House rules

Short, and mostly about things that are genuinely different in a rural house.

The basics

Check in from 4:00 pm, check out by 10:00 am. Ten people maximum, and that is the number the septic system and the bed count are built around rather than an arbitrary limit. No parties and no events — it is a house on a quiet road with neighbors who live here all year.

No smoking anywhere indoors. Pets are welcome with the pet fee; tell me in advance, and dogs are not left alone in the house.

The septic system

The house uses a septic system. Flush only toilet paper and human waste. Do not flush wipes, including those labeled flushable, paper towels, or hygiene products. Use the trash cans provided.

The wood stoves

Both work and you are welcome to use them. Wood is supplied. The doors stay shut when a fire is lit, ash goes in the metal bucket and not the trash can, and the fire is out before you go to bed or leave the house. If you have never run a wood stove, message me and I will talk you through the safety steps before you light a fire.

Trash, and bears

Black bears live in the area. Never approach or feed them. Put trash in the bear-resistant container, secure the lid, and keep food and trash bags off the deck.

Winter

The driveway is plowed. You still want winter tires — summer tires on this road in February are not a risk worth taking whatever the car. Shovel and roof rake are in the shed. If a storm is forecast for your arrival, message me and I will tell you what the road is actually doing.

If something breaks

Please report damage promptly so it can be addressed. The $500 security deposit is charged at booking and refunded after your stay following inspection, less any documented damage beyond normal wear.

The lake

There is no lifeguard and there are no bathrooms at the beach. If small children are swimming, an adult is the lifeguard. Life jackets for the canoe are in the shed and children wear them.