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Cottage: Serenity Now

   
COTTAGE RULES: A Note to Our Guests

The Cottage Rules are a further addition to the terms and conditions of rental outlined on your Cottage Booking Agreement. Please review both documents carefully and assure that all members of your party are familiar with the contents, particularly the conditions of rental and cleanliness guidelines. Just as you appreciated the clean and well maintained state in which you found the cottage, we ask that you leave the cottage clean and tidy for the next guests.

Entertaining guests is very much part of cottage life; however the maximum number of persons determined for this cottage is based on the capacity of the septic system, the number of beds, and the owner's wishes. Remember that the cottage is occupied on an ongoing basis throughout the summer by other clients and our own family and friends in addition to your party. Please do not exceed the maximum number of persons allowed with regard to guests. Your thoughtful consideration of your cottage neighbors' need for quiet and privacy will be appreciated. (Please refer to paragraph 8 under Terms and Conditions on your booking Application Form.)

EMERGENCY CONTACTS: If there is an emergency at the cottage, or you run into a problem related to the running of equipment etc., please contact Edward J. Barker, CA 800.634.5537 or 519.371.1648 or 519.372.5862 (Cell). In June, please call me at 011.65.6466.4149 (note 12 hour time difference)

COTTAGE AREA EMERGENCY CALL 911 AND QUOTE (Address Removed)

POWER/HEAT SOURCE: Most cottages are located in rural areas and the electrical power may be interrupted from time to time, and it may stay off a little longer than it would in the city. We suggest you bring a few flashlights for emergencies. Also, if the power does go out, remember that the water system operates on an electric pump. DO NOT RUN THE WATER WHEN THE ELECTRICITY IS OFF. You may empty the water lines and need to prime the pump if this happens. If any plumbing problem arises, call Ken Acton in Owen Sound at 519.373.2942 or 519.376.6249 Shop.

Location of fuse box/electrical panel: Middle bedroom behind brown door. The power stays on permanently.

FIREPLACE: The fireplace is electric; it looks like a fire, it heats like a fire, but its not a fire. Still, little hands should not come in contact with glass if heat element is on. You can have just the fire going without heat for a romantic evening on a hot day, or turn the thermostat on for the heat element to kick in too. We also have two baseboard heaters controlled by thermostats. One thermostat is in the hall, the other in the master bedroom. Please do not run the fireplace and the microwave at the same time or the fuse will blow.

OUTDOOR FIRES: Recreational "campfires" are only allowed because we have an established permanent fire pit area. Before lighting any fire out of doors, check with the local Municipal office at 534-1400 with regard to fire regulations, restrictions and required permits. That is, make sure there is no fire ban on.

WASTE DISPOSAL: Never leave garbage outside the cottage unless it is in a tightly covered wood or metal garbage container. Country critters (raccoons, bears, skunks...) love garbage. Unless you wish to be visited by these friendly and hungry animals, please follow the garbage disposal instructions Garbage can be left in the bin at the end of the driveway every Monday morning, and recycling pick up is every other Monday. If you have garbage left at the end of your stay please take all garbage to the landfill site. Any Garbage left at the end of your stay will result in a $30.00 per bag charge (their rules, not mine). To avoid this, go to the dump on your way out. Its directly across the road, but you have to go around the concession to get to it.

WATER SOURCE: Many cottage properties use the lake as a water source. We use the water from the creek but only for showering, laundry, and dishwashing. When we wash the dishes, we always add a smidge of bleach to the anti-bacterial soap --- just in case. The water may be safe to drink but why chance it. We provide a Culligan water cooler; if it runs out, take the bottle to the IGA in Southampton and they will refill it for, I think, $4 As noted above in "power/heat source", we use an electric pump to provide water inside the cottage. The pump will go off and on as the system requires water. Please note that normally it should not run for more than ten minutes or so when there is no water being run. Check owner instructions regarding pump and if you think advisable turn the pump off until you have contacted Ken Acton to determine if there is indeed a problem.

Cottage Water Source:

There is a filtered source of drinking water in the cottage.We supply your drinking water

Additional Notes Regarding Water Sources: (describe filter system, location of spring or source in town for municipal water) Location of Water Pump and Hot Water Heater: Pump is under deck facing south; water heater is in cupboard beside washroom 1.

BATHROOM/SEPTIC SYSTEM: Like most cottages and unless otherwise specified, this cottage operates on a septic system. The septic system is a very sensitive, and integral, part of cottage life. The basic rule is do not put anything down the toilet other than natural waste and toilet paper (and be conservative with the paper). Use one ply paper whenever possible. No paper towels, Kleenex, tampons, pads, matches, hair, grease, strong chemicals, etc. These are guaranteed to back up the system and believe me, you do not want that to happen. Also, it is easier on the system if you flush only when absolutely necessary. If its yellow, let it mellow, if its brown, flush it down. If the power goes out for a period of time, if you need to flush the toilet more than once, fill the tank up with water from the creek or the lake. See note under power/heat source. The septic bed (identified outdoors as the large flat/level open section of the cottage lot) can be easily damaged by excessive weight. Do not drive over or park any vehicles in this area. Septic systems have a maximum capacity with regard to use (i.e., number of persons, washrooms, laundry, etc.) Please observe the maximum number of persons determined for this cottage and indicated on your rental agreement.

APPLIANCES: Special Instructions on Operation of Appliances: (stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) (Location of operating manuals, idiosyncrasies, etc.) Operating manuals in closet behind couch

BARBECUE: A gas barbecue is provided, we would ask that you refill the propane tank if it runs out during your stay, or, if you use it a great deal during your stay. That way it will be ready for the next guest to use. Please do not burn any foreign materials (e.g,. wood) in the barbecue if it is a gas/propane type. Barbecue grill should be cleaned /brushed after each use. Most gas barbecues will have operating instructions affixed to them. If not, make sure that when lighting the barbecue that you have the lid open and the match or lighter burning already before you turn on the propane on the barbecue. After each use, turn off both the barbecue "On/OFF" valve and the cylinder or tank valve. Special Instructions Regarding Operation of Barbecue: (include location of nearest source of propane) Any gas Station in Sauble Beach

TELEVISION: TV service is a luxury restricted to urban areas, therefore be forewarned that in cottage country, television reception and selection of channels tends to be limited. But hey, you know boys and their toys! We have Express Vu and Satellite Radio providing 120 channels of uninterrupted music ... just for the rainy days of course. Special Instructions Regarding Operation of Television and/or Video Cassette Recorder, Stereo, etc. Turn the TV to channel 4 for VCR use, movie rentals available at Value Mart on the Main Street

RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT: If we have not indicated that a piece of recreational equipment is available on the inventory list, then it is generally not for the use of renters. That is, if there is a boat or motor etc. at the cottage, but one is not listed on your cottage inventory sheet, please do not use. But if its a 20 year old Monopoly game, knock yourself out and play to your heart's content. Just don't land on Park Place when you are low on cash.

COMMUNITY NOTES: Cottage communities have become very inter-dependent. Everyone knows everyone else and keeps an eye on their property for them. Don't be surprised if someone asks who you are. Explain that you are guests of the owners. You can save us a lot of grief if you indicate you are a friend, family member, or, co-worker. More about this later. Your due consideration of our place in that community will be appreciated - no loud parties or noise after 11:00 P.M., and observe normal boating and water guidelines, etc.

TELEPHONE: Guests are welcome to use the cottage telephone (the availability of a telephone at the cottage will be indicated on your Inventory Sheet) for local calls. Any long distance calls must be charged to another number or charged to your Bell credit card. Any long distance charges billed during the period of your occupancy will be re-billed to you or deducted from the security/damage deposit. A $20.00 administrative charge will be levied if the long distance charges must be re-billed or deducted from the security/deposit. In an emergency, you can call great Aunt Tizzy after her hip operation, but try to keep the call under an hour.

USE OF OWNER FOOD SUPPLIES: Since we use the cottage ourselves, we may leave some food supplies or staples at the cottage. You are welcome to use these if you need to, but we ask that you replace any supplies that become depleted during your stay.

PETS: If your rental agreement indicates that pets are not allowed, this conditions also applies to any guests that may visit during your stay.  PETS MAY BE ALLOWED AT THIS COTTAGE

CHECK OUT TIME: Your adherence to the check out time of 10:30 a.m. unless otherwise indicated on your booking confirmation form, will be appreciated, in order to allow time for cottage maintenance and preparation for the next cottage guests.

NOTES ON INSECTS, LOCAL WILDLIFE: Insects and mice are very much part of cottage country. To discourage these pests endeavor to keep exterior screen doors closed at all times. Comments: (Regarding the use and location of mouse/ant traps, bird feeders, local wildlife, etc.) Please don't use any kind of bug spray or poison within the cottage as we have young children that could get into it and become very ill. Its okay to spray yourself down at the water, just not around anything that could act as a host.

CLEANING: Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration in leaving the cottage (inside and out) thoroughly clean and tidy, as it was for your arrival. Cleaning equipment and supplies normally used, have been provided to make your task as easy as possible. If you deplete any of these supplies, please replace them for the next guest. (Please check the inventory list to determine if cleaning supplies are indeed included).

Cottage Cleaning List: Below is a housekeeping check list we would ask you to utilize prior to your departure at the end of your stay. (Please note that it is required that the cottage be left thoroughly clean and tidy. If the property requires additional cleaning following your departure, appropriate deductions will be made from your Security/Damage Deposit)

INSIDE COTTAGE:

( ) Sweep and damp mop all hard floor surfaces and vacuum all carpeted surfaces Dust throughout ( ) Wipe off all table/counter tops and all kitchen appliances ( ) If anything was spilled in the oven, please clean ( ) Empty fridge (and freezer) and wipe out ( ) Clean microwave** ( ) Empty all garbage containers ( ) If applicable, launder any cottage linens (bed, bath, or kitchen) that were used (unless you have prepaid for linen service - see above) ( ) Check the coffee maker** - don't leave grounds in Filter ( ) Clean tub, toilet, sink, mirror etc. in bathroom ( ) Fireplace - remove any finger prints on the glass and make sure its turned off. ( ) Clean finger prints/smudges from sliding glass/screen doors, windows, etc.

DECK/OUTSIDE AREAS:

( ) Make sure patio furniture, cushions etc. are properly stored ( ) Check for and dispose of any cigarette butts, garbage, dog leavings etc. ( ) Make sure barbecue** grill is cleaned off, and that barbecue and tank are turned off and cover put on, etc. (Do not leave propane tanks empty) ( ) Check shed/storage area doors etc. and make sure everything is properly stored and locked up ( ) If recreational equipment was used, please return to proper storage area

GENERAL:

( ) Check all windows, make sure they are closed and locked, close drapes ( ) Check all doors and make sure they are locked. Return Keys to lock box and place on Door knob.. ( ) Make sure all garbage cans have been emptied and garbage removed ( ) Don't leave behind beer cases or pop empties please ( ) Follow any special instructions from owners regarding power/heat source, pumps, etc. ( ) Check for personal belongings indoors and out (all rooms, drawers, under beds, waterfront, etc.) It seems every year we end up with at least one bathing suit. In fact, one year we found a lady's size 52 bathing suit left behind, yet none of our tenants appeared to be quite that, ah, healthy.

** applies only if these appliances/equipment have been provided at this cottage UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, CHECK OUT TIME IS l0:30 A.M.


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Barker Family Cottages  Contact Edward Barker   Outside North America the Phone number is 01.519.371.1648   In North America please call 1.800.634.5537   Email: info@edwardbarker.com   www.edwardbarker.com