🏡 Welcome to Sandwood Lakehouse!
We’re so happy to host you in beautiful Muskoka. To ensure a safe and enjoyable stay for everyone, we kindly ask that you review and follow our house rules and guidelines.
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🔑 Quick Essentials
• Check-In: 3:00 PM
• Check-Out: 11:00 AM
• Maximum Occupancy: 6 guests, including children (infants not included)
• No unregistered guests or visitors at any time
• Additional guests will result in immediate cancellation without refund
• $200 fee per night per unauthorized guest
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🚫 Respectful Use & Behavior
• No parties, events, or large gatherings
We’re a family-oriented cottage in a quiet community. This home is not suitable for party groups.
• No loud or excessive noise at any time
Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM. Per Muskoka noise bylaws, police may issue fines of up to $5,000 for noise violations.
• No fireworks at any time, regardless of holiday or occasion
• No professional photography or videography without written permission
• Please supervise children at all times
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🛏️ Inside the Cottage
• No smoking, vaping, cannabis, or cigarettes inside
A $500 minimum fee will apply for any indoor smoking.
• No shoes indoors
Please help keep the cottage clean and comfy!
• Follow the checkout instructions provided
Additional cleaning fees may apply if not followed.
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🐾 Pet Policy
• Pets are welcome – max 2
• Pet fee applies per pet
• Guests must:
o Clean up all pet waste
o Be responsible for any pet-related damage
o Keep pets away from the lake during blue-green algae blooms
o Ensure pets do not trespass on neighboring properties
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🌊 Waterfront & Safety Notes
• The lake is shallow at the dock (approx. 3.5–4 ft). No diving at any time.
• Swimming is at your own risk.
• We cannot control the natural water conditions in Three Mile Lake. From time to time, the local health unit may issue advisories or swimming bans due to elevated bacteria levels, algae blooms, or other environmental concerns. These events are rare but possible and do not warrant refunds. We encourage guests to check with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for current advisories before swimming. Blue-green algae blooms may occur, especially after August 10. If present, the water may be unsafe for swimming — guests must use judgment and follow public health guidelines.
• Guests are responsible for supervising children and pets around the water at all times.
• No glass on the dock or beach — broken glass can be hazardous.
• We strongly recommend wearing water shoes when entering the lake as there could be small rocks or shells present.
• Rocks near the shoreline can be extremely slippery, especially when wet — proceed with caution at all times.
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🔥 Fire & Heating
• No outdoor fires unattended. Firepit may only be used when no fire bans are in effect.
• Use only local firewood as required by Muskoka bylaws (available nearby at Shell).
• Fireworks are prohibited at all time, including holidays.
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🧼 Towels, Linens & Cleanliness
• Indoor white towels are for indoor use only
Please bring your own beach towels for outdoor/lake use to help us keep our whites bright.
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🚽 Septic System Guidelines
• We are on a septic system — please only flush toilet paper.
• Do not flush wipes, hygiene products, or anything else.
• Septic misuse can cause serious plumbing damage and result in guest liability.

⚖️ Liability Disclaimer
By booking our rental property, guests acknowledge and accept the following terms:
1. Assumption of Risk
Use of the property and its amenities is at the guest’s own risk. Guests should assess their own abilities when using the lake, dock, firepit, and other features.
2. Liability Waiver
The property owners, hosts, Port Sydney Cottages Inc., and their insurers are not liable for personal injury, death, or property loss resulting from the use of the property, its amenities, or surrounding land.
3. Responsible Use of Amenities
Guests are responsible for the safe and proper use of all amenities, including but not limited to: the firepit, BBQ, dock, appliances, and heating systems. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
4. Uneven Terrain
The property contains natural and potentially hazardous terrain, including rocks, steep areas, slippery surfaces, or icy conditions. Guests accept all risks associated with walking, running, or playing outdoors.
5. Waterfront Safety
The lake is shallow at the shoreline and dock (approx. 3.5–4 ft) and becomes deeper in other areas. No diving is permitted at any time. Guests are responsible for ensuring that children and pets are supervised near the water at all times. Life jackets are strongly recommended, you must bring your own.
6. Blue-Green Algae Monitoring
Guests acknowledge that blue-green algae blooms have occurred in the past, particularly after August 10. These blooms may make the water unsafe for swimming. It is the guest’s responsibility to monitor conditions and follow public health guidelines. No refunds will be issued for unswimmable water conditions due to algae or other natural factors.
7. Wildlife Acknowledgment
Muskoka is home to various wildlife including bears, deer, coyotes, wolves, snakes, and insects. Guests accept the risks associated with wildlife encounters and understand that such sightings are not grounds for refunds.
8. Power Outages
Power outages can occur in Muskoka and are beyond the host’s control. : Frequent power outages may occur in Muskoka. Guests are advised to prepare accordingly and are responsible for any inconvenience caused by such events. A presence of a power outage does not warrant a refund.
9. Damage and Theft
Guests agree to be financially responsible for any damage to or theft of property during their stay. This includes the cottage, contents, outdoor areas, and any shared or provided items.