down our website, and deleting any content or other related channels. We will provide at least 7 days’ notice before discontinuing the service, except in circumstances beyond our control. Upon doing so, member data will be deleted and removed from all systems as necessary. This will also include all subscriber payments to be discontinued to stop reoccurring future payments.
Notice to Subscribers: For members on subscription plans, we will provide a clear and direct notification via the email address registered with your account at least seven (7) days prior to the effective date of any critical changes that affect your subscription terms or the benefits associated with your membership. The notification will detail the nature of the changes, their impact, and the date on which the updated Terms will come into force. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, you are encouraged to contact us promptly. Continued use of our service following the effective date of such changes will constitute your acceptance of the modified terms.

5. Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in England and Wales.

6. Our Donations

At Homestead Horizon, we are committed to supporting initiatives that align with our values. We donate 9% of our monthly membership revenue to the International Tree Fund, a charity dedicated to the preservation and growth of our planet's forests. This regular contribution reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and the importance of collective action in safeguarding our natural world. These contributions are paid directly between the 20th and 25th of each month. We ensure that all contributions are documented and processed transparently, in accordance with UK fundraising best practices.

As our donations are calculated on the basis of the membership revenue received within each calendar month, the method of calculation differs depending on the member’s chosen subscription type. For members on a monthly contribution plan, we determine the applicable donation percentage from the monthly payment received, as this revenue is paid to us on a recurring monthly basis. For members who select an annual subscription, we apply the relevant donation percentage to the full annual fee in the month it is paid, and include that amount within that month’s donation only. No further donation amounts are attributed to that member’s subscription in subsequent months, as the annual payment is made once for the entire year. This approach ensures that all donation calculations remain accurate, transparent, and directly linked to the revenue actually received during each monthly donation cycle.

How we calculate donations — For clarity, ‘monthly profits’ means gross subscription revenue less direct platform fees (Stripe/Ghost) and direct refunds for that calendar month. We will keep records of each monthly calculation and donation receipts for at least 24 months and make summary donation reports available to members on request.

Additionally, through our payment integration with Stripe, we donate 1% of all paid member subscription revenue to Stripe's CO2 emissions reduction initiatives. More details about these initiatives can be found here.

These donations will occur each month on a manual basis on our behalf, and therefor fluctuate depending on the total revenue from subscriptions/contributions at the time. We also look to calculate these amounts within 5 hours of when the donation process will commence (for our donations to the International Tree Fund).

While we are proud to support these causes, we reserve the right to amend or discontinue any donations at any time and for any reason. Changes to our International Tree Fund contributions will be communicated via our email to members, with a minimum notice period of 7 days. This also applies to our auto contributions to Stripe’s CO2 emissions reduction contributions.

7. Promotional Offers

Homestead Horizon may periodically and temporarily run promotional offers, discounts, or special campaigns to benefit our users. These offers are made at our sole discretion and are subject to specific terms and conditions which will be outlined at the time of the promotion. We may run these offers as promotions on specific channels, therefore there will possibly be times where users may only find these links/codes through specific channels, such as social media posts.

We reserve the right to modify or terminate any promotional offer at any time without prior notice. Any changes or discontinuation of such offers will take immediate effect.

Promotional offers apply only to new purchases made during the promotional period and cannot be applied retroactively.

8. Subscription Services

Joining Homestead Horizon as a free member allows users to create an account using their email address, giving access to exclusive content and community updates. Members receive monthly round-up newsletters featuring curated insights and seasonal highlights, along with access to all articles (combination of public articles and member exclusive features). While we aim to release new content on a regular schedule, there may occasionally be times where an article is delayed or published on a different day due to various circumstances.

Members can manage their preferences at any time via their account portal, including the option to unsubscribe from emails or delete their account entirely. We are committed to respecting your choices and ensuring that all communications comply with relevant data protection and privacy regulations.

When you subscribe to Homestead Horizon, we collect and securely store your username and email address on our database, which is managed through Ghost CMS. This data is used solely for the purpose of managing your subscription, delivering content, and ensuring you receive the best possible experience with us. For further details on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Free trial and cancellation for Contributors — Your free trial lasts 14 days. If you do not cancel before the trial ends you will be charged on the day the trial expires. To avoid the next billing cycle you must cancel at least 24 hours before the trial end time shown in your account. Refunds for the first paid period are handled case‑by‑case; please contact us within 14 days of the charge for consideration.”

Please note the following regarding unsubscribing and account deletion:

Unsubscribing from our communications does not delete your account.
We will retain your email address and username (if provided) on our system but will cease all marketing and newsletter emails unless you choose to resubscribe.
Your access to our content (as determined by your subscription level) will remain unchanged after unsubscribing.

If you wish to delete your account and have your personal data removed, you may:

Contact us via the “Contact Support” function on your portal, or
Email us directly at homesteadcommunity@gmail.com with “Account Deletion Request” in the subject line.

We will process your deletion request promptly and in accordance with applicable data-protection laws. If you have any questions about how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy or get in touch at the address above.

Contributor tier

Please note that all payment information related to your subscription is processed and securely managed by Stripe, our third-party payment provider. Homestead Horizon does not have access to your sensitive payment details. Stripe’s privacy and security policies govern the handling of your payment information, and we encourage you to review these policies for further details.

You can manage your subscription at anytime, as well as your preferences/account deletion, via our membership portal on this website. Please contact us at homesteadhcommunity@gmail.com if you wish to receive any further details about your subscription.

Please note that users cannot unsubscribe from transactional emails sent via our Stripe payment integration, as these emails are essential for providing key payment and subscription-related information.

Our subscription price may occasionally increase or decrease. Should any changes be made, we will provide clear notice at least 14 days in advance via email and on our website before the new pricing takes effect. In the event that a price change occurs, subscribers will have the option to cancel before the changes apply.

If we change subscription prices, existing subscribers will be notified at least 14 days in advance and may cancel before the change takes effect. We will not increase the price of an existing subscription mid‑billing period without offering a pro‑rata refund for the unused portion.

Each month, we send out a round‑up email that offers a comprehensive wrap‑up of current trends and insights from the homesteading and self‑sufficiency world, as well as highlights from our community. These emails are typically delivered between the 22nd and 27th of each month, though there may occasionally be months when the content arrives a little earlier or later monthly timing flexibility.

The content and length of these emails may vary from month to month. Generally, you can expect a detailed look into emerging trends, geographical highlights, community activities, previews of what’s coming next month, and additional relevant topics designed to keep you well informed and engaged monthly content variety.

From time to time, these newsletters may not be titled “Round‑Up.” Instead, other key pieces of content, such as annual reviews, seasonal summaries, or special‑edition updates, may serve as that month’s round‑up alternative newsletter formats. These emails can be turned off at any time in your member portal member portal controls.

10. Paid Subscriptions and Contributor Member Benefits

We provide a 14-day cooling off period for all paid subscriptions. During this period, you may cancel your subscription for any reason. Once the cooling off period has expired, cancellation of your subscription will be governed by our standard cancellation policy found below, and any cancellation requests thereafter may not be eligible for a refund.

This provision is offered in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws and does not affect any statutory rights you may have.

Please note that all benefits and processes outlined above are subject to modification and may be amended, suspended, or withdrawn at the sole discretion of Homestead Horizon with prior notice to the member of at least 14 days.

Pricing of the Contributor tier is currently set at £3.49 per month, or £36 per year, billed each month or annually from that date of the end of your initial 14 day trial.

Free Trial & Cooling-Off Period

We offer a 14-day free trial for new subscribers, which serves as the legally required cooling-off period under UK and EU consumer laws.
During this trial, members can cancel at any time without being charged.
Members will have full access to Contributor benefits throughout the trial period.
If a member does not cancel within 14 days, their subscription will automatically begin, and the first payment will be processed.
If a member chooses to cancel their Contributor subscription, they will not be able to renew for a period of two months following cancellation. This pause is in place to ensure fair access and consistent participation across our community. In cases where a member repeatedly subscribes and cancels in a manner we consider excessive or disruptive, we reserve the right to restrict further renewals at our discretion. All decisions will be made in accordance with our terms of service and with consideration for the integrity of the platform.

Refund Policy

We offer a free trial period to allow you to explore our platform before committing to a paid subscription. Once the free trial ends and your paid membership begins, we do not offer refunds for any payments made. By starting your subscription, you acknowledge that you are entering into a paid service and that your 14 day cancellation period is within the 14 days free trial period.

If you experience any issues with your membership, please contact us at homesteadhcommunity@gmail.com, we’re always happy to help, and will look to refund payments only for faulty services on our behalf.

Any potential refunds will be issued via the original payment method within 5–10 business days.
Any transaction fees deducted by Stripe (our payment provider) may affect the refunded amount.

Failed Payments & Subscription Cancellation policy

If a member's payment fails, our payment provider, Stripe, will automatically attempt to retry the transaction up to 8 times over a 2-week period.
During this retry period, the member will retain full access to premium features and will receive notifications informing them of the failed payment.
If all retries are unsuccessful, the subscription will be cancelled, and the member’s access to premium content will be revoked.
Members are encouraged to update their payment details if necessary promptly to avoid disruption.

Cancelling After the 14-Day Free Trial

If a member cancels their paid membership after the trial period, their subscription will end at the conclusion of the current billing cycle.
They will retain access to exclusive benefits until the end of their paid period, after which their access will be revoked.
Stripe (our payment processor) will stop any future recurring payments upon cancellation, ensuring the user is not billed again.

How to Cancel

Members can cancel their subscription through their account settings in the account portal of the website. Once cancelled, Stripe will process the termination, ensuring no future charges apply.

To initiate a cancellation or refund request, please do so in your portal on our website, found in the top left hand corner of your screen in the 'Account' section of the website.

For any issues or questions regarding cancellations or billing, please contact homesteadhcommunity@gmail.com

By subscribing to our service, you acknowledge and agree that these refund and cancellation terms apply, and that your statutory rights remain protected in accordance with relevant laws.

Benefits

The following terms apply specifically to users who purchase a Contributor Membership. These terms operate in addition to the general Homestead Horizon Terms of Use and form part of your agreement with us.

1. Contributor Newsletter

Contributor Members receive a bi‑monthly digital newsletter created exclusively for this tier. The content, structure and themes of each edition may vary from month to month and no specific topics, features or formats are guaranteed. Access to the newsletter is provided for personal use only and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or republished without our prior written permission.

Please note - If you subscribe and while on a 14‑day free trial and the next scheduled contributor newsletter is set to be sent during that trial, that newsletter will be delivered to you as the first newsletter of your subscription. If the next scheduled newsletter is set to be sent after your trial ends, we will send you the most recently issued newsletter during your trial so you can view an example of the content before your first payment; after that, you will receive newsletters on the normal bi‑monthly schedule.

Newsletters are sent every other month with six sends per calendar year; specific send dates may vary for editorial or operational reasons. Receiving a newsletter during or immediately after a trial does not extend the trial or change billing dates.

2. Digital Gallery Access

Contributor Members receive access to the Homestead Horizon Digital Gallery, which contains original photography and visual content produced by our team and approved content partners.
You may download and use these images for personal, non‑commercial purposes only, including wallpapers, prints, mood boards or private creative projects.
You must not resell, license, commercially distribute, or claim ownership of any gallery content. All intellectual property rights remain with Homestead Horizon and/or the original creators.

3. Use of Membership Fees

Contributor Membership fees directly support the operation and development of Homestead Horizon. Your payments contribute towards editor/ content producer income, platform maintenance, editorial production, and the running and promotion of the publication. A portion of each monthly payment (currently 10%) is allocated to environmental and sustainability initiatives selected by Homestead Horizon. These allocations may change over time, but we will always use reasonable efforts to ensure funds are directed towards projects that align with our mission.

4. Availability of Benefits

We aim to provide ongoing access to the Contributor Newsletter and Digital Gallery for the duration of your active subscription. However, we reserve the right to update, modify, or replace specific features or content where necessary for operational, editorial, or legal reasons. Any such changes will not materially reduce the overall value of the Contributor Membership and we will look to inform all Contributor members within a minimum of 24 days before any changes take place

5. Cancellation and Access

If your Contributor Membership ends or is cancelled, access to Contributor‑only benefits, including the bi-monthly newsletter send and Digital Gallery, will cease at the end of the active billing cycle. Any images downloaded during an active subscription may continue to be used for personal, non‑commercial purposes, but all other rights terminate after this period.

11.Content Partners

The following terms apply specifically to individuals or organisations who collaborate with Homestead Horizon as Content Partners. These terms operate alongside our general Terms of Use and govern the submission, publication and ongoing use of partner‑provided content.

Nature of Work, Scheduling and Logistics

Content Partner collaborations vary in format and frequency. Some projects may be one‑off pieces, while others may be recurring or ongoing. The structure, timing and scope of each collaboration are agreed on an ad hoc basis between Homestead Horizon and the Content Partner. No specific schedule, volume of work or continuity of projects is guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in a separate written agreement.

All timelines, deadlines and publication logistics will be arranged collaboratively and may differ from project to project. Homestead Horizon retains discretion to adjust schedules where necessary for editorial, operational or legal reasons, and will communicate changes to the partner wherever reasonably possible.

Partnership Requests and Mutual Interest

Homestead Horizon welcomes expressions of interest from potential Content Partners; however, partnership opportunities are limited and based on mutual interest, suitability and editorial alignment. Collaboration is not open to everyone by default, and submission of an idea, proposal or request does not create any entitlement to become a Content Partner. Homestead Horizon may decline, postpone or choose not to respond to certain enquiries at its sole discretion and for any reason. Decisions regarding whether to proceed with a partnership, the scope of any work, and the timing or logistics of collaboration remain entirely at the discretion of Homestead Horizon.

Onboarding and Account Access

Content Partners will be provided with access to a private author workspace within our Ghost CMS platform. Access is granted via an invitation link sent to the email address supplied by the partner. Partners must create their own login credentials and are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account details.

Homestead Horizon may reset or update passwords where necessary for security reasons, including suspected unauthorised access, technical vulnerabilities or account misuse. We do not store or have access to your chosen password.

Author Profile

Content Partners may customise their author profile within Ghost, including biography text, profile image and relevant links. All profile content must comply with our community standards and editorial guidelines. Homestead Horizon reserves the right to amend or remove any profile elements that are inappropriate, inaccurate or inconsistent with our brand or values.

Partners remain responsible for ensuring that all information displayed in their profile is accurate and lawful.

Nature of Work and Collaboration

Work undertaken with Content Partners may be one‑off or recurring, depending on the needs of Homestead Horizon and the agreement made at the time. No ongoing or future work is guaranteed unless explicitly confirmed in a separate written contract.

Some collaborative work may be unpaid, and some may be paid, depending on the nature, scope and purpose of the project. Paid work will be agreed on an ad hoc basis, and Homestead Horizon will provide payment terms in writing before work begins. Where payment is agreed, the Content Partner will invoice Homestead Horizon in accordance with the agreed terms.

Homestead Horizon works collaboratively with Content Partners to develop, refine and prepare material for publication. This may include agreeing topics, providing editorial guidance, suggesting revisions and determining the most suitable publication format or schedule. Final editorial control rests with Homestead Horizon.

Approval and Publication

No partner content will be published without the partner’s written approval of the final edited draft. Once approved, Homestead Horizon may publish the content on our platform and associated channels.

If a Content Partner withdraws from collaboration after approving a piece, Homestead Horizon may, at its sole discretion, proceed with publication or choose not to publish.

Intellectual Property and Joint Ownership

Content Partners warrant that all submitted material is original, lawful and does not infringe any third‑party rights.

Upon approval of the final draft, the Content Partner grants Homestead Horizon a perpetual, worldwide, royalty‑free licence to edit, reproduce, publish, distribute and promote the content across all Homestead Horizon platforms and marketing channels.

Intellectual property rights in the approved work will be jointly owned by the Content Partner and Homestead Horizon, unless otherwise agreed in writing. This joint ownership applies only to the final approved version of the work, not to earlier drafts or unused submissions.

Use of Partner Content in Marketing

Homestead Horizon may use approved partner content, in whole or in part, within promotional materials, newsletters, social media posts or other marketing communications. No payment, royalty or compensation will be provided for such use unless a separate written agreement is in place.

No Employment or Agency Relationship

Participation as a Content Partner does not create an employment, contractor, agency or joint‑venture relationship with Homestead Horizon. All collaboration is undertaken on a voluntary or ad hoc basis unless a separate written contract specifies otherwise.

Conduct and Platform Use

Content Partners must use their Ghost workspace responsibly and solely for drafting or reviewing material intended for Homestead Horizon. Partners may not publish content directly, access other authors’ work or modify site settings.

Homestead Horizon reserves the right to suspend or revoke access without notice if a partner breaches these terms, submits harmful or inappropriate content, misuses the platform or acts in a way that may damage Homestead Horizon’s reputation or operations.

Removal or Withdrawal of Content

Homestead Horizon may remove or withdraw partner content at any time for editorial, legal or operational reasons. Where possible, we will notify the partner, but we are not obliged to do so.

Liability and Indemnity

Content Partners are responsible for ensuring their submissions are lawful, accurate and do not infringe third‑party rights. Partners agree to indemnify Homestead Horizon, its staff and representatives against any claims, losses, damages or expenses arising from copyright infringement, defamation, breach of privacy, unlawful content or breach of these terms.

Termination of Partnership

Either party may end the partnership at any time. Upon termination, Ghost access will be revoked. Homestead Horizon may continue to display previously approved content under the licence and joint ownership terms above, unless both parties agree in writing to remove it.

12.Member Discussion

By participating in the community as a member in our member discussions, found under each article, you acknowledge that all comments and contributions reflect the individual opinions of the users and are not to be regarded as definitive truth or endorsed by us. All views expressed are intended solely to foster polite conversation, formal debate, and a thoughtful exchange of ideas.

The comment sections within our website are provided as a space for community discussion and engagement. However, users participate at their own discretion and are solely responsible for any personal information they choose to share. We do not recommend using personal information or details such as your date of birth or location in the comments section. If you choose to do so, it is entirely at your own risk.

In the event of disputes arising from user interactions within the comment section, we do not accept liability for any outcomes resulting from such exchanges. By using the comment section, users acknowledge that they are responsible for their own privacy and interactions.

Please note that we reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to modify, amend, hide, or remove any comments or posts at any time without prior notice, explanation, or obligation to contact the commenter. While we strive to monitor all submitted content, the volume of contributions may at times exceed our capacity for immediate review. We therefore ask for your understanding that some posts may not be scrutinised in real time.

Additionally, we maintain a strict policy against hate speech and any form of abusive language. Any comment deemed threatening, abusive, or in violation of our guidelines may be subject to removal, and where appropriate, we reserve the right to report the offending user to the relevant authorities. By engaging with our platform, you agree to these terms as part of our Terms of Use.

Removal of User-Submitted Content

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion and at any time, to remove, delete or modify any content submitted by users. This includes, but is not limited to, entire articles along with any associated comments, gallery content, and any other materials provided by you. We are under no obligation to provide advance notice or reasons for these actions. By submitting content to our platform, you acknowledge and agree that we may remove your content in its entirety without incurring any liability, and that you shall have no claim to compensation or redress arising from such removal. Users are responsible for retaining copies of any materials they post should they wish to, as we cannot guarantee their long-term preservation of this content.

13. Product, Service, and Source Recommendations

Unless explicitly stated as sponsored content or otherwise affiliated, any product, service, or source recommended on this website is entirely unpaid and provided solely for informational purposes. We do not receive nor accept any form of compensation for the inclusion of such recommendations, and the content presented should not be regarded as an endorsement.

The views and opinions expressed in these recommendations stem from our personal experience, opinion and research. They do not constitute professional advice, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Accordingly, we accept no liability for any loss, damage, injustice, or adverse outcome that may arise directly or indirectly from your reliance on or use of any product, service, or content recommended on this website and affiliated communications channels. We strongly advise you to conduct your own due diligence and, where appropriate, consult a qualified professional before acting upon any recommendations.

14. Article Amendments

We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to add to, amend, or remove any posts or other content on our site at any time and for any reason, without prior notice or an obligation to contact the user. This provision applies to all contributions, ensuring that our platform remains responsible and in line with our community standards.

15. Account Deletion and Data Retention

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts in cases of antisocial behaviour, failure to complete payments, or other breaches of our Terms of Use. Where possible, we will provide prior notice and a reason for account termination, except in cases of serious misconduct or legal obligations requiring immediate action.

Retention periods — We retain transactional and accounting data for up to 6 years where required for tax and accounting purposes. Personal data used for marketing will be retained only until you request account deletion. Account deletion removes personal profile data within 30 days, but anonymised transactional records may be retained for legal compliance.

Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding these Terms of Use, please contact us at: Email: homesteadhcommunity@gmail.com

By using Homestead Horizon, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms of Use along with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Registered address - 4th Floor, Silverstream House 45 Fitzroy Street, Fitzrovia London W1T 6EB