Doug’s Way is friendly, laid back, relaxing and original - with a lot of custom details and artwork throughout the cabin. To take care of the home’s unique character we ask your help by following these “house rules”. Also included are things that could make your stay more pleasant. Please read all of the items below.
No pets. Please let us know if you have a SA or ESA in your group.
No smoking
No parties or events
DIRECT BOOK SHORT-TERM RENTAL CANCELATIONS: There is a grace period for direct bookings. They receive a full refund if canceled within 48 hours of the date the booking was secured. The grace period does not apply to reservations that start within 14 days.
After the 48-hour grace period and with 45 days advanced notice before the start of the stay, guests who cancel will receive a 50% refund of the stay and 100% of their cleaning fee. After 45 days and for stays that start within 14 days of the secured booking no refund will be given if there is a cancelation. However, the cleaning fee is 100% refundable.
After the start of the stay, changes to the reservation that result in a shortened stay will receive no refund. Changes to reservations are approved solely at the discretion of the owners.
ROAD & DRIVEWAY: The gravel road leading to the driveway is steep at the top. Drivers who are unfamiliar with driving steep gravel passes are encouraged to travel in AWD vehicles or use a low gear. The owners have a truck and a typical sedan and have no trouble getting up the road or driveway. Four/All wheel drive is not typically required, but if you are renting a vehicle, this option might be a good choice for the mountains - especially in winter.
DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS: Getting a good running start in steep passes is always a good idea and be sure not to stop or slow down too much in steep sections or you may need to go back down and try again. As most of our guests are from flatter places, we do send tips for driving in the mountains. Please read them and share them with all the guest who will be driving in your party.
WINTER WEATHER ROAD CONDITIONS: Winter weather and the road conditions they create cannot be predicted. There are many factors involved, like the duration and severity of the weather, the vehicle being driven (all-wheel, 4-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive) and the driver’s expertise driving in the weather and the mountains, can all play a significant role. Snow Creek Road is plowed by the county. English Lane is plowed by an independent business. Doug's Drive and the driveway are flat. While arrangements for scraping/plowing can be arranged for the driveway, we cannot guarantee how quickly it will happen in the event of ongoing weather.
PHONE SERVICE: Verizon is the primary mobile carrier for the area. Other mobile users are encouraged to check their carrier's coverage in the region.
NO 3rd PARTY BOOKINGS: The person who made the reservation must be present for the duration of the stay. If that is a problem, please let us know and we will work with you to find a solution.
TRAVEL BASKET: To help save a trip to the store, we have travel friendly items like shampoo, ear plugs, bar soap, razors and the like in a “travel basket” located under the island near the fireplace. Feel free to take items if you need them. If you have any unopened items that you don’t want, feel free to add them to the mix.
ACCOUTREMENTS: The house has hairdryers, soap and shampoo, bath towels and washcloths, bed linens and blankets, pillows, coffee maker, cleaning supplies like dish soap, and more. If you have a specific question about the amenities, please let us know. Text and email work best - a response is usually received within minutes. Phone calls also work, but may not be as immediate.
SHOES: Guests are kindly asked to remove their shoes when inside.
SMOKING & VAPING: No smoking or vaping inside the house. Guests may smoke outside. Please pick up butts from the yard and dispose of them properly. Thank you!
GARBAGE & THE GARAGE: Guests may use the garage door openers located on the kitchen island to access the garage. Please remember to leave them when you checkout. The garbage cans are stored in the garage to keep animals out. For this reason please be sure to keep the doors to the garage closed.
CARE OUTDOORS: Please be careful when hiking. Some areas are steep.
CHILDREN AT DOUGS WAY: Our listing is kid-friendly, but it is up to each parent to decide if our cabin is a good fit for their infant, toddler, or small children based on the following... How we are kid friendly: We have BPA-Free plastic dinnerware, cutlery and sippy cups. Though not installed, we also provide outlet covers for guests to place where needed. We have a high chair, Pack and Play/playpen, and 3 baby gates that can be put where needed, too. The door to the downstairs has an auto closure to help keep kids safe and our courtyard is gated. There are lots of woods to explore and places to play in the yard.
WHAT MIGHT NOT WORK FOR SOME KIDS: The cabin has a sunken living room with 2 short steps. Though we offer them, baby gates will not work to close off the section of steps going to the entry area because it is too wide. However, we do offer a Pack and Play so you can create a safe zone for small children. We also have two large pieces of artwork made of steel. One is located in the dining room and the other is in the yoga room/bedroom downstairs. They are securely attached to the wall but could come off if hit with a lot of force. Our cabinets do not have child safety locks on them. Cleaning supplies and trash may be stored in the cabinets. Though we work to minimize this, some cords and corners may be exposed.
CHILD SAFETY: For their safety, please do not allow children to jump on the beds or inflatable mattresses. - Please supervise your children in the woods and around the house.
GRILL, FIREPLACE & FIRE POT: - Wood and charcoal are not provided but are readily available at area markets and grocery stores. - Do not put anything in the fireplace other than twigs, seasoned wood, fire starter briquettes, and/or paper. No trash, please! - Please only use the chimney starter or lighter fluid to start the grill, no gasoline, alcohol or other combustibles. - Fire extinguishers and water hoses are available. Feel free to use them if needed.
FIRE POT: - Do not build fires on windy days or when there is a “burn ban”. A permit is required. They can be purchased online or at the Valero Market Gas station on 226 in Ledger. Please build fires in designated areas only. Building a fire outside of the fire pot or moving the fire pot away from its designated area is dangerous and will incur a $100 maintenance and safety fee. Do not burn anything other than wood, paper, and fire briquettes. Burning glass, plastic or metal in the fire pit or fireplace will incur a $100 maintenance and safety fee and could result in extra cleaning fees and/or damages. Make sure the fire is dead out before leaving unattended. Do not dump coals and ash in the woods. Please use the ash buckets provided.
PETS: Pets are not allowed on the property at any time. Bringing a pet to the property will incur a $200 deep cleaning fee per animal and could result in immediate eviction.
SEPTIC: To avoid damage to the plumbing, as well as possible embarrassment, please make all guests aware that flushing “flushable wipes”, feminine hygiene products, Q-tips, baby wipes and the like can set off the septic alarm. For the same reason, please do not put fibrous things or coffee grounds down the garbage disposal.
COMMERCIAL USE: Dougs Way is not to be used for commercial use without prior approval. Fees may apply.
GATHERINGS & NOISE: Sounds travels in the mountains, so please keep things down 9pm to 8am. Thanks!
FIREARMS: No firearms are allowed on the property without permission. Shooting on the property is not allowed.
HUNTING: Please do not hunt wildlife on the property.