| 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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