The following are actual questions we’ve received and would like to answer them here for everyone’s benefit. If you have a question you don’t find an answer to here, please call or e-mail. We’re happy to answer all questions.
Q: Is the water in the house drinkable?
A: Absolutely. It’s not well water. We're on CWD - the same water used
by most of the residents of Burlington and Chittenden County - Vermont’s
most populous county.
Q: How clear is the lakewater at the beach?
A: The water on Thayer Beach is very clear. The water clarity and the great natural sand is why Thayer Beach is so popular with boaters and swimmers. (Incidentally, as a former member of the Colchester Water Quality Committee, during the summer the town tests the lake water weekly, and because of how open Thayer Beach is the water quality is always consistently one of the cleanest in Malletts Bay.
Q: What is our responsibility for taking out garbage?
A: There are 2 large garbage receptacles provided - to rotate between renters.
Trash is picked up on Wednesdays, so the one used by the previous tenant will
be out at the end of the driveway ready to be picked up. Your trash will be
picked up the following Wednesday after you leave.
Q: Vermont has a returnable cans and bottles law.
What do we have to do to comply?
A: There is a receptacle for returnable cans and bottles provided. You are welcome
to bring them back yourself for the VT 5-cent refund, or leave them and we'll
take care of them after you leave.
Q: How close is the nearest neighbor?
A: The house is bordered by the Lake on one side, a 47-acre wooded area owned
by the Town of Colchester on another side, clear grass pasture on one side,
and… neighbors on one side. Being at the end of a private dirt road, there
is practically no traffic, and it is very private, however, my closest neighbor
invites her family over on weekends so there will be 6-8 people next door -
about 150 feet away from the house. They are friendly, quiet and very nice folks.
Q: Are there deer or deer ticks in the area?
A: No deer ticks, but you might spot one or two deer roaming in the Rosetti
property early in the morning. You'll see an occasional fox, maybe an otter,
lots of birds, fish, and frogs near the pond.
Q: Is Lyme disease a major problem?
A: No, not in Vermont. Until 2000, there were an average of 11 cases reported
per year, but in 2001. it climbed to around 40 cases.
Q: Does the house have any problems with rodents?
A: No, but we have a few friendly chipmunks in the area, so we generally keep
the garage door closed – just in case they decide to explore...
Q: Do you know if Sprint has cellular coverage
in the area?
A: I believe so, but I've never had Sprint myself, so I can't be sure. You might
want to go to Sprint’s Web site (or call them) to see if they cover Colchester,
VT. I know for sure Verizon, Unicell and Nextel work very well at the house.
Q: Is wood for the fireplace provided?
A: Yes. I have artificial logs in the garage, and there might still be some
real logs under the deck. At the beginning of the season, I try to collect as
much driftwood as possible for bonfires on the beach.
Q: Are blankets provided?
A: Yes, blankets, sheets, pillows, pillowcases, towels, washcloths, (and a washer-dryer
for laundry) – all provided. Please bring your own beach towels.
Q: Is there any place to hang a hammock?
A: Yes, a great spot. There are two trees down by the water that are perfect
for hanging a hammock. New in 2005 - we have a new portable hammock that can
be used anywhere on the property. Pure heaven!
Q: What is the small, un-powered boat referenced
on your Web site?
A: Beginning in 2004, I’ve added a 14-foot aluminum rowboat for guests
to get from the beach to the mooring if they bring their own boat, but it is
available to all guests who sign an additional boat waiver.
Q: Our dogs are well behaved, and we are mindful
of disturbing our neighbors. However, from time to time, they get excited (like
when we come home or if we're playing) and they will bark for short periods.
Is this a problem?
A: No, you’re in the country! People here are very friendly and one of
the neighbors has a small dog that occasionally barks. Please make sure your
dogs are leashed if they are overly protective.
Q: We are a little confused about whose insurance
covers what. Who is responsible if damage occurs to the house due to a storm
or other act of nature during our rental period?
A: I have insurance for the house. Guests are responsible for breakage or damage
to the house or its contents caused by you or your guests (reasonable wear-and-tear
excepted.)
Q: How far is the beach?
A: The beach is only about 35 steps from the deck (100 feet.)
Q: How about mosquitoes? Are they bad?
A: Even though we’re very near water, the mosquitoes aren’t bad
EXCEPT AT SUNSET. For about an hour after sunset, you’ll want to be behind
screen doors. We provide some mosquito repellent sprays like “OFF”
just in case.
Q: How far are grocery stores?
A: I have a map at the house for you with all the grocery stores located on
it. There’s a small one (Mazza’s Store) exactly one mile away. There’s
a Price Chopper (and Pharmacy) about 3 miles away, and a Shaw’s and Costco
about 5 miles from the house for major shopping.
Q: I’d like to play golf while there.
How far are the golf courses?
A: There are at least 5 courses within a 25-minute drive from the house (and
2 within 15 minutes). For your convenience, I have a list at the house with
driving directions, greens fees, and telephone numbers to call for tee-times.
Q: I’d like to rent a powerboat while there.
What’s available?
A: Unfortunately, there are not many choices nearby. Sailboats are available
nearby, but not powerboats. The North
Hero Marina has powerboats for rent, but it’s a 40-minute drive from
the house. Burlington has a place to rent boats, but rentals are geographically
limited to Burlington.
Q: How’s the fishing?
A: Great! You'll find Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon,
Rainbow Smelt, Yellow Perch, Walleye, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth
Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bullhead, Panfish, and Black Crappie. Malletts Bay is
host to several national fishing derby’s each year, but you’ll need
a boat. If you don’t have one, there are several places where you can
charter one.
Q: I’m a cyclist and would like to ride
my bike while staying at the house.
A: We’ve had several guests who have brought their road bikes. In addition
to the three nearby bike paths in Colchester, Burlington, and South Burlington,
there are some great roads nearby. One of the popular biking spots is the Champlain
Islands just north of Colchester.
Q: What responsibilities do we have when leaving your house Saturday morning?
A: Please try to leave the house as clean as it was when you arrived, with everything
in its original place. On the morning of your departure, please strip the used
bed linens and place used towels on the bathroom floor. Please leave the house
and boat padlock keys along with the garage door opener on the kitchen counter.
Check-out is 10AM just in time for the cleaning crew to arrive. If you care
to, there's a guest book for your comments about your stay. Thanks!
Have a question? Please e-mail me or call. I’m always happy to answer any question I can. Thanks.
For more information and reservations, contact John (802)
488-0905
john.n@comcast.net