VS205 what does the flashing mail sign mean?

Question

Hi.We re renting our house, and there's no manual for this phone (NTL VS205)There is a flashing mail sign (like a text sign on a mobile) in the top right hand corner of the screen. I can't fugure out why it's there, or whether there is some vital message waiting for me that I have missed!I have tried pushing the clear/mute button and then 2 to play messages, but then it just beeps. There don't appear to be any messages. Can you help?I also sometimes have a little house icon in the top RH corner too. What's this? Any suggestions gratefully received!