Common Questions about Vacation Rental Homes

How do I reserve a cottage?
You may reserve a cottage either by sending your request through our website or emailing us at [email protected] on our website. We will call you to go over specifics.

What method of payment is accepted?
We accept personal checks, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover).

What is the payment process?
Your payments will be broken down into two payments. The first payment, which is half of the base rent price, will be due within 10 day of the reservation. Your second payment, which will cover the remaining balance, will be due 45 days before your arrival. If you make your reservation within 60 days of your arrival, you will receive one invoice for the total amount.

What other fees are involved in renting a property?
Besides the weekly price, there is a Cleaning Fee (varies by property), a refundable security deposit (which varies by property and is not taxable). If you are bringing a pet there will be a $50 non-refundable pet fee. Your payments will be broken down for you on your invoices and lease agreement.

How is my Security Deposit refunded?
This will be returned to you by the credit card on file. We try to release those back to renters within 30 days of departure as long as there are no damage or issues at the cottage.

What if I have to cancel?
If you want to cancel this agreement, you must notify us in writing. If you cancel within 45 days of your reservation you remain financially responsible for your lease unless we are able to re-rent the property for your reserved time period to a replacement renter, which we will make every effort to do. If we are successful, we will refund what you have paid us, less a $100 Cancellation Fee. If we are unable to re-rent your reserved property, we will retain all funds collected from you, except your Security Deposit. We recommend all renters consider purchasing Vacation Rental Travel insurance.

Do you offer discounts on cottages?
In the off season (May, June, after Labor Day and October) some owners will offer a discounted rate.

Can cottages be rented for shorter stays?
In the off season (May, June, after Labor Day and October) some owners will allow for shorter stays with a 3 night minimum.

When is check in/check out?
Our guests can arrive at their rented cottage anytime after 4 pm, and check out is by 10am. If keys are not returned to our office by 11am on the day of check out there is a $50.00 late key return charge. Our lobby is available to guest 24 hours a day so that if you arriving during the evening hours you can still collect your welcome packet.

Am I permitted to have overnight guests?
Yes as long as you do not go over the maximum occupancy limit and you note that on your lease. Parking could be an issue for some of our cottages—we'll ask that you check in with us, and if need be guests may need to leave a car in our parking area for the night.

What if I am bringing my pet(s), what is expected of me?
One dog is usually all that will be allowed, some exceptions may be made with a 2 dog maximum at all of our properties. A few of our properties will accept cats. Please read through our pet policies. There is a $50 non-refundable pet fee: this is not a "cleaning fee" and is not designed to cover the cost of extra cleaning should there be additional hours needed due to pet hair. We do have a leash law—your pet must be on a leash when outside the cottage at all times.

Do I need to bring linens/towels?
Less than 10% of our properties supply sheets and towels. You can either bring your own from home or you can rent them from us. 

Where can I rent canoes, kayaks or boats?
There are several local businesses that you can rent from:
Midcoast Kayak 207-563-5732
Frozen Paddler, Bristol 207.882.9066
Wiscasset Trading Post Sales & Rentals 207.882.9645
Hidden Valley Nature Center

Where can I receive packages or faxes?
We don't offer that service.

Is smoking permitted?
Smoking is not permitted at any of our properties.

What if I leave something behind?
Send us an email at [email protected].—If we can locate the lost items we will notify you. If you need the items shipped we can ship them for a $25 fee plus shipping costs.

What day is trash pickup?
If your property has a trash service you will find instructions in the cottage booklet. 

What is expected of me when I leave?
We know that you are on vacation and cleaning is really the last thing you want to do. We ask that the cottages/homes are left broom swept and tidy condition, all trash and personal property is removed from the cottage. Since these are privately owned family homes please treat this home as if it was your own.

What If I want to come back to the same cottage next year?
Please fill out a reservation request for that cottage (keep in mind this is a "place holder" and not an actual lease). All of our contracts with property owners are renewed each year. Our goal is to have all properties re-listed and ready for reservations by November 1st. We do contact all renters from the previous summer first.

We will be in the area checking out properties to rent for next season—may we preview potential rental properties?
We do not show properties and will not give out addresses of properties. If you are looking for a specific cottage you can contact the office. 

Where can I get more information about Maine and the area I will be vacationing in?
We try to supply as much information on our website as possible. You can also visit the Maine Tourism Association and request your free copy of the Maine Invites You Planning Guide.

Do you allow weddings or family reunions at your properties?
Unfortunately, none of our rentals allow any large gatherings. We have maximum occupancy limits on each of our rentals that should not be exceeded during your stay. The occupancy limits are set for both insurance and septic/water usage reasons.

Can we have outdoor fires (camp fires) at the property?
Only if the property has a fire pit or designated area for a fire.

Can we pitch a tent on the property?
No, tents can damage the grass underneath and can also lead to occupancy levels being exceeded.

How do we reach you after normal business hours if there is a problem at our rental?
Your welcome packet will have instructions on how to reach our rental agent for emergencies.

How is the cell phone coverage in Maine?
Improving each year. Please check with us if you need more specific information.

Will there be a landline at the property?
Possibly. As cell phone coverage improves, property owners are doing away with landlines. If a landline is a must please let us know.

We rented from you last year or in the past, should we expect everything to remain the same at the property or in regard to your rental policies and terms?
No. Property owners make changes and updates to their properties, and sometimes we don't know about them right away. As soon as we know of changes we will let renters know.

Will our rental have air conditioning?
We have very few properties that have air conditioning units. The cottages/homes do come with fans to help circulate the air.

If the rental property has a fireplace or woodstove may we use it?
For insurance reasons some fireplaces/woodstoves are not available for use. If they are available for your use it will be listed in the amenities.

May we use fireworks at our rental property?
Even though fireworks are now legal in the State of Maine, you are prohibited from using them at our properties.