House guidebook

Everything you need for a great stay.

The full house manual — rules, how things work, and the questions we get most. Skim it before you come; it'll make everything easier.

Arriving & getting in

A few things to make day one easy.

Check-in / checkout
Check in after 2:00 pm, check out by 12:00 pm unless we've worked out something different with you.
Getting in the door
We'll text you the keypad code before your stay. If you have any trouble with the lock, give us a call and we'll be happy to help. Please don't force the lock or keypad.
Parking
Two cars fit in the drive; additional cars can park along the side. Don't block neighbors' drives or the shared road.
What's already here
Beds are made, bath and beach towels provided, and the kitchen is stocked with cookware, coffee maker, and basics. Bring your own food, toiletries, and sunscreen.

House rules (the full list)

The short version: treat it like your own, a little better. The details:

Who's staying
Sleeps about 6–8 comfortably. Let us know your headcount and any extra guests in advance — no parties or events.
Quiet hours (10pm–8am)
Sound carries over water and neighbors are close. Keep it low outside and on the dock overnight.
No smoking indoors
Smoking and vaping stay outside, away from doors and windows. Pack out any butts — never toss them in the yard or lake.
Pets
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Clean up after them, keep them off the beds and furniture, and don't leave them alone barking.
Shoes & wet gear
Kick off wet/sandy shoes at the door. Hang wet towels and life jackets on the deck rail, not over the furniture.
Candles & fires
No candles or incense indoors. The grill and fire pit are fine outdoors — never leave either unattended and drown the fire pit before bed.
Heating & cooling
Set the thermostat to a comfortable temp while you're here — A/C no lower than 72°, heat no higher than 68°. On your way out, 76° in summer / 62° in winter. Don't run the A/C with windows or doors open.
Report anything broken
Accidents happen — just tell us. A quick heads-up so we can fix it beats us finding it later. You won't be in trouble for an honest mistake.
Conserve where you can
Lights and fans off when you leave a room, and turn off the porch and dock lights at night.

Kitchen & dishes

Before you leave
Run and empty the dishwasher, wipe the counters, and take any food you won't finish. Toss anything perishable so it's not there next visit.
Coffee & staples
There's a coffee maker and usually filters, salt, pepper, oil, and foil. Replace anything you use up if you can.

Bedrooms, the loft & bathrooms

The loft
The open loft is a great third sleeping space for kids — there's a rail, but keep an eye on little ones on the stairs. Please don't turn on the loft fan.
Linens & towels
Provided. On checkout, strip the beds you used and wash and dry as much laundry as you can. Clean linens can be left on the bed for the housekeeper to remake; towels can go in the dryer or be folded and put away. Please don't leave anything wet in the washer.
Septic system — important
The house is on septic. Only flush toilet paper. No wipes, paper towels, or 'flushable' anything — it clogs the system and it's a mess for everyone.

The dock, swimming & the water

The best part — and the part we're most serious about. There's no lifeguard here, so these rules aren't negotiable.

Nobody swims alone
Nobody swims alone, and nobody swims after drinking or after dark. No exceptions.
Kids near the water
Kids near the water means an adult within arm's reach — not watching from the deck. Nobody here is watching your children; that's yours.
Life jackets
Life jackets on every child and every non-swimmer, always. There are jackets in the lower level; grab the right size.
No diving
No diving or jumping headfirst — the depth is unreliable and there's hard stuff down there. Feet-first only.
No jumping off the top deck
The top deck is for sunsets, not stunts — no jumping off it, ever. The lower deck is the swim deck: jump in feet-first all you like, but no diving.
The dock & the yard
The dock gets slick and the yard is steep. Watch your step, especially at night and in wet shoes.
About boating (the honest truth)
Heritage Lake has strict rules about boating: guests can't launch their own boats, and guests can't drive ours — so the boat stays put, and the lift is off-limits. Ask the kind neighbors for a boat ride, or just enjoy the float.
Kayaks & floats
Help yourself to the kayaks, paddleboards, and floats — that's the way to enjoy the water here. Rinse and put them back on the rack so they don't blow into the water.
Watch the weather
Off the water at the first sound of thunder. Storms move in fast here.

The lake & community

Heritage Lake is private and managed by the HLPOA. As our guests you're welcome to enjoy it — just play by their rules.

Boating
The lake's boating rules are strict and they're not ours to bend: guests can't launch their own boats (please leave yours at home), and guests can't drive ours. Ask the kind neighbors for a boat ride, or just enjoy the float.
Beaches & clubhouse
The community beaches, playground, and clubhouse are for owners and their guests. Be tidy and be a good neighbor.
HLPOA contact
Office: 765-386-7447 · hlpoa@ccrtc.com · hlpoa.us

Trash, recycling & pests

Trash day
Bins are in the lower level / side. Bag all trash and take it to the bins on your way out — never leave food or bags on the deck (raccoons and ants find it fast).
Keep doors shut
Close doors behind you, especially at dusk — it keeps bugs out and the AC/heat in.

Checkout checklist

Five minutes here keeps the next family happy.

The quick list
Dishes done · trash out · beds you used stripped · towels started · fridge cleared of your food · thermostat reset · windows and doors locked · lights off · keypad/key as you found it.
Lost & found
Left something behind? Send us a note through the site and we'll mail it back or set it aside for next time.

If something goes wrong

Emergencies
For any emergency, call 911 first. The house address is 295 Victory Hill, Coatesville, IN 46121 — good to have handy for responders.
Something broke or won't work
Text or call us right away, or use the 'Share something with us' form on the home page. We'd much rather know now.

Frequently asked questions

How do we get in?
There's a keypad on the door — we'll text you the code before you arrive. Check-in is after 2pm, checkout by 12pm. Any trouble with the lock, give us a call — please don't force it.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is included. The network name and password are posted on the fridge when you arrive.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome. Just clean up after them, keep them off the beds, and don't leave them barking alone.
Can we use the boat or bring our own?
Neither, we're afraid — Heritage Lake has strict boating rules. Guests can't launch their own boats, and guests can't drive ours. Ask the kind neighbors for a boat ride, or just enjoy the float. The kayaks, paddleboards, and floats are all yours.
Is it safe for kids at the water?
It's a wonderful spot for kids, with supervision. Life jackets on the dock and in boats for kids and weak swimmers, and it's feet-first only — the water off the dock is shallow.
Where do guests park?
Two cars fit in the driveway and more can go along the side. Please don't block the neighbors or the shared road.
Can we have friends or family visit during our stay?
Of course — just give us a heads-up on numbers. No large parties or events without checking with us first.
Is smoking allowed?
Outside only, away from the doors and windows, and please pack out the butts. No smoking or vaping indoors.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes. Set it comfortably while you're here, and reset the thermostat on your way out (76° summer / 62° winter).
What do we need to bring?
Food, toiletries, sunscreen, and bug spray. We provide linens, bath and beach towels, kitchen basics, and a coffee maker.
Are there stores and restaurants nearby?
There's a grocery run into Coatesville / Greencastle, and more options a short drive away. We'll leave a few local favorites in the guest binder.
Can we set off fireworks?
Please don't — it's a wooded, tightly-packed lake community and the HLPOA restricts them. Enjoy the community's shows around the 4th instead.
What do we do with trash?
Bag it and take it to the bins on your way out. Never leave trash or food on the deck — the wildlife will find it.
Who do we call if something breaks?
Text or call us, or use the 'Share something with us' form on the home page. Honest accidents are no problem — we just want to know.

Still stuck? Head back and use the “Share something with us” form — we'll get right back to you.