The Eaton Cottage on Vinalhaven, Maine

Guest Information

General Rules

  • Check-in and check-out are Noon each Saturday unless negotiated with overlapping guests
  • Trash can be stored in Rubbermaid trash bins outside North door and taken to the transfer station, where you pay for disposal (Attendant will help guide you if needed). Transfer station is not open on Fridays or Saturdays. See Trash Protocol below.
  • Leave cabin clean for next guest:
    • Put everything away, clean all dishes, wipe down all surfaces, clean toilet and bathroom, sweep and vacuum, strip beds, wash linens and take out trash.
    • To keep costs down, we do not hire a house cleaner between guests, so please “Clean up, pitch in, leave it better”.
  • Limit water use. The cabin relies on a well and septic tank.
    • Please limit use of water especially when there are many guests.
    • Please limit shower use and be conservative when running the kitchen faucet or hose.
    • Limit use of washing machine to essential loads.
    • Don’t over flush the toilet.
  • Do not flush wipes (even if they say “flushable”), or sanitary products down the toilet. Toilet paper only.
  • Wireless Network and password are posted in the cabin. Call/text Abe or Brad if there are issues.
  • Please contribute to household consumables. Replace dish soap, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and tissues as needed. Replace what you use and feel free to leave extra.
  • Be very careful using candles in the cabin.
  • Always make sure oven and gas range is off, windows are closed and doors are latched when leaving cabin.

  • Island Checklist

    Island Checklist

    Recommended Things to Bring

  • Cabin FYI

    Cabin FYI

    Things to be aware of

    • Be careful walking in and around the cabin, especially if you are prone to tripping or falling. The Eaton Cottage is not perfectly level, with uneven flooring between rooms, and has a number of trip hazards. The newly polyurethaned hardwood floors can be slippery when wearing socks (slippers with rubber soles recommended), and the area rugs, while on no-slip mats, often slip or move. Utilize night lights if walking around the cabin at night. The lawn around the cabin is also uneven and contains large roots, rocks and depressions.
    • The cabin is on a well and septic system. Use water sparingly and don’t put any solids, toxic chemicals, grease, butter or oil down any drain.
    • Use septic-friendly cleaning products for dishes and laundry such as Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation or Dr. Bronners. Avoid antimicrobial agents or bleach.
    • Avoid using chemicals on the property (e.g., pesticides) without consulting Abe or Brad
    • Storm doors stick and don’t always latch automatically
    • Justin mows the lawn every couple weeks, so please make sure not to leave obstacles in the lawn
    • Windows in annex have screens that need to be removed and replaced to open.
    • Make sure there is a towel between shower and toilet due to the low shower stall lip
    • Manuals to all appliances are in dining room cabinet
    • Cabin is dog (and cat!) friendly. Cover couches with sheets if dogs lay on them (there are two king sheets in hutch by dryer or metal cabinet in annex) and remember the storm doors don’t always latch automatically. Keep dogs on leashes at all times when on property or in neighborhood. The neighbors have free range chickens that roam the property (usually in the morning), and many neighbors walk their dogs on City Point Rd and Bay View Cemetery Rd. Clean up all dog poop in real time so the mower or others don’t step on and poopy land mines.
    • There is a First Aid Kit in the corner of the bench seats of the dining room just below the circuit breaker box
    • Fire extinguishers are located just to the right of the kitchen sink just inside the red main cabin door.
    • The cabin has both carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms

  • Trash Protocol

    Trash Protocol
    • Bring trash and recyclables to the Transfer Station on Round the Island Rd. before you leave
    • Refundable cans and bottles can be dropped off at the Eldercare bottle deposit station in the downtown parking lot across from Carver’s Harbor Market
    • The Transfer Station isn’t open on Friday or Saturday, so remember to take leftover trash with you when leaving Saturday or leave in sealed Rubbermaid trash can and communicate with following guest. 
    • There are three small waste baskets and one large kitchen trashcan in the cabin. There are two large plastic Rubbermaid trash barrels are located outside the north door of the cabin. Trash bags are in the lower cupboard to the left of the fridge.