Below are many questions and answers to most frequently asked questions. Please look them over and if you still have a question please don't hesitate to ask. If something is unclear please bring it to our attention.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- When do we book?
- Is the Availability calendar current?
- Minimum Booking Durations?
- How do we book your cottage?
- Payments/Costs?
- What happens if I need to cancel?
- What is a Security/Damage Deposit?
- How do I get the keys and find the cottage?
- What time of day to we check in and check out?
- Do I have to clean the cottage?
- What do I need to bring?
- If you have pet allergies...
- But why can't I bring "my four legged son" or cat?
- Can I have guests?
- Can I use my cell/mobile phone?
- Can I hook up my laptop?
- What about long distance telephone charges?
- How do I located a marina for boat rentals and what about fishing?
- Can I drink the water at the cottage?
- What happens if the barbeque runs out of Propane?
- What do we do about noisy neighbors?
- What do we do with our garbage?
- Safe boating regulations.
- What do I do if I have a question while I'm at the cottage?
- Television reception.
- Lake water levels.
- What about cottage life of the unwelcome four-legged kind?
When do we book?
Summer rentals are booked starting in January, with previous year's renters given first opportunity to rebook our cottage. The calendar is up to date. So if the date is not marked off - it is then still available. E-mail to confirm.
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Is the Availability calendar up to date?
The on-line calendar is updated daily. We will confirm availability with you when you call to reserve our cottage. When the cottage availability calendar date is blocked out that means it has been booked for that time. Please check back frequently to check for updates in case there has been a change of plans.
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On some occasions weekend booking will be available. People that have booked a week in the current year may have one weekend available to rent instead of the weekly minimum stay.
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Please send an e-mail stating the dates you are interested in. Please include who will be staying t the cottage during the time requested. Once we have determined that our cottage is available during the time requested and both parties are still interested in proceeding in the rental of our cottage, you will have a rental application to fill out. It will include some personal information including the names of the people occupying the cottage. We will require a non-refundable deposit to hold the cottage. If the booking is cancelled within 6 weeks of rental the deposit will be forfeited. If prior to the 6 weeks then half the deposit will be non-refundable. The deposit is $500.00. Payment is due in full for rental 1 month before rental. If a you cancel during the month prior to rental and the cottage can not be rented to another paying party then the payment is non-refundable. If the cottage is rented out for the full rental amount then only the $500 deposit is non-refundable.
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Our cottage rental rate is Canadian dollars. Payment should be made in Canadian funds but if payment is to be made in U.S. dollars then the daily rate of exchange will be applied plus an additional $50 fee. The deposit on the rental is due within five business days of the date we put the cottage on "hold" for you. Internet money transfer is available.
The total cost of the rental will include the cost of the cottage accommodation for the time period being rented. There may be options available at an additional cost. An example would be linens and towels. Any long distance charges are the responsibility of the renter. All taxes are included in the rates quoted. Please inquire about the options.
The initial deposit of $500.00 should be sent by e-mail transfer or money order with the balance paid by a personal cheque. A post-dated balance cheque (dated 6 weeks prior to occupancy) must be mailed to us within 10 business days of the time of booking. All bookings made within 4 weeks of occupancy must be paid in full by certified cheque or internet bank transfer.
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What if I have to cancel for any reason?
If you have to cancel for any reason our standard cancellation policy takes effect. If you have to cancel we would attempt to rebook the cottage on your behalf. If we are successful in doing so, we will refund any monies paid to us, less a non-refundable $500 cancellation fee. If we are not able to rebook the cottage, your deposit (or full payment if within the six weeks prior to occupancy) are forfeit.
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What is a Security/Damage Deposit?
The security/damage deposit of $500.00 is taken to ensure that the cottage is left in the same condition as found, including cleanliness. This includes the inside and outside grounds. Any cigarette butts or dog feces must be removed form the property and any area that it has been left. We are responsible for checking the cottage before and after each booking but renters are expected to leave the cottage clean and undamaged. Renters are also expected to use a calling card or their own mobile phone for any long distance calls.
The security/damage deposit is provided to us by way of a personal cheque at the time of booking. This cheque can be postdated to the day your stay commences. This cheque will be cashed and the money will be refunded after check-out and the cottage has been inspected. The amount will be refunded within three days after your stay providing there are no repairs or charges on the telephone line.
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Once we have received and processed your initial deposit and booking form, we forward a TRAVEL PACKAGE which contains:
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A booking confirmation, showing balance owing, booking dates, times of check in and out. |
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A Cottage Information Sheet - with bed sizes (bed & bath linen are not provided - you must bring your own unless prior arrangements have been made) and the other facilities provided. |
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A Map (mapquest driving directions) showing the route/directions from the your home to the cottage |
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A set of Cottage Instructions- these are our instructions and notes on using the cottage including the cottage telephone number. Please review carefully, prior to going to the cottage and call if you have any questions. Our name/telephone number and/or alternate contacts are noted here as well. |
PLEASE PUT THE TRAVEL PACKAGE IN A SAFE PLACE - THIS IS THE ONLY TRAVEL PACKAGE/INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE FOR YOUR BOOKING AND IT IS SENT OUT WITHIN TEN DAYS OF OUR RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOKING FORM AND DEPOSIT.
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Keys
We have a lock box beside the door at the cottage or someone will be there to give them to you and show you around. You will receive the combination for the lock box approximately one week prior to the start of your holiday.
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What time of day to we check in and check out?
Our "high season" i.e. summer bookings, start and end on Saturdays, check in is 3:00 p.m. and check out is 10:00 a.m. - this allows us to check the cottage between bookings. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT - that you leave by the check out time - and not arrive earlier than the check in time. Failure to depart on time means the owners are rushed in their work and the next people checking in are delayed. We do thank you for your consideration.
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Do I have to clean the cottage?
The short answer is YES! The cottage must be left in the condition or better than what it was found. If the cottage is found to be in a state worse than how it was originally found then a minimum of $150.00 house keeping charge will be deducted from the security deposit. If carpets require cleaning then there is an additional charge for this as well. The only system that works consistently, is to require renters to respect the cottage as if it was their own. Clean up as you go as well as clean the cottage prior to leaving - basically leave the cottage in the same condition as you found it - and everyone will be happy. Cleaning supplies and equipment are always left at the cottage. As noted elsewhere, the owners will check the cottage between rentals to ensure that the cottage is in appropriate condition for your arrival but renters are responsible as noted above. Please refer to the Cottage Instructions.
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Please check the cottage information sheet provided to you at the time of booking for a list of cottage facilities and amenities. We provide pillows and blankets/comforters, but do not provide bed/bath linens or kitchen linens unless arranged ahead of time for an additional fee.
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We do have three non-shedding dogs. They are hypo-allergenic but some people will still have reactions. Our cottage is a non-smoking environment. If you have allergies, please ask regarding this at time of booking.
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But why can't I bring "our four legged son" if he sheds or my cat?
We have allergies to shedding dogs and are extremely allergic to cats. Do not leave your dog unattended unless he / she is in a safe area like a crate. Your dogs must be confined to our property and not left to roam. They are not allowed to bark and disturb the neighbors. There are several other dogs in the area so please make sure your dog is a friendly one. Likely while walking down the road you will encounter another resident and their dog. Also very important to us is that your dog is up to date on all vaccinations. I may require proof. We do breed dogs so we would not want a sick animal on our property. Please include the type of dog and number of dogs that will be on the property on the application form.
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For many families, entertaining is part of cottage life. If that's the case for you, make sure the cottage you rent will accommodate the TOTAL group - guests, children, as well as your own family.
The MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY is clearly noted on our Cottage Information Sheet. It is the number of people our cottage can safely accommodate with respect to septic system, pumps, etc. We are very concerned about the number of people at a cottage with respect to the wear and tear on the cottage systems, which are much more sensitive than our city dwellings. Nothing should go down the toilet other than what it is meant for. Toilet paper is better off put in the trash can to ensure there is no septic problem created by putting down too much toilet paper. At no times should Kleenex or Wet Wipes be put down the toilet. The septic is new and has no issues. If one starts during or after your occupancy you will be responsible to fix it.
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Can I use my cell/mobile phone?
Our cottage area has quite good cellular service. Depending on your provider and quality of your phone will determine the signal quality. We use bell mobility and have full range in most places. I have found if there is no service in an area, turn your phone off and then turn it back on. You will usually get service after.
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We do have the necessary phone jack and touch-tone line service that will permit you to hook up your lap top, a fax machine - or even call home to check messages.
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What about long distance telephone charges?
Renters are responsible for all long distance telephone charges made from the cottage during their occupancy. If a telephone is provided at the cottage, you are welcome to use it for local calls or incoming calls - without charge. If you make long distance calls, we would ask that you use a calling card. If you cannot - we will re-bill you, adding a $25.00 admin. charge - this will be deducted from your security deposit.
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How do I locate a marina for boat rentals and what about fishing?
There is no marina on our lake. It is a quiet clean lake. There are several marina's within a 10 minute drive. You can also check for a marina at www.marinasontario.com . It's worth noting that some marinas do not handle rentals at all while others are limited to certain types of watercraft.
The nearest Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) is your best source of information on fishing in the lake you'll be on- you can check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Information Center for their location.
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Can I drink the water at the cottage?
Our cottages uses the lake as the primary source of water. We do have a UV filtration system on the water supply but I wouldn't use it for drinking. It is safe to use for cooking and or brushing your teeth. We have a water cooler (hot and cool) there so we recommend you bring in some bottled water or boil the water prior to drinking. We bring in drinking water and we recommend that you do the same.
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What happens if the barbeque runs out of gas?
Our cottage has a propane BBQ. We will have the tank filled at the beginning of the season and have a second tank available. Please let us know if a tank is empty. We will have the tools required to change the tank if required.
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What do we do about noisy neighbours?
Sometimes, but not very often, there will be a party at our neighbours. They are very respectful people and not be loud to interfere with your enjoyment of our cottage. We ask you to respect them in the same manner. There are only about 8 cottages on our side of the Peninsula. It is a very quiet place and we are usually the source of excitement. There haven't been any noisy watercrafts or construction projects nearby but if there are it is out of our control.
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What do we do with our garbage?
Cottage Life is very different than life in the city. Everything you bring up to the cottage has to be disposed of, one way or another, including garbage.
Our cottage has curb pick-up with a two bag limit and recycling (either paper or plastic and cans rotating weekely) every Monday morning. You can put your weekend garbage out Monday morning not Sunday night as the animals may get to it. All garbage at the end of the week is to be taken away with you. There is a local dump about 10 minutes away. There is a fee per bag for dumping. It has odd hours of operation, see the cottage instructions for details. If garbage is being collected nightly it needs to be stored in the boat house or the shed with the door shut.
The most important thing to remember is NEVER leave garbage outside overnight. If you can't get to the dump on your last day - please take your garbage home with you.
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The Federal government produces a "Safe Boating Guide" we encourage all renters to read. It covers the safety equipment required in ALL watercraft (including paddle boats and canoes) and covers the new Operator Competency Requirements that are being phased in over the next few years. Since 2002, all operators of motorized watercraft under 4 meters have been required to have on board, proof of competency. And there are age restrictions for youth in place now. Please obtain a copy of this booklet - (call 1 800 267 6687 or visit their web site at (Boating Safety)... Safe Boating is Everyone's Business...
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Our lake has a much higher water level at the beginning of the summer than at the end of the summer. It can fluctuate by 1-2 feet. Before jumping off the dock ensure the water level is safe. The end of the dock facing south is the deepest level and usually doesn't go below 6' - 7' at all times. Our lake is a rocky lake and if you don't know where you are going you may loose your propeller. Don't assume all water is safe boating water.
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What about cottage life of the unwelcome four-legged kind?
Since we insulated the cottage we have not seen any mouse droppings in the cottage. We also always keep the screen door closed to keep any unwelcome guests from entering including flying insects. Since we have had a Mosquito Magnet set up every season for the last 3 years, Mosquito's at the front of the property are not in excess. You will need insect repellant but you shouldn't be overly bothered by them. Keep the sliding doors closed when possible to minimize insects entering the cottage as well as allowing the air conditioner to do it's job.
I have not found our cottage to have any more ants or spiders than our city house. If you clean up as you go and don't leave food on the counter for an extended amount of time you should not have any problems beyond what you are used to in the city. We haven't in the past so I hope it continues.
Don't leave patio doors open - chipmunks and squirrels are brazen little things - not to mention mice - and will enter at the slightest invitation. Lights at night will attract moths - and other types of flying insects, some small enough to penetrate screens. Be energy efficient and it will help with the invasion of any kind that isn't welcome.
The time of year will depend on what flying insects would be around. In the last three years I have not been annoyed by any insects above what I would expect at a cottage that is not located in the bush. Our property is dry and level so there are not many mosquito breeding grounds. Protect yourselves appropriately since you can never be too sure.
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