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However, if you sent email and I have not responded within 2 working days,
then please do telephone me. Sometimes my anti-spam email filter deletes
emails that it shouldn’t.

Our online calendar shows our availability and contains a link to send me an email.

Click here to view our availability calendar…

> May I have more than 6 occupants in the house ? [top]

No, the limit is that no more than 6 people may occupy the house.

The crux of the issue is our septic system and size of the well, both of
which are very small because they were designed for the original
one bedroom cabin. Both systems are operating at their maximum with six
occupants.

In the past we made an exception for a larger group to stay at the house,
with detailed explanation that they would have to be extremely diligent
about their water usage and what they flushed down the toilet.

Despite their best efforts, the septic system backed up, flooding the
bathroom, hallway, kitchen, and basement. It ruined the family's vacation.

If we had had other guests right after them it would have ruined their
vacation too since we had to shut down the cabin to address the
damage. Fortunately that was not the case.

Rather than risk ruining your vacation, the next guests' vacation, and our
peace of mind, we limit the number of people who may stay at the house.
Since enforcing this limit, we have had no problems with the septic.

We appreciate your understanding and support regarding this limitation.

>What do you mean by 2.5 bedrooms? How can there be half a bedroom ? [top]

The sleeping arrangements are a bit unusual in that there are two private
bedrooms and also a bunk bed room which is a walk-through room between
the main cabin and the master bedroom.

Since this bunk bed room is a walk-through room, we only count it as
half a regular bedroom.

You can see the room layout on our floor plan at:
http://www.vermontloghome.com/75.jpg

> How does the log home sleep 6 in only 2.5 bedrooms ? [top]

The sleeping arrangements are a bit unusual in that there is one
queen-sized bed in the loft bedroom, two queen-sized beds in the
master bedroom, and a twin-sized bunk bed in the walk-through
bunk room.

Having 3 queen-sized beds and 2 twin-sized beds gives quite
a bit of flexibility for 6 people to choose their sleeping arrangements.

You can see the room layout on our floor plan at:
http://www.vermontloghome.com/75.jpg

>What is your reservation process ? [top]

We operate on a first commit, first in line basis where a rental period is held for one week

from the date that the first guest that requests a lease.

The guest has one week to complete and return the lease.

We had to implement this policy because we were getting many inquiries for

dates, especially holiday dates, but guests were not able to commit to the

date and then later were surprised that the dates were taken by another

guest who was able to commit.

>What are the rates ? [top]

Rates are:

July through October and Holidays

Available Weekly Only: ** (Sundays-Sundays)

Check-in at 5pm.
Checkout at noon.

$1200 weekly *

November through June

Available Weekly Only: ** (Sundays-Sundays)

Check-in at 5pm.
Checkout at noon.

$900 weekly *

**We do consider partial week rentals

within  a 3-week window of a requested date.

We try to book full weeks (Sunday to Sunday)

if possible but when a date is unrented within 3 weeks of occupancy, then we open up the availability for a partial week rental.

$400 for the first 2 nights and

$100 for each additional night.

( availability calendar )

During Nov-June, excluding holidays,

if you want to book a Sunday to Friday in advance, we often consider that because then we have a good possibility of renting the Friday-Sunday afterwards.

We typically do not rent the Friday-Sunday unless the Sunday-Friday is already rented.

$400 for the first 2 nights and

$100 for each additional night.

( availability calendar )

If you really need to book a partial week rental in advance during July-Sept or during a holiday, then perhaps the following would work for you.

Booking partial weeks in advance often results in vacant days for us.

However, if you wanted to book a partial week in advance, you could pay for the Sunday-Sunday

week(s) around your visit but have us show those extra days as available on our calendar.

Then I would refund you your payment

for those extra days if someone else rents them.

In this scenario,  you would

pay for the full week(s) at $900 per week.

If someone else books the

non-used days, we would

refund those days to you.

If someone does not book

those days, then your payment

would be used to pay for

those non-used days.

( availability calendar )

Additionally, we ask for a $300 security deposit.

*  A weekend starts on Friday at 5 pm ends on Sunday at 12 noon

   A week    starts on Sunday at 5 pm ends on Sunday at 12 noon

We also offer a discount for a long-term rental.

>When is the security due and when is the balance due ? [top]

Receipt of the security deposit is required to make a reservation.
We ask for full payment of the rent to be received by us within 60 days of occupancy.
We return the security within 16 days of receiving the cleaning checklist back from you.

>When is it available ? [top]

Our availability calendar is online at http://www.vermontloghome.com/calendvt.htm

>Do you allow pets ? [top]

Yes, we understand how a pet can be part of the family.
We have three dogs and two cats and we even brought our dogs on our honeymoon in France.

We allow pets but ask that the owners never leave the pet alone in the log home unless crated.
Some guests who need to leave their dogs who were not crate trained have put them on a run to the covered porch and that worked well.

We also ask that guests use the green/blue plaid bedspreads (which we provide) to help keep the furniture clean.

Also, we never allow our pets out at night to roam without us walking them because we don't want them to bite a porcupine or get involved with any other woodland creature.

>Can you suggest any similar properties ? [top]

Our page at www.VermontLogHome.com/other.htm may help you find something if our schedule does not work for you.

> Is this property For Sale ? [top]

No the log home is our family refuge and is not for sale.

I am considering selling a different property in the fall of 2005 and am currently having it appraised.

It is 56.12 acres located at 314 Stony Hill Road, Guilford, VT.

Click here for more information.

You may also contact George Sanders who is a local realtor who is very knowledgeable of available properties in the area.

Click here to view his MLS page of available Vermont real estate.

>Do you have pictures ? [top]

Our web site is at www.VermontLogHome.com/vtindex.htm and has lots of information about the log home including availability, rates, photographs, a map showing where the log home is located, foliage maps, and the places of interest in the surrounding area.

>When is the best time for foliage ? [top]

The log home is located in southern Vermont and so the foliage turns a bit later than for northern Vermont. Our web site contains a link to "Foliage map & info" at www.VermontLogHome.com/foliage.htm which shows the typical progression of where and when the best foliage is.

In 2004, the peak foliage around the cabin was the week of Oct 10-17.

>What will the weather be like when I visit ? [top]

Our "Foliage map & info" at www.VermontLogHome.com/foliage.htm contains a link called "Click here to check the current weather (from Keene, NH which is 25 miles away)".

If you scroll down to the section labeled "Historical Conditions" and enter the date you are interested in but for the previous year, it will list the high temp, low temp, and average temp for that day last year.

>Is there outlet shopping nearby ? [top]

Yes. Eight miles north of the log home is Exit 1 for Route 91, Brattleboro that is the location for 8+ outlet stores. Also, downtown Brattleboro has a very charming shopping area which is very near convenient parking.

>What attractions and activities are nearby ? [top]

Our "Places of interest" link at www.VermontLogHome.com/interest.htm lists many museums, shops, theatres, and other interests.
Our "Hiking, biking, fishing, etc" link at www.VermontLogHome.com/recreate.htm lists many outdoor activities nearby.

>How far is the log home from ski areas ? [top]

Our web page has two ski links depending on your interest.
"Skiing - downhill" is at www.VermontLogHome.com/ski.htm and
"Skiing - cross country" is at www.VermontLogHome.com/skixc.htm
Each lists many ski areas including their features, phone numbers, and how far they are from log home.

>Where is the log home located ? [top]

The log home is located in southeast Vermont just a few miles over the border from Massachusetts.
Our "Map to log home" link at www.VermontLogHome.com/vtarea.htm shows a map of where it is located.

>How far is the log home from... [top]

Our "Distances from..." link at www.VermontLogHome.com/miles.htm shows a table of distances from the log home to many cities and places of interest.

>What is the nearest airport ? [top]

The nearest airport is the Hartford/Springfield Airport, which is located in Windsor Locks, Connecticut that is 60 miles from the log home.
The Hartford/Springfield Airport is also known as the Bradley International Airport (BDL) and has the web site http://www.bradleyairport.com

>Can you swim in the pond ? [top]

The pond is approximately 60' in diameter. It has a clay bottom and is 12' deep in the center. However, most people don’t swim in it since it is a 'country pond' in that the clay bottom gets stirred up – especially when our dog is swimming in it. It doesn’t smell though, it just sometimes is opaque. The waterfall is always a great place to dip during the heat of the summer.

The document that we send to guests includes info about swimming in nearby rivers and lakes.

>Is there a community pool or lake available ? [top]

I love to dunk in the pool at the waterfall. The water is always clean and COLD which is fun. If I am in town, then I like to swim in the river just off of Rt 30 just west of Brattleboro. There are several pools that are chest deep or deeper and the water is clean. Best of all, I like that it has a gravel and sand bottom so my dog can swim and not get herself or me very muddy. I can send you a map of where we go if you would like.

>Is there a place to rent bikes ? [top]

Yes, there are several bike rental shops in the area.
Specialized Sports - (802) 257-1017
West Hill Shop - (802) 387-5718
Brattleboro Bike Shop - (802) 254-8644
Mt. Snow - (802) 464-3333
Stratton - (802) 297-2200

>What will I need to bring ? [top]

There are five things you should bring:
1. Directions, opening, cleaning, and closing instructions.
2. Queen-sized sheets, pillow cases, and towels.
3. A telephone calling card, which is required to make any calls that are not local.
4. A flashlight if you are arriving after dark.
5. Fire starters for use in the fireplace. These can be bought at hardware
stores or places such as the Yankee Candle Company.

>Is it handicap accessible or visitable ? [top]

Unfortunately, no. The previous owners built the cabin without taking accessibility into account.

There are three steps up to the porch to the main entrance.

There are also three steps from the garage to the master bedroom but there is a narrow section in the hallway to the main cabin that is only 21” wide.

We are in the process of designing a second cabin on the property that will have the main floor be 100% visitable including the master bedroom and bathroom.
You can see plans for that cabin at: http://www.VermontLogHome.com/logcabin/vtindex.htm
We would love to hear any comments or suggestions you may have on this new cabin.

>Is there a maid service ? [top]

We have not been able to find a cleaning service that would reliably clean between 2 and 4 on Sundays so we are forced to rely on our guests to verify the condition upon arrival and to clean prior to departure.

However, some guests have made special arrangements with us, at additional cost, so that we arrange for cleaning after their visit. This typically works when the cleaning service can perform on a weekday after the guest departs.

Note that guests are required to perform the entire cleaning checklist – regardless whether they used the room or not.

Our cleaning checklist which is available at:

http://www.VermontLogHome.com/logistics.htm

>What are the terms of your lease ? [top]

We are willing to discuss the specific terms of our lease with prospective guests.

Our general lease that is available at:

http://www.vermontloghome.com/lease.htm

> Condition: What condition is the house in ? [top]

This web site tries to present the positive aspects of the property and cabin.

Most people only comment on how lovely the property and cabin are.

However, there are some aspects of the cabin that may

be unsatisfactory to some guests.

Click this ‘truth in advertising’ link for some things which may be an

issue for some people.

We hope to have given an accurate impression of the property

and cabin in our ‘truth in advertising’ link.

The kind of person that seems to most appreciate the cabin

is someone who appreciates a private getaway in a country setting

and who is willing to participate in leaving the cabin in good shape

for the following guest.

The property is especially appreciated by romantic couples looking

to spend time together at the cabin.

Guests with dogs also appreciate having a place where the dog can

run free in the fields safely away from the road and also where the

dog can swim in the pond.

>How private is the house and property ? [top]

How private is the property ? Can you see or hear the neighbors ?

The property is completely private from the neighbors.

Here is a satellite photo of the property:

http://www.vermontloghome.com/privacy.htm

You can see from the photo that the neighbors across the stream and up the road are completely shielded from view.

Note: The new cabin project is the closest thing to the cabin. That is down the hill from our log home, across the stream, and right next to the road.

>Where can I buy groceries nearby ? [top]

Groceries are available within 10 miles north and south of the log home.

You can see a map and description of nearby grocery stores at:

http://www.vermontloghome.com/groceries.htm

>Are you near the snowmobile trails ? [top]

Are you near any snowmobile trails ?

The VAST snowmobile trails go across the top of the mountain and access to the trails is just 1.6 miles up the road from the cabin.

Click here to see a description and map of the snowmobile trails:

>Allergies, dander, dust: Is the cabin suitable for someone with allergies ? [top]

There are three issues that may affect someone with allergies that may result in discomfort:

1) We do allow pets and although the place is vacuumed regularly, this may be an issue.

2) We do have a wood-burning fireplace that guests often use.

3) The cabin is surrounded by +-7 acres of lawn and fields.

>Air conditioning: Is the cabin air-conditioned ? [top]

No, the cabin does not have air conditioning but each of the 2.5 bedrooms have

their own fan and there is at least one box fan for the living room windows.

The cabin tends to not become uncomfortably hot due to the large thermal mass of the logs.

When we are staying at the cabin and the weather is expected to get hot,

we would open the windows in the morning and turn on the fans for a while.

Then we would close the windows and pull the shades and

the cabin usually remains comfortable due to the large thermal mass of the logs.

>Heat: Does the cabin have central heat ? [top]

Yes, the main cabin has under floor radiant central heat and the master bedroom addition has electric heat.

>Payment: Do you accept credit cards or personal checks? [top]

We do not accept credit cards or PayPal.

Click here for Tom’s thoughts about credit learned from experience and from Dave Ramsey…

If your visit is more than 60 days in the future, then guests

from the US may pay in the form of a personal check

drawn on the account of the occupying gust.

If your visit is less than 60 days in the future, then guests

from the US may pay in the form of postal money orders

which are guaranteed if lost, inexpensive to purchase,

and are always honored.

Postal money orders may be purchased at any US post office

using your debit card or with cash. The post office does not

accept credit cards for the purchase of a postal money order.

Overseas guests may pay by a bank money order in US funds.

> Do you host civil unions at your property? [top]

We do encourage honeymooners to stay at our log home but
we do not host actual weddings or civil union events.

We had done that in the past but the impact on our guests prior to and after the
event was too much.

>Check-in and Checkout times: What are the check-in and checkout times ? [top]

Check-in is typically at 5pm.

Checkout is typically at noon.

If there is no one at the cabin before or after your visit, then contact us to arrange for extended check-in and checkout times.

>Keys: How do we arrange to get keys from you ? [top]

There is a realtor lock box at the cabin.

After we receive the signed lease, payment, and proof of identity, we send you the combination to the lock box that contains the keys.

>Proof Of Identity: Why do you require a Proof Of Identity ? [top]

We require a photocopy of a proof of identity such as your drivers license in order to rent the cabin along with a voided check showing the name and address of the occupying guest.

Unfortunately using computers, it is too easy to modify a proof of Id to hide ones identity.

Requiring the voided bank check is an extra measure we take to ensure that the person named on the lease is actually the person renting.

When we receive your confirmation that you have received your refund after a satisfactory checkout, then we shred the photocopy of the proofs of id for safety.

>Sleigh Rides: Do you know anyplace that offers sleigh rides ? [top]

The Adams Family Farm in Wilmington, VT offers sleigh rides.
They are about 25 miles from our log home.
Their info is at: http://www.adamsfamilyfarm.com/sleigh-rides.html

To make Reservations call the farm directly at 802-464-3762.

>Is there an Iron and Ironing Board at the cabin ? [top]

Yes, there should be an iron and ironing board in the supplies closet at the cabin.

>Video Rentals: Is there a place nearby to rent videos ? [top]

Yes, there is a BlockBuster just next to the Price Chopper grocery store shown on the Groceries page of the map handout that we will send to you.

Also, there are 90+ videos copied which are at the cabin.
You can see a partial list of them at: www.VermontLogHome.com/videos.htm

>What TV channels are available at the cabin ? [top]

The TV is a 27” television and we have DSS Satellite service.
You can see a list of the channels at: www.VermontLogHome.com/tv.htm

>Do you rent by the season or for long term ? [top]

We sometimes do rent as a longer-term rental of 8 weeks or more and offer a 25% discount off our weekly rate.

We do have a restriction though that only the people named in the lease may occupy the cabin so it does not get loaned to someone else.

>What amenities are there and what do I need to bring ? [top]

The beds have down quilts in duvets on the beds along with bedspreads and mattress pads.

The cabin has (or should have):

Toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, extra vacuum bags, broom, mop, bucket, pet sheets, extra glasses (in case of breakage), pots, pans, utensils, dishes, mugs, coffee (in the freezer), coffee filters, tin foil, trash bags, laundry soap, dryer softener sheets, alarm clocks, lots of paperback books, etc.

Guests typically bring:

- the map/directions/logistics document

- a telephone calling card. We don't get cell coverage at the cabin. We just had a guest report that some calling cards are MA only but the one I bought at the post office worked at the cabin.

- bottled water ( I drink the tap water but most guests seem to feel comfortable with bottled water )

- food and drinks

- queen sheets and towels

- bug spray ( I don't use it but some people do )

- a safety gate to block off the spiral stairs if you are bringing toddlers.

- toiletries ( hair shampoo, tooth paste, etc)

- TV guide

- If you want to BBQ, please bring charcoal and lighter fluid

>BBQ or Gas Grill: Is there a BBQ or Gas Grill ? [top]

There is not a gas grill at the cabin but there is a Weber BBQ grill.

Please note that it is attached to a stake in the ground near the picnic table so please do not try to move it onto the porch.

>Lawn Chairs: Are there Lawn Chairs at the cabin ? [top]

There are two very old wood lawn chairs and two new Adirondack lawn chairs at the cabin.

>Fire Pit: Is there a Fire Pit and do we need a permit to have an outdoor fire ? [top]

Yes, there is a small stone fire pit in the back yard.
No, you don't need a fire permit.

> Do you host weddings at your property? [top]

We do encourage honeymooners to stay at our log home but
we do not host actual wedding or civil union events.

We had done that in the past but the impact on our guests prior to and after the
wedding was too much.

> Hunters: Do people hunt around the cabin? [top]

People do hunt in the area but mostly at the top of the mountain that
is 1.5 miles up the road.

However, I typically put a dog collar with a cowbell

on my dog just in case during the fall hunting season.

> Cell phones: Do you get cell reception at the cabin? [top]

I have Verizon cell service and I do not get reception at the cabin that is a mixed blessing.

If I drive a few miles north towards the General Store, I do get coverage there.

> Fireplace: Is there a fireplace and firewood ? [top]

Yes, the living room has a large fireplace. Click here for a photograph.

Firewood is provided.

> Floor Plan: Is there a Floor Plan available to show the layout of the cabin? [top]

Yes, there is a floor plans showing the layout of the cabin online at http://www.vermontloghome.com/75.jpg

> Black flies, mosquitos, bugs, Ticks ? [top]

There are very few, if any, black flies at the cabin.

If you are at the cabin or pond, there are very few mosquitos.

If you are at the waterfall by the stream, especially at dawn or dusk,

then the mosquitos there can be active.

I am often walking the fields with my dog and we rarely find ticks

on either of us. This may be due to there not being deer on the

property. The deer seem to stay in the woods or at the larger open

fields at the top of the mountain.

The only noticeable bugs are the ladybugs which seem to like the area

around the cabin. They are around typically in late spring and fall

but are harmless to people and pets.