| 1. Stonehaven is our own personal cottage |
 We have chosen to do occasional rentals as we have busy lives (business and family in Kitchener-Waterloo) and are not yet retired. Furthermore, the cost of cottage ownership is very high and it is our objective to help subsidize our costs by renting
We ask that all tenants respect our cottage and treat it as if it were their own
We are looking for mature and responsible adults, who want to treat themselves to a vacation in a beautiful place. These mature adults should understand the cost of ownership, and will ensure that they leave our premises as they found it
Please note that we do not rent to the young party crowd
Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings. Furthermore, it is not acceptable to leave cigarette butts on the ground, under decking, in the flower beds, etc
Pets are not allowed. Any exceptions must be discussed prior to rental
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| 2. Boat access / boat supplied / docking / boat ramp |
Your options are to bring your own boat or use our steel boat(s) with outboard(s) which are provided for your stay
Stonehaven is less than a 5 minute boat ride from the municipal docks / Severn Falls Marina (very calm protected waters)
The Severn Falls Marina has a boat ramp (approximately $5.00 fee each way)
The Stonehaven docks can accommodate approximately 8 boats (depending on size)
Another option to access the cottage is to walk across the train trellis and down the tracks which runs behind our property; while the train trellis is used a lot by the local boat access cottage owners (especially in the winter) - it should be noted that it is illegal and potentially dangerous as the Canadian Pacific Railway line is active and approximately 10 trains do pass by daily; furthermore it would be very exhausting to carry in your gear, even though this is only a ten minute walk
Having a boat for the duration of your stay is the preferred choice of transportation and allows you to explore this beautiful waterway
Additional boat rental(s) can be arranged from Big Chute Marina (705-756-2641) and Muskoka Boat Rentals (705-684-9797); we also have larger boats available (only for very experienced mature boaters)
Our boats are outfitted with the appropriate safety gear (including adult lifejackets); however please be aware that you should have your own proper fitting lifejackets for your little ones
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| 3. Boats and boating regulations |
Please go to www.boaterexam.com where you can complete your boating licence exam online
All boaters operating a powered watercraft for recreational purposes in Canada need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, or they risk a $250 fine
Inform yourself regarding the laws and regulations on the water
We highly encourage you to get your pleasure craft operator card; all operators must have the card (or proof of competency) by September 15th, 2009
Please note that Police do patrol our waterways and that drinking and driving, as well as driving under the influence, speeding, and not having the appropriate safety gear on board are all safety infractions / offences which are ticketable; just like road / driving infractions
Not paying attention can be both unsafe and costly; please heed the channel markers (red and green buoys) and understand what they mean; a chart is provided in the cottage and time should be taken to ensure that both the boat(s) and occupants are kept out of harms way
It should be noted that lack of attention and understanding can lead to the costly and dangerous occasion of running aground on a submerged rock, etc
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We include one free designated parking spot (right close to the docks); and we will show you where this is
Pay parking is available at the Emporium (local general store) right at the Severn Falls town docks
The other option is to park on the side of the road, or across the street to the far left of the rainbow building, etc.
Many people, including ourselves go for the free parking; however please be advised that parking is the tenants responsibility and we in no way accept any liability for the safety of your vehicle or for parking tickets
There is also a free Municipal parking lot as you enter Severn Falls
There are many excellent parking options to choose from
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| 5. Stonehaven history and the CPR |
Stonehaven derives it's name from the original stone walls of the main cottage and dates back to approximately 1912
Stonehaven is thus one of the oldest cottages in the area, and we have been told that the building was originally constructed by employees of the Canadian Pacific Railway
The railway played an important part in the construction and settling of the Trent Severn Waterway in the late 1800's and early 1900's; we do have some historical books in the cottage which may be of interest
Approximately 10 trains pass by on a daily basis (anytime is train time); while the trains are quite loud (especially the whistle) the total aggregate time is less than 20 minutes per day; the trains are also quite interesting to watch and definitely do add to the character of the area
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When immersed in nature one expects to see wildlife; and such is the case here at Stonehaven
Most likely you will only see chipmunks, hummingbirds and many other small and harmless animals
Black bears and Massasauga rattlers are uncommon sightings; however they are in the area and many locals have seen both over the course of the years
Garbage at Stonehaven is separated as much as possible to reduce volume, work, cost, and impact on the environment
All garbage must be neatly bagged and safely stored in the garbage container by the Bunky; do not leave garbage sitting outside to attract wildlife
i) glass and cans (non-returnable)
•these are recyclable and should be placed in the clear garbage bags in the two separate garbage containers (outside the kitchen)
•please do not mix garbage in with the recyclables
ii) paper / cardboard / etc.
items that can be burned are saved for the campfire or are burned in the wood stove by the garbage bin; this woodstove has a water hose close by for safety
iii) compactor (main cottage)
• uses special fitted bags (located in the bottom of the pantry)
• the compactor vastly reduces the volume of garbage
• no fluids or glass please, ; items which can be returned for deposit or recycled should not go in the compactor
iv) bottles and cans for deposit returns
• these may be left on site but should be separated and organized
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Children are welcome. However, it must be stressed that parents closely supervise their little ones to ensure both their safety and to ensure minimal impact, wear and tear on our property
Stonehaven is not the safest place to let your young ones run free; the buildings sit elevated above the water and there are a lot of rocks and changes in elevation; and then there is the water
Swimming is great, but supervision and your focus on safety is a must; please ensure you have properly fitted life jackets for your children
While the trains and train track on the back side of our property are very interesting to some; we highly recommend that this area be off limits for your children; please do note that the backside of our property is fenced / gated
A basic first aid kit is provided in the main cottage and the one bedroom cottage
The closest hospitals are Orillia and Midland
The golf cart is provided only for the transporting of goods and seniors from the docks up to the buildings. Children are not to use the golf cart. Due to the incline this could be very dangerous. Please park the gulf cart out of the way and make it off limits for the younger ones, as well as for joy riding
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| 8. Grounds / walkways / lighting |
Please use the walkways for your safety and avoid trampling the vegetation
The grounds, docks and walkways have lighting in place for your convenience and safety
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| 9. Campfires / firewood / fireplace |
Never have a campfire when there is a fire ban!! Not only is it not safe, you could end up being charged
Just ask at the marina or store in Severn Falls if there is a fire ban in effect
No cutting of brush, trees, limbs allowed; there is a limited supply of firewood available
Only small campfires are allowed in the allotted fire pit; bonfires are not allowed at any time
Water hoses are close by for safety; ensure campfires are not left unattended and are doused before turning in at night
For obvious reasons, use of the fireplace (wood insert) in the main cottage is not permitted in the months of June, July and August
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Ensure you do not fish without a license; the fines are steep and the ministry of natural resources is close by - and they may observe from a distance
Bring your own fishing poles please
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We provide the following for your enjoyment
3 kayaks
Separate 2 Story games room
windsurfer
floating swim platform
ping pong
foosball
hot tub
horseshoe pit
satellite tv
DVDs (movies) - approx 100 to choose from
wireless internet
poker table (the smaller table in the dining room has 2 sides)
lots of board games and puzzles; books and magazines
1-2 motor boats for exploring
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| 12. What you need to bring |
Besides the obvious food and drink and some aforementioned items; find list below outlining items; some items are a must and others are recommended
PRIORITY
bug repellent
lifejackets (small sizes)
personal hygiene items
towels, face cloths
paper towels / Kleenex
garbage bags
additional bedding (large groups)
boating license
fishing license |
RECOMMENDED
binoculars
books
camera
favorite games / movies for the kids
fishing license / rods / tackle / etc.
music / CD's / DVD's /mp3 player
wood pellets for the smoker (BBQ # 2)
charcoal for BBQ # 3
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13. Clarification regarding other items that we provide |
Linen, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dishwash detergent, spices; limited supply of garbage bags and paper towels
We provide water coolers and water jugs as all water is river water and is not to be drank; empty water jugs can be exchanged for full ones at a nominal cost at the Emporium (convenience store)
We provide propane tanks for BBQ # 1; if you run out, propane tanks can be exchanged for approx. $20.00 at the Emporium
While we do provide life jackets; you should bring your own properly fitted life jackets for infants and small children
As previously discussed Stonehaven is our personal cottage - you will find many personal items on site- i.e. clothes / food (freezer) and staples, drinks, alcohol, personal hygiene items, etc. - please respect our property and if you really need to use a particular item we ask that you compensate us or replace the item
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| 14. Directions to Stonehaven Cottages from Toronto |
Take 400 north
Once you get north of Barrie (5 - 10 minutes) stay right (signs say north highway 400 / highway 69, Parry Sound, Sudbury); after you make the transition to the right, set your tripometer at 0
Approximately 37 kms later take the Highway 12 / Coldwater exit (please note that this is the second Coldwater exit)
Once off the 400 at the first stop sign, make a right and go straight into Coldwater (approximately 1 minute); you will cross Highway 12
Once at the stop sign in Coldwater you will see the Home Hardware on your left; go left / north (this is Highway 17 / Upper Big Chute Rd.); Highway 17 meanders and has some sharp curves / stay on 17 for approximately 15 minutes until you come into Severn Falls
When coming into Severn Falls you will see a sign on the right for Tamarack Park and Marina, keep driving for approximately one more minute
Severn Falls Marina / municipal docks are on the right; you will see a sign for the general store (River Emporium) / arrow pointing to the right); also on the left you will see a rainbow coloured shack; if you go past this and up the hill you will have gone too far
Go to the water & municipal docks right between the River Emporium (on your right) and the River House Restaurant (on your left)
Please note that cell phones do work quite well in this area; also, there is a pay phone beside the Riverhouse Resturant
If you require pick up at the dock, we suggest calling our cell from Coldwater (approximately 15 minute drive); please note that the cottage does not have a phone (as pretty well everyone has a cell phone these days)
Please Note:
If you wish to stock up on supplies, Coldwater is a great choice as it is close
If you want to go to the local grocery store make a right on 17 at the Home Hardware and you will find the grocery store on your left within 1 minute
There is an LCBO in the Emporium (convenience store) right at the municipal docks in Severn Falls; Bob and his wife will be very happy if you stock up locally!!!
Click Here for Map
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Please leave the property as you found it; while we do not ask that you do a thorough cleaning; we do ask that you clean up after yourselves and your guests
Please do not leave dirty dishes, old food in the fridge, garbage and things all over the place, etc.
If you spill something, make a mess, etc - please clean it up; vacuum cleaner, cleaning supplies, etc are provided
If we have to spend extra time cleaning up beyond our allotted amount, there will be a deduction from your security deposit
examples of other items which may be cause for deductions from your security deposit include, but are not limited to; fuel and oil for the boat(s), damage to the boat(s) and prop(s), damage to the building / contents / property, vacating the premises late; booking for a specified party size and then showing up with a larger group (ex. booking for 10 people and having 15 show up), etc.
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Please ensure that everyone in your party is aware that they cannot flush any of the following items down the toilet: facial tissues, kleenex, napkins, paper towels, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, condoms/contraceptives, or any other solid products
A general rule of thumb, if it didn't come out of your body, it shouldn't go in the toilet; with the exception of single-ply toilet paper (provided)
Avoid putting grease down the kitchen sink or toilet; as well avoid the use of bleach in your laundry; we include environmentally friendly detergents for both the kitchen and laundry
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| 17. Water our plants / flowers |
Please do water our plants, especially the potted flowers
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| 18. Charge the golf cart (battery operated) |
The golf cart charger is on the work bench in the games room
Periodically plug it in and allow it to charge overnight
Make sure that the connection is good when plugging in; put the cart into neutral and wiggle the plug until the indicator is showing that the charger's working (you will hear and see when it comes on)
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