Rudeness

We made a booking for a weekend away for November unfortunately we cancled but 2months in advance. I asked for our deposit back and the owner of the house said he must first find someone for that weekend now. So I kept in touch I emailed tried to call Sent whatsapp after whatsapp and he has been ignoring me and has not returned our deposit. I don't see why that we must wait for someone to take that weekend to get our money back. His arrogant and rude. I did say that if I don't hear from him I'm going to seek legal advice and his reply was his phone was lost and there will be no further communication. I have yet heard from him and I have emailed the safari.now as he works there too and haven't gotten a reply.