House Rules

Please treat our house with the same respect as you would your own home. We’ve put a lot of effort into making this into a beautiful space for you to enjoy.

We know you’ll have lots of laughter and fun during your vacation! However, please respect our neighbors. Noise must be kept to a minimum during the Village of Ephraim’s quiet hours, which are 9pm to 9am.

Parties and events are not allowed.

Pets and animals are not allowed.

Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property.

In case of any accidental damage, report it immediately, and we’ll look into the issue internally to decide if and how much the deduction or repair cost will be.

Please do not move any furniture from one room to another.

Please do not take any bath towels with you to the beach. There are beach towels provided for the beach.

Please use the provided makeup removal washcloths for makeup and facial cleansing.

You must read and fully understand the house rules at the beginning of your stay. If anything is unclear, please contact us so we can explain in further detail to avoid any misunderstandings.

Have fun! This is your vacation and we hope you make the most of our home, its amenities and your opportunity to gather, relax, and discover all Door County has to offer!

Please try to avoid making any loud noise between 9 pm and 9 am to be in accordance the town’s quiet hours and to allow our neighbors a peaceful night’s sleep.

If any neighboring residents report excessive noise or unruly behavior, we may have to evict you from our property and terminate the vacation rental agreement. This could result in loss of security deposit and rental amount without refund.

In case of any disputes or neighbor complaints, it’s your duty to notify us as soon as reasonably practicable.

We like to do our part for the environment and we ask that our guests do the same! There are containers for separating trash and recycling in the pull-out drawer next to the left of the sink. There are also large trash and recycling containers in the driveway if the house trash/recycling needs to be taken out of the house.

Please dispose of garbage and recycling in the proper containers.

Please refrain from throwing any trash onto the property or neighboring properties.

Please place any overflow garbage and recycling in the proper bins outside the garage on the driveway. Garbage/recycling are collected from the driveway containers every Wednesday.

Do not flush any sanitary products, paper towels, diapers, or any refuse other than toilet paper. We provide a trash bin in each bathroom.

Any food waste should go into the trash bin, do not put in the kitchen garbage disposal or sink.

There is an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area, including birds, deer, fox, raccoons, and the rare black bear. It is important for you to keep all food and trash properly disposed in the appropriate trash receptacles with closed lids to avoid disrupting the normal food foraging patterns of our animal neighbors.

We try to keep our vacation rental as child-friendly as possible. If you find anything to be unsafe or that requires revision at our property, please contact us immediately so we can address the issue.

Guests are fully responsible for the safety and security of their children at all times, as well as any disturbance caused to other residents in the neighborhood.

Never leave children unsupervised at our property without any adults.

We want you to enjoy your vacation and time at our home to the maximum, but we do have to set some restrictions on visitor numbers for safety reasons. As part of our vacation rental agreement, we need the names and details of each member of your traveling party. In addition, please respect the maximum visitors and rules regarding visitors as set out below.

There is a maximum total of 14 guests / visitors permitted on property at any time.

Guests are responsible for ensuring that any visitors comply with these House Rules.

Any additional overnight visitors must be approved in advance and are subject to an additional fee.

Parties and large gatherings of any kind are strictly prohibited at our home. Any small gathering must comply with our other house rules regarding noise, the neighborhood and visitor numbers.

Guests are to allow the homeowner or service staff access to the property for purposes of repair and inspection. The homeowner will exercise this right of access in a reasonable manner and advise beforehand where possible.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in our vacation rentals is our fully furnished chef’s kitchen. It’s perfect for cooking up tasty breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and delicious dinners for all the family to enjoy. Please treat our kitchen with the love and respect you would your own to keep it in great condition for other guests.

Please be sure to ventilate the kitchen after cooking anything that could leave a strong smell behind. Please wipe down surfaces with a soft damp cloth after cooking.

Please ensure that the gas / flame of the cooktop is extinguished after cooking is done.

Be careful not to wash food remains down the drain. Please throw any kitchen scraps into the garbage for removal.

To simplify the check-out inventory process, please return any kitchen items back to where you originally found them. If you break / damage any supplies, please notify us as soon as possible, so we may replace them for the next guests.

While we don't expect you to clean during your vacation, cleaning supplies are kept under the kitchen sink if there happens to be any accidental spills, etc. that need to be addressed promptly.

At the Ephraim House, we like to provide our guests with some useful supplies as a starter pack, which you can use during your stay. You can find the complete inventory for the property in our Guide Book. Here are a few rules to follow with regard to the items you’ll find in and around our home.

We’ve provided dish soap and dishwasher tabs for your use. If you run out, please buy additional for the remainder of your stay.

We’ve provided laundry pods and fabric softener for your use. If you run out, please buy additional for the remainder of your stay.

We’ve provided a starter pack of Keurig coffee K-cups, tea bags, sugar / sugar substitute, and creamer for your use. If you run out, please buy additional for the remainder of your stay.

We’ve provided a gas grill and a charcoal grill for your use during your stay. Charcoal is not provided.

You’ll find all the electrical appliances you need for a comfortable stay at our home. Please use them responsibly and ask other members of your party to do the same. This means adhering to the few rules we outline below.

Please do not overload or underload the washer/dryer. When washing any Ephraim House linens, be sure to separate colors and whites, and wash on a low temperature when possible.

The optimum temperature for the thermostat is between 70-75°F in summer (for air conditioning) and 68-72°F in winter (for heating).

Please make sure you switch off lights, fans or any other small electrical appliances when you go out. The same applies to air-conditioning and heating – we’re an eco-friendly home!

Please close the windows when the heater or air-conditioning are running.

Guests are expected to ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked to maintain security and prevent rain and water damage. Guests are responsible for damage incurred due to failure to close windows and doors as required.

In the unlikely case of a power outage, please call us before touching the electrical panel.

No compensation / refunds will be given for any temporary outage of electricity, gas, water, or wi-fi service.

We have outdoor parking space for an approximately 4-5 large vehicles, and the garage can accommodate 2 vehicles. Parking is not permitted on the street. Parking is not permitted on any of the non-gravel (e.g., grassy septic field area) surfaces.

Please do not exceed the speed limit on our quiet street.

Door County and Ephraim are extremely safe communities; however, your belongings are only truly safe and secure if you remember to close and lock all windows and doors when you leave the house. While we have taken the necessary measures to make The Ephraim House safe for incoming guests, you also have a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of your stay. We are not responsible for the loss of any personal belongings or valuables. In case you misplace something in the house, please let us know so we can look out for the item during the changeover. Ensure that you do a thorough inspection of all drawers, closets, etc. before you leave, as you will be responsible for return shipping costs.

Bicycle, Paddle Board, Kayak Use Agreement – Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release of Liability

We are happy to provide four bicycles, two paddle boards, and one kayak ("Equipment") for guest use while staying at The Ephraim House.

In consideration of Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC (“The Ephraim House”) allowing you (“The Guest”) to use the Equipment, all Guests agree to the following assumption of risk and release of liability. Use of the bicycles, paddle boards, or kayak constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Assumption of Risk:
The Guest understands and accepts that using bicycles and watercraft and participating in bicycling and water activities exposes the Guest to hazards and unavoidable risks of injury, including but not limited to severe spinal, head, or bodily injury, drowning, property damage, or death.

The Guest understands that these activities may involve hazards posed by other watercraft, water conditions, traffic, road or trail conditions, weather conditions, and other environmental factors. The Guest further understands that they should be in good physical health to participate in bicycling and water sports activities.

By choosing to participate in these activities, the Guest voluntarily assumes all risks of injury, loss of life, or damage to property that may result from the use of bicycles or watercraft.

Insurance:
The Guest is responsible for carrying their own travel, health, and medical insurance to cover personal medical care or liability in the event of an accident, injury, or incident arising from the use of the bicycles or watercraft.

Waiver and Release:
In consideration of The Ephraim House providing access to bicycles and watercraft, the Guest specifically releases and forever discharges Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability or claims for injury, illness, death, or loss of or damage to property which may occur while using the bicycles or watercraft or participating in bicycling or water sports.

This release includes, but is not limited to, claims resulting from negligence by Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC, its officers, agents, or employees.

The Guest acknowledges that bicycles, helmets, life vests, and other equipment may not be regularly inspected and that no warranties are made regarding the adequacy or safety of such equipment. The Guest assumes all risk related to the use of such equipment.

If any participant using the Equipment is under the age of eighteen (18), the Guest represents that they are the parent or legal guardian of the minor and consent to the minor’s participation and acceptance of this agreement.

The Guest understands that if injury, illness, death, or property damage occurs while using the bicycles or watercraft, the Guest will have no right to bring a claim or lawsuit against Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC or its representatives.

Safety Equipment:
The Guest acknowledges the importance of wearing safety equipment.

Guests should wear:

• A helmet while riding bicycles
• A personal flotation device (life jacket) while using paddle boards or the kayak

Helmets and life jackets are provided; however, the Guest acknowledges that safety equipment may not fit all individuals and that the Guest is responsible for ensuring proper fit and safe use.

The Guest confirms they understand how to operate the bicycles, paddle boards, and kayak and how to properly wear and adjust safety equipment.

Responsibility for Equipment:
The Guest accepts full responsibility for the care of the bicycles and watercraft while in their possession and agrees to reimburse The Ephraim House for any loss, theft, or damage beyond normal wear and tear.

The Guest also agrees to reimburse The Ephraim House for the replacement cost of any recreational equipment used but not returned.

Any minor using the equipment must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Guests are strictly prohibited from using bicycles or watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

By using any of the bicycles, paddle boards, or kayak provided at The Ephraim House, the Guest acknowledges that they have read, understand, and voluntarily accept this assumption of risk, waiver, and release of liability.

Our balcony and deck are available for you to enjoy. To keep this space in the best condition for future visitors to The Ephraim House, please follow these guidelines:

In case of any bad weather (rain, storms etc.), please ensure you store the cushions inside the patio furniture storage container built into the patio furniture.

No grilling (gas or charcoal) is permitted on the deck due to fire hazard risk.

The Ephraim House is a smoke-free, drug-free zone. Smoking and drugs are not allowed anywhere on the property. This is important to us in order to keep our property in the best condition possible. Smoking results in damage to the property and leaves the house unsuitable for the next guests.

Discovering guests have been smoking on the property will result in loss of the security deposit, and may result in additional fees for smoke mitigation and additional cleaning.

There will be a $25 charge for each cigarette remnant found on property.

Pets are not permitted anywhere on the property. Any evidence of pets or animal presence will result in loss of the security deposit and may result in additional cleaning fees.

Spending time at The Ephraim House is all about the great outdoors, relaxing, cooking and eating outside whenever you can! Is there anything better than a barbecue on a sunny afternoon? We don’t think so! We provide all the necessary equipment to grill and barbecue, please just be sure to follow the instructions below:

Please use the designated barbecue utensils which can be found in a kitchen drawer between the stove top and the double ovens.

Be sure to clean the barbecue after use using the grill brush to remove food residue on the grill grates.

A charcoal grill and chimney charcoal starter are provided for use during your stay. Charcoal is not provided. We recommend purchasing charcoal from Nelson’s Hardware located just South of Ephraim on Highway 42 (4min drive from The Ephraim House).

A propane gas grill is provided for use during your stay. We will do our best to ensure there is propane available for your use of the grill, but if the gas runs out, it is your responsibility to get the tank refilled / exchanged. Gas can be refilled at Nelson’s Hardware.

Please finish grilling by 9 pm to keep noise to a minimum for our neighbors.

While we know our guests won’t intentionally break anything at our vacation rental, we understand accidents can happen. Here is what you need to know about accidental damages or breakages during your stay:

Always report any accidental damages or breakages immediately. All damages must be reported before checkout.

In case any damage to the property or its appliances is not covered by our insurance, the guest will pay for the repair costs.

We’ve created The Ephraim House rules so that all of our guests have a safe, secure and most importantly, fun vacation in Door County! Compliance with these rules is essential for every member of the guest party. We hope you have a great time and find everything you need at our home!

Breach of any of these house rules is a breach of the terms and conditions of occupancy, as per the rental agreement you have signed.

We reserve the right to evict any guests or visitors from the property who refuse to follow these house rules.

In general, use common sense and be a good neighbor while staying in our home. If you’re unsure about any of the house rules and require further clarification, please contact us. Thank you for choosing The Ephraim House for your stay in beautiful Door County!

Item descriptionHot Tub Use – Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release of Liability

The Ephraim House provides a hot tub for guest enjoyment during your stay. Use of the hot tub is entirely voluntary and at the guest’s own risk.

In consideration of Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC (“The Ephraim House”) allowing Guests to use the hot tub, all Guests agree to the following assumption of risk and release of liability. Use of the hot tub constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Assumption of Risk:
The Guest understands and accepts that hot tub use involves inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, falls, overheating, dehydration, drowning, personal injury, or death.

The Guest further understands that certain individuals may be at increased risk when using a hot tub, including pregnant women, individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other medical conditions. Guests with any medical concerns should consult a physician before using the hot tub.

By choosing to use the hot tub, the Guest voluntarily assumes all risks of injury, illness, loss of life, or property damage associated with its use.

Waiver and Release:
In consideration of The Ephraim House providing access to the hot tub, the Guest specifically releases and forever discharges Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability or claims for injury, illness, death, or property damage which may occur while using the hot tub.

This release includes, but is not limited to, claims resulting from negligence by Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC, its officers, agents, or employees.

The Guest understands that use of the hot tub is entirely at their own risk and that they will have no right to make a claim or file a lawsuit against Wilson Brothers Holdings, LLC related to the use of the hot tub.

Hot Tub Rules and Safety Guidelines

To ensure the safety of all guests and proper maintenance of the hot tub, the following rules must be followed:

• Use the hot tub at your own risk.
• Never use the hot tub alone.
• Pregnant women and individuals with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions should not use the hot tub without a physician’s approval.
• Young children should not use the hot tub unless supervised at all times by an adult.
• Shower before entering the hot tub.
• Enter and exit slowly using the designated steps.
• No jumping, diving, or horseplay.
• No glass is permitted in or near the hot tub.
• Do not adjust the hot tub temperature or equipment settings.
• Do not use the hot tub if the water temperature exceeds 104°F.
• Limit hot tub sessions to 15 minutes at a time, followed by a cool-down period.
• Alcohol or drugs may increase the risk of injury or drowning and should not be used in combination with hot tub use.
• Do not sit, stand, or lie on the hot tub cover.
• The hot tub cover must be replaced and secured whenever the hot tub is not in use.

Care of the Hot Tub

The hot tub is professionally maintained on a regular schedule. Guests agree not to add soaps, oils, bubble bath, or other substances to the water.

Guests are responsible for any damage caused to the hot tub or cover during their stay. Damage to the hot tub cover may result in a $500 replacement charge, and contamination of the hot tub water may result in additional cleaning fees.

Guests agree to promptly notify the hosts if any issues with the hot tub arise during their stay.

By using the hot tub at The Ephraim House, Guests acknowledge that they have read, understand, and voluntarily accept this assumption of risk, waiver, and release of liability.