Terms of Service

Section Title

Property 

 

Guest are welcome to enjoy the entire property, including our 16 acres of trails and rolling hills. The property lines and trails are clearly marked, but we recommend using the map that we’ve created for you to help you navigate! Please note that the trails are only meant for walking - no vehicles permitted or any other motorized transportation. Please be cautious when walking on the trails, as you would with any path that is not paved, because there are some bumps and uneven places. Also be mindful of poison ivy & poison oak as you are walking through the woods. There is a swing at the top of the main trail that is not frequently inspected - you are free to use it and enjoy the view, but please use with caution. There are seating areas in the woods as well as a hammock - please use with caution as they are not regularly inspected. 

 

The private driveway leading to the house is a 1200 foot, 100% gravel driveway. That being said, a two-wheel-drive vehicle should not have any issues getting up the driveway. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out! 

 

Maximum occupancy 

 

The Maximum number of guests is limited to 2 adults. As of right now, children are not permitted at The Hill House (infants are allowed in special circumstances with approval from The Branch staff). There will be a fine of $100 per person over the permitted number of 2. 

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Terms of stay 

 

Failure to adhere to the check-out time will result in a late fee of $50 per hour past the check-out time unless discussed prior to check-in or approved by The Branch staff. If you do not vacate by check-out time, you authorize us to bill your credit card on file for the late departure fees. 

 

Unless approved by the Branch Staff, Check in is at 4pm or later, and check out is before 11am.

 

Minimum Stay - The Hill House requires a two night minimum  stay, unless approved by The Branch Staff. 

 

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Rental Rules 

 

Guests agree to abide by the Rental Rules at all times while at the property.

 

No Smoking on the property (this includes in the Hill House) - There will be a $500 fine if this policy is not upheld. We have an individual on our team that is very affected by smoke and we want the entire property to remain a smoke free area. 

 

No Pets - There will be a $250 fine if this policy is not upheld. 

 

In general, please respect the property - do not litter on the trails; take care of the beautiful space we’ve created.

 

No Social Functions/Parties Allowed on the Property: No parties, groups gatherings, events, or other social functions are allowed unless specifically authorized by The Branch staff prior to your check-in. Upon a violation of this term, Guests agree to vacate the property. No refunds will be issued if this rule is violated by Guest or any invitee. Reservations will be cancelled with no refund if Guest plans, advertises, or hosts a Party. The Branch defines a party as a gathering that exceeds the occupancy limit for the property - which is 2 people. 

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Access 

 

Guests shall allow The Branch staff access to the property for purposes of repair, inspection, or emergency. The Branch staff shall exercise this right of access in a reasonable manner by giving at least 90 minutes of notice (unless there is an emergency). 

 

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Cancellation policies 

 

Free Cancellation 48 hours prior to check-in: you get back 100% of what you paid when booking

 

Partial Refund if you cancel less than 48 hours before you check-in - you’ll get back 50% of what you paid when booking

 

Side note: We are human and understand that things come up. If you need to cancel for a family/personal emergency and want to rebook for a further date, we can work something out! 

 

 

​Charges for Property Damages

 

Guest agrees that they may be responsible for covering damages detailed within this agreement. 

 

DAMAGES: renters will be contacted about their responsibility to financially cover the follow damages to the property following a stay: 

 

• • Broken or damaged furniture, windows, doors, and electronics 

  • Severe stains on carpets, rugs, upholstery, bedding, and floors (stains that either require replacement of item or professional cleaning - The Branch Staff knows that spills happen - we’re all human)

  • Missing Items - this includes items that were at the property but are missing after a guests stay

  • Excessive cleaning - needed to restore the property to its original condition due to guest-caused issues

 

We are reasonable and will communicate with you prior to invoicing you or making any charges. We ask that guests are honest and reasonable too. 

 

 

Loss of personal property/Forgotten Items 

 

The Branch is not liable for any lost, missing, or stolen personal property items during your stay. We will absolutely help Guests recover items if possible. If items were left on the property and are found after your departure, every effort will be made to return the items to you. At your request, The Branch staff will package any personal property that is left behind and drop it off at the US Postal Service or UPS Store. Guests will be billed the cost of the shipping to their credit card on file. Guests agree that personal property left at The Branch after departure shall be deemed abandoned if good faith attempts to arrange to return it fail after 30 days from your departure date. 

 

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Safety 

 

Guests shall comply with all laws and rules affecting safety. Fireworks, intoxication by occupants and inherently dangerous activities are prohibited. The fire extinguisher (under the kitchen sink) must be used appropriately in emergency situations only. We have provided a Fire Blanket - located in the large pantry cabinet to the left of the dishwasher (the cabinet is labeled). There are carbon monoxide alarms as well as smoke alarms installed. Report chirping alarms to The Branch staff as they indicate low batteries in safety devices. Furniture, bedding, and other indoor furnishings may not be taken outdoors (with the exception of glassware, dishes, grilling items for use on deck, and throw blankets for extra warmth on cold days). Alarms and smoke detectors must not be tampered with. Use the overhead range fan when cooking to avoid accidental activation of smoke detectors. We have also provided a first aid kit with a LifeVac Anti Choking Device as well - located in the pantry cabinet to the left of the dishwasher (cabinet is labeled). Note: When using microwave, please leave cabinet doors open for proper ventilation. 

 

We do have security cameras on the outside of house that will be turned off during your stay - at arrival. They allow us to keep an eye on the property when it’s vacant but we respect your privacy and do not keep them on when the house is being used. They will be turned on promptly at checkout time and no sooner. If you have questions or concerns about this please let us know! 

 

 

    Emergency Weather Policies 

 

    If a catastrophe (tornado, earthquake, flood, etc.), or any situation beyond our control impairs the property, The Branch is NOT responsible for finding alternate lodging for guest(s) or for guest’s financial losses related to transportation or alternate lodging. That being said, if guests must stay elsewhere due to severe weather, The Branch would be happy to reimburse you for each night you are not staying at The Hill House. 

 

***further clarification - let’s say you book a Wednesday night through Saturday night and extreme weather conditions cause you to stay in a hotel Thursday and Friday night - we will reimburse you the total of what you paid for renting The Hill House Thursday and Friday night. We will not pay your hotel fee. 

 

   Tornado Watch/Warning

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    The Hill House does not have a basement. We suggest you go to one of the local businesses in downtown Bellville such as Smith Hardware located at 143 Main Street (has a basement - closed on Sundays) or another business in town. Should businesses be closed, the Quality Inn off of 71 would also be a good option!

 

Ultimately it is your decision how you respond to a tornado watch or warning, this is just our recommendation. 

 

 

Basic Safety 

 

Guests acknowledge that their use of the property and its amenities may carry inherent risk, including risk of bodily injury, illness or disease, disability, or death. For example, the acreage on the property includes natural habitats for wildlife, insects, and pests that may expose you to injury or disease; or stairways, decks, ledges, and other unmarked natural or manmade features, amenities, and conditions that carry inherent risk. Guests agree that, by staying at The Branch or using its amenities, they voluntarily and willfully assume those risks and assume full responsibility for the choices they make before, during and after their use of the property and it’s amenities. Guests also agree that they are solely responsible for closely supervising and protecting the health and safety of all guests throughout the duration of their stay.

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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at thebranchstay@gmail.com