FAQ

Q & A ~

How do I book Redstone Ridge?

Please contact us at rental.info@redstoneridge.ca to confirm availability and obtain the rental forms. The rental Application asks for the name of your homeowner insurance provider, which simply acts to assure us that those to whom we entrust our property are responsible adult homeowners or renters. Our insurers also require that we limit rentals to famlies and/or groups of mature adults.

Bookings will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis on receipt of:
- the completed Rental Application
- the signed Rental Terms & Conditions Agreement
- payment of 50% of the rental fee (see payment options below)

The balance of the rental fee and a damage deposit must be paid in full 30 days prior to your rental date. The damage deposit is fully refundable upon leaving the premises in a clean and orderly condition suitable for the next renters and with no damage to contents of property, as stated in the Rental Terms & Conditions.

Bookings made less that 30 days in advance require full payment....... we accept Interac email money transfer, cash, certified cheque or money order.

The following are the questions answered below:
Where are We?
What is the Lake like?
Is the availability calendar up to date?
What is there to do?
How Private is Redstone Ridge?
Is Security provided?
What do we need to bring?
Is the drinking water safe?
Are guests expected to clean the cabin?
Are there stairs to the lake?
Where do we buy groceries and fuel?
What is the road access?
Can I bring my pet?
Is there telephone service? What about long distance charges?
What happens if the barbeque tank runs out of gas?
What do we do with our garbage?
Do septic systems require special attention?

Where are we?

Redstone Ridge is located approximately half-way (5 kilometres) along the eastern shore of Big Redstone Lake. You are about 20 miles from Haliburton and approximately 10 miles from the southern edge of Algonquin Park.

What is the Lake like?

Redstone and Kennisis (to the north) are two of the largest lakes in the region that form the headwaters of the watersheds that feed the Trent System. It is for this reason that the water levels of both lakes will have a vertical drop of approximately 5 feet from spring through the fall. Floating docks will adjust accordingly leaving ample deep water diving and mooring. Lower levels will often expose sand beaches which otherwise would not be available. Natural rock shorelines and ecosystems become evident into the late summer and early fall.

Redstone, Little Redstone ( connected by the narrows) and Pelaw ( connected by Pelaw river) make up a 3 lake chain, over 9 miles long and 2.5 miles wide with numerous bays and coves.

East Bay is one of three early developments dating back to the '50s. Much of the lake was not developed until starting in the mid 1980's. New cottages like ours must all meet stringent regulations such as 100' setbacks and minimum 150' frontages, which has helped keep Red stone pristine and development less visible from the lake. An increased awareness of delicate ecosystems has also placed priority on maintaining original rock shorelines.....fish habitat during spawning seasons. Please appreciate the minimal disturbance to our shoreline.

Is the availability calendar up to date?

We will do our best to update the web page. The calendar will indicate 'Available' or
' Booked'. We will post tentative dates as 'Booked' when payment is received.

What is there to do?

Summer
The lake is spectacular, so you'll want to get out on it. If you've arrived with a powerboat, a slow familiarization of the bays and coves is both rewarding and helpful - it is surprising how similar they might look at first glance when you are trying to find your accomodations - take particular note of landmarks. You can swim off the dock or take a dip off your boat. The lake is great for water-skiing, wake boarding and tubing and fishing.....we just ask to be respectful of cottager's shorelines with wakes and consider noise.
For more fun on the water please feel free to use our 14' aluminum fishing boat and 15 hp motor, canoe, single man kayak or paddle boat. In late summer, the water levels drop to provide a wonderful sand bar at the northeast corner of Big Redstone....great for picnics and playing in the sand. It is private property, however, so please keep it clean.

The Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve provides a myriad of interesting and challenging activities for young and young at heart including: hiking, mountain-biking, the Wolf Centre, 'Walk in the Clouds Canopy Tour' and the Astral Observatory....great for looking even closer at the amazing stars in the night sky.

Winter
We are just 20 minutes from Sir Sams Ski Resort....the best kept secret for downhill skiing and snowboarding in Ontario. The hills are well groomed and the lines are short....rarely icy like you find at most Ontario ski hills. Enjoy the day and then return to the cabin....sit by the fireplace and enjoy your favourite dinner and beverage. There is no night skiing at Sir Sams.

One of the main snowmobile trails passes in a north/south direction on the main part of Redstone...just catch the trail....it links Tall Pines and Haliburton Snowmobile Trail systems. If Big Redstone and Kennisis are not yet frozen the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve is located just 15 minutes north and boasts 200 kms of well groomed trails with small, heated rest facilities interspersed throughout the area. The 'Wildlife' area also has cross-country ski trails, dog sledding and a restaurant. The wolf centre will bring you up close to grey timber wolves in their natural habitat. You might want to try the new Luge run located on the west shore.

Indoors
The stone fireplace will be a favourite for many, on all but the hottest summer days. Wood is provided.

There is an LCD TV in the great room and a second TV for playing video games. Bring along a supply of DVDs/VCRs or check out the selection at the cabin. There is an extensive menu provided with Bell ExpressVu, including many music channels....pay-per-view is not connected. Sit and enjoy the antique style Crosly stereo, radio and record player. A corner cupboard contains a selection of games, puzzles, books and some binoculars for bird watching. Other activities include table tennis and air hockey on the lower level and a Foosball table in the loft.

How Private is Redstone Ridge?

The cabin, covered porches and extensive wrap around deck are completely private....neighbour cottages are out of view. Nearby cottages only become visible as you approach the shoreline and proceed out onto the dock. As we are at the end of East Bay you will see cottages on the north and south shore as you look westerly down the bay.....they are quite distant. Our generous 420' frontage allows for ample 'space' for privacy....having said that, we love our neighbours.....there is a real sense of community on the 'bay'. We trust you will find them so as well.....it is generally about respect for noise and property.

Is Security provided?

There is a security code entrance and monitoring provided by a local company. The entry is a electronic keyless entry.

What do we need to bring?

Linens
Pillows, comfortors and/or blankets are provided, as well as kitchen towels and cloths. Please bring your own bath, face and beach towels, sheets and pillowcases. Kitchen towels should be laundered before leaving the cabin. For out-of-town or overseas guests, we would be happy to supply linens. Please ask about these alternative arrangements.

Kitchen Supplies
Bring your food and beverages! The kitchen is fully outfitted with dishes, glassware and cutlery for 12. Cookware, bakeware and a variety of utensils and serving dishes are waiting for you to whip up a feast! Small appliances include a microwave, slow-cooker, food processor, coffee maker, tea kettle and 4 slice bagel/toaster. If you have any specific questions about what is available in the kitchen, feel free to ask us prior to your visit.

Water Sports
While there are several life jackets and personal floatation devices available to be used AT YOUR OWN RISK, we would strongly encourage you to bring your own for best fit, comfort and security - especially for your small children. Please remember that you must obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card before operating the power boat - or risk being fined! Look into this prior to your visit at the Transport Canada Website.

Is the drinking water safe?

The water is from a 200' deep drilled well system. It tastes great and yet is quite soft for washing. The water is tested and results are posted in the welcome binder and/or the refrigerator. We drink the water, but you may feel more comfortable bringing your own bottled water. We assume no responsibility for the water beyond the test results.

Are guests expected to clean the cottage?

Bookings after November 7, 2013 will include basic cleaning services and are now reflected in the posted rates. This includes cleaning 3 bathrooms, kitchen, all floors, furniture and surfaces. Departures have moved forward by 1 hour, usually to 11 AM to allow a minimum 4 hour window for cleaning before next arrivals at 3 pm. As this is a large property with many amenties, we do require some assistance on a few items. These are listed in Schedule 1 and form part of the formal rental agreement.
1. Guests are expected to have dishes washed and returned to cupboards or at minimum, cycling in the dishwasher.
2. Tea towels, dish cloths etc. washed and in the dryer.
3. Ashes removed from the fireplace and safely discarded outside.
4. Burn off the BBQ grill, remove grease catcher and drip trays from rear access and dump
5. Organize and return all furniture, fixtures, appliances and kitchen items to their original locations
6. If there has been a major spill in the oven, please clean these surfaces

These listed items are very time consuming tasks for our cleaning lady and could delay arrivals for incoming guests.

Are there stairs to the lake?

Yes, there are stairs from the main floor level to the patio walkout (basement) as well as an additional 20 natural steps and terraces to the lake. The cabin is situated on a plateau, giving a nice view of the lake. This is not a level lot and as such will not be suitable for the significantly physically challenged.

Where do we buy groceries and fuel?

The closest store is located in the small village of Eagle Lake....they will have most everything you will need including all food, fuel, propane, wine, beer, and movie rentals. Haliburton is about 30 minutes away and has an 'Independent' food store (Loblaws), upscale Foodland, butcher shop, M & M, several restaurants, beer, liquour, art galleries, hardware and lumber stores, fuel, propane, marinas, and automotive repairs.

What is the road access?

We are located @ 2049 Boice Bradley Drive, five kilometres north of county road # 14. Boice Bradley is a privately owned road, maintained by the local cottage association. It is a course gravel surface and is accessible by all vehicles in the dry months. Winter often provides more challenge....while regular two wheel drive vehicles are often able to navigate the road, we require a minimum of one 4 Wheel Drive vehicle or All Wheel Drive during the winter months. This is to assure safe access for our guests and avoid inconvenience to our permanent neighbors caused by stuck vehicles blocking the access road.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are often an important part of the family. We do not allow cats at our cottage due to allergies. Responsible dog owners are welcome to bring well house-trained dogs only, to a maximum of two. Please clean up all droppings before your departure from the property. Any damage resulting from the your pet will be deducted from the deposit. Please provide extra diligence in completely removing any dog hair from floors and furniture upon your departure.

Is there telephone service? What about long distance charges?

Redstone Ridge is equipped with a private telephone line and renters are welcome to use it for local calls, without charge. If you make long distance calls, please use your cell phone or your Bell Calling Card. Reception for all cell users is quite good in and around the cabin, dock areas and on the lake.....other areas such as along the Boice Bradley or Eagle Lake are poor. Haliburton has good cell reception.

What happens if the barbeque tank runs out of gas?

We keep several tanks in rotation on the grill and extras stored in garden shed. On rare occasions when we've been absent for some time we do ask weekly summer renters to monitor the supply and if necessary to refill during a trip to town for supplies....guests will be reimbursed.

What do we do with our garbage?

There are several dump locations - all garbage must be disposed of before leaving the premises. We now have 'Cottage Garbage Kits' available for weekend renters....instructions for recycling, bags and single use pass....no need to return to the cottage to return the 'Dump Card"! Hours vary at the various local dumps. The most important thing is to NEVER leave garbage outside - please use the garbage containers in the Garden Shed ..... or you may have an unwanted visitors (bears, raccoons etc.)

Do septic systems require special attention?

Only to the extent that you respect the maximum number of guests allowed during your vacation...., most vacation properties are on a septic system and are designed for a certain 'usage'. We also ask that NOTHING be flushed other that bathroom tissue (NO diapers, feminine hygiene products, etc). Septic systems plug easily and we do not want your vacation compromised by improper use. Please do not pour grease/fat down drains - collect in containers until solidified and dispose of it at the dump.