House policies

Pets

Guests are welcome to bring one pet under the following conditions: Pets must be fully house-trained. If left unattended in the home, pets must be crated to prevent any damage or disruptions. Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets, both inside and outside the property. Any damage caused by pets will be the guest’s responsibility and may result in additional charges. By bringing a pet, guests acknowledge and agree to these terms to ensure a comfortable stay for everyone.

Cancellation

Guests may cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, as long as the check-in date is at least 90 days away. After this 24-hour window, all bookings are non-refundable. No refunds are given for cancellations made within 90 days of check-in, no-shows, or early departures. Payment processing fees and any special arrangements made at the guest’s request are also non-refundable.

In the event of unforeseen disruptions such as natural disasters or extended utility outages, we will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis and may offer to reschedule the stay.

Check-in and checkout

Check-in is any time after 4:00 p.m. and checkout is by 11:00 a.m. We offer convenient self check-in via smart lock. Early check-ins and late checkouts may be available upon request and are subject to availability and an additional fee.

Unauthorized early check-ins will not be granted access to the property and may result in cancellation without refund. Guests who check out late without prior approval will incur additional fees, up to and including the full nightly rate. These charges do not entitle guests to extended occupancy and may result in further action, including involvement of law enforcement if necessary.

Safety

For guest safety, please note that the property includes a hot tub that is not gated or locked, as well as nearby natural bodies of water including a lake and river. Extra caution is advised, especially with children. The home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for your protection.

Exterior security cameras are installed for safety and property monitoring: one on the detached garage facing the back of the cottage, one over the rear exit overlooking the gravel driveway and garage, and one above the front door pointed at the porch. All cameras record both audio and video continuously. These measures are in place to help ensure a safe and secure stay for all guests.

Reservations

We do not permit third-party bookings. The person making the reservation must be the person staying at the property. All guests must be declared prior to booking, and we reserve the right to refuse anyone for any reason. Undeclared guests may incur additional charges and risk cancellation without refund.

Guests must have a working phone number on file. If we are unable to reach you before or during your stay, your reservation may be subject to cancellation without refund.

Smoking

There is a strict no-smoking policy inside the home and in any areas directly around the property, including the porch, patio, and deck. Smoking must be done a reasonable distance away from the home and never on any of the outdoor living areas. Guests are required to bring their own ashtrays or appropriate containers for disposing of smoking materials. Discarding smoking-related items anywhere on the property is strictly prohibited.

Any evidence of indoor smoking or discarded smoking materials on the property will result in a $300 smoking fee per day and/or a $150 fee per cigarette butt or item of related litter found.

Events

Events, parties, or large gatherings of any kind are strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved in writing by the host. Unauthorized events will result in immediate cancellation of the reservation without refund and may involve notification of local law enforcement. This policy is enforced without exception to ensure the safety of guests and respect for the property and neighbours.

Cleanliness

Guests are expected to treat the property with respect and care. Any damage sustained during the stay will result in a fee equal to or greater than the cost required to repair or replace items to their original condition.

Excessive mess or disregard for cleanliness beyond normal usage may result in an additional $200 cleaning fee. Examples include, but are not limited to: stained linens or furniture, dirty walls, excessive garbage left behind, or unwashed dishes and cookware.

Business use

Guests are not permitted to receive mail or packages at the property under any circumstances unless explicitly authorized in writing by the host. The property address may not be used for personal, business, legal, or official purposes, including but not limited to registering accounts, applying for licenses, or listing as a business address.

Additionally, the property may not be used to operate or promote any business, hold meetings, host client visits, or conduct commercial activities of any kind without prior written consent. Any violation of this policy may result in cancellation of the reservation without refund, additional fees, and legal liability for any consequences arising from unauthorized use.

Fees

Integrity

We take the integrity of our property and reputation seriously. Any verifiably false, misleading, or defamatory statements, whether written, spoken, or posted publicly, about the property, its condition, amenities, or hosts will be considered a breach of the booking agreement. This includes but is not limited to reviews on online platforms, social media posts, or communication with third parties. In such cases, the host reserves the right to cancel the reservation without refund, and legal action may be pursued to recover damages.

By confirming your reservation, you agree to provide honest feedback and to communicate any concerns directly to the host during your stay to allow for timely resolution.

Acknowledgement

By confirming your booking, you agree to all of the above policies and understand that non-compliance may result in cancellation without refund, forfeiture of your security deposit, additional penalties, and/or legal action.