Frequently Asked Questions

What you need
to know before you go.

Honest answers about our property, policies, and what to expect. If something isn't here, reach us at stay@notestonereserve.com or (614) 715-9820.

Booking & Rates

Why should I book directly instead of through Airbnb or VRBO? +

When you book through Airbnb or VRBO, service fees are added on top of our rate — fees that go to the platform, not to us. Booking directly through our website typically saves you 10–15% on your total. Same unit, same experience, same secure payment process — less going to a middleman.

You also get a direct line to us, which is helpful if anything comes up before or during your stay.

What's your cancellation policy? +

14+ days before arrival: Full refund (less $25 fee), 7–14 days before arrival: 50% refund (less $25 fee), Within 7 days: No refund.

If you booked through Airbnb or VRBO, their platform policies apply. If you booked directly, the policy you agreed to at checkout applies. Reach out if you have questions about your specific booking - we're reasonable people.

Do you offer discounts for longer stays? +

Weekly and extended stay discounts may be available, especially during off-peak periods. The best way to ask is by emailing us directly at stay@notestonereserve.com — we'll look at what we have available and see what makes sense.

Is there a minimum stay requirement? +

Minimum stay requirements vary by season: peak season and holidays typically require 2–3 nights; regular weekends typically require 2 nights; off-season (January–March) may allow 1-night stays. Check our availability calendar for specific dates.

Are there extra fees I should know about? +

Transparent pricing: cleaning fee (one-time per stay), pet fee ($100 per stay for pet-friendly cabins only — Austen, Hemingway, Sherwood, Stowe). No hidden fees, no resort fees, no service fees when booking direct. What you see is what you pay.

What's your severe weather / cancellation policy for snow? +

Our standard cancellation policy applies in most cases: 14+ days before arrival: Full refund (less $25 fee), 7–14 days before arrival: 50% refund (less $25 fee), Within 7 days: No refund. However, if there is a Level 3 Snow Emergency declared in Hocking County that will prevent access to the property, we will provide a full refund. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for additional flexibility.

Do I need to sign a renter agreement? +

Yes. All reservations require a Renter Agreement to be signed after booking. We'll send it over with a link to sign electronically — your booking information will already be filled in. You must sign this agreement in order to access the property. A sample of the renter agreement is available here.

Check-In & Arrival

What are your check-in and check-out times? +

Austen, Hemingway, Muir, Sherwood, Stowe, and Thoreau: Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM

Frost, Hughes, Yeats, and Whitman: Check-in 4:00 PM · Check-out 10:00 AM

Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request depending on the booking schedule. A surcharge may apply. Please reach out in advance if you need modified times.

How does check-in work? +

Check-in is self-guided. You'll receive a door code and arrival instructions before your stay. No one needs to meet you — you can arrive, settle in, and start your trip on your own schedule.

We send detailed arrival instructions in advance. If anything's unclear, we're available by text or phone.

What's the drive to the property like? Do I need 4WD? +

The property is on a country road in rural Ohio. Most of the year, any vehicle handles it fine. In winter months — especially after snow or ice — we recommend AWD or 4WD. Five units have steeper driveway approaches where this matters most: Austen, Hemingway, Muir, Sherwood, and Thoreau. If you're visiting in winter with a standard passenger car, reach out and we'll give you a current road conditions update.

We'd rather you know before you come than be surprised when you get here.

How far is Notestone Reserve from Columbus? +

About 62 miles from Columbus — roughly 1 hour southeast on Route 33. From Cleveland it's approximately 2.5 hours. From Cincinnati, about 2 hours. We're at 14580 Notestone Road, Laurelville, OH 43135.

The Units

What's the difference between the tiny homes, glass homes, and cabins? +

Tiny homes (Frost, Hughes, Whitman, Yeats): Modern lofted units for two. Queen loft bed, full bathroom, kitchenette, private hot tub and fire pit. Located in the front cluster of the property with privacy fencing between units. Couples-focused.

Glass homes (Muir, Thoreau): Studio units for two with floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides. One-way glass during the day, curtains at night. Rain shower, private hot tub and fire pit. The most distinctive units we have.

Cabins (Austen, Hemingway, Sherwood, Stowe): Three-level units that sleep six. Two full bathrooms, full kitchen, private hot tub, fire pit. Dog-friendly. Best for families and friend groups.

Are the units close to each other? Will I hear or see my neighbors? +

Honest answer: the tiny homes are in a cluster and neighbors are nearby, with privacy fencing and planted trees between units. You're not in the middle of nowhere, but each outdoor space is your own and the setup isn't cramped.

The cabins are on a larger footprint of the property. The glass homes are positioned separately. We don't advertise any unit as completely secluded, because they aren't — but in practice, guests find the privacy more than adequate.

What does "glass on three sides" actually mean for the glass homes? +

The walls of Muir and Thoreau are floor-to-ceiling glass on three of four sides. During daylight, the glass is one-way — you can see out, but someone standing outside can't see clearly in. At night the effect reverses, which is why curtains are provided. You can sleep with them open (stars above, trees all around) or closed (fully private, standard room experience).

The bathroom is frosted glass for privacy, with a rain shower head.

How is Sherwood different from the other cabins? +

Sherwood has two king bedrooms plus a queen murphy bed in the lower level living room — so the lower level converts between a living space and a sleeping space. It's the most flexible layout for groups where some people want their own floor. Sherwood also has a Smart TV on the main floor in addition to the lower level setup.

All four cabins share the same lower level entertainment setup: 65" Smart TV, arcade machine, and game table alongside the lower level bedroom. The hot tub in all four cabins is under a covered lower deck, making it usable year-round regardless of weather.

What's the deal with the names? Why writers? +

We named them after writers who paid attention to the world around them. The tiny homes are named for poets (Frost, Hughes, Whitman, Yeats). The glass homes for nature writers (Muir, Thoreau). The cabins for novelists (Austen, Hemingway, Sherwood, Stowe).

It's a small touch, but it's ours. You'll find a few books and subtle nods to each writer in the units. We don't go overboard about it.

Pets

Which units are dog-friendly? +

All four cabins — Austen, Hemingway, Sherwood, and Stowe — welcome dogs. The tiny homes (Frost, Hughes, Whitman, Yeats) and glass homes (Muir, Thoreau) are not advertised as dog-friendly. If you'd like to bring a well-behaved dog to one of those units, reach out before booking and we'll have a conversation.

Is there a pet fee? +

Yes, $100 flat per stay, up to 2 dogs

What comes in the pet welcome basket? +

Treats, a water bowl, and a few extras to make the first hour easier. Blankets are also laid out in the cabin for dogs (we ask that dogs stay off the furniture — the blankets make that easier). If your dog has specific needs, let us know ahead of time.

Can I bring two dogs? +

Generally yes for the cabins, though we ask you to mention it when booking so we know what to expect. For more than two dogs, or for especially large dogs, reach out first so we can make sure the setup works for everyone.

Amenities

What's in the shared game room? +

The game room is a short walk from any unit and open to all Notestone guests. Inside: 85" Smart TV, pool table, foosball table, basketball arcade game, classic arcade machines, Legos, and card and board games. Outside: a playground.

Guests with kids mention it constantly. It's also a solid rainy-day option for adults who've run out of book.

How does the hot tub work? Are there rules? +

Every unit has its own private hot tub, pre-heated and ready when you arrive. A few things we ask: use the striped towels (not the white bath towels) for the hot tub, keep the cover on between soaks to maintain temperature, and don't adjust the temperature setting yourself — it takes hours to recover and affects the next guests if it's not right.

If the hot tub isn't hot enough or something seems off, let us know immediately and we'll sort it out.

What about WiFi? Will it work for remote work or streaming? +

We run Starlink satellite internet. In general it holds up well — most guests stream movies or music without issue. That said, satellite internet is different from what you're used to at home. Video calls and longer phone calls can cut out occasionally, especially on overcast days when the signal works harder. We'd rather tell you upfront. If you're planning to work remotely, it can work — just plan for the occasional hiccup.

We're not able to offer refunds for WiFi interruptions, which is why we're honest about it here instead of just calling it "high-speed."

Is the kitchen fully equipped? Can I cook full meals? +

Tiny homes (Frost, Hughes, Whitman, Yeats): RV-size range and oven, refrigerator and freezer, microwave, coffee maker and French press, starter pantry (olive oil, salt, pepper, spices, foil, cooking spray), dishware, cookware, and utensils.

Glass homes (Muir, Thoreau): Apartment-size mini fridge and freezer, portable stovetop burner, air fryer, coffee maker and French press, starter pantry, dishware and utensils. No oven or full range — designed for simple meals and coffee.

Cabins (Austen, Hemingway, Sherwood, Stowe): Full-size refrigerator and freezer, stove and oven, microwave, coffee maker and French press, full starter pantry, dishware, cookware, and utensils. Bottled water stocked in the fridge.

We stock paper towels, dish soap, sponges, and coffee with creamer and tea. Groceries are your call — Logan (about 20 minutes) has the usual options.

What toiletries are provided? +

All units are stocked with premium body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and extra towels (bath, hand, face, makeup, and striped hot tub towels). The cabins also include extra toothbrushes and toiletries for guests who forget the basics. Bottled water is stocked in the fridge.

Is there a fireplace? +

Stowe has a fireplace. The other cabins don't, but all have woodburning fire pits outside. The tiny homes and glass homes also have fire pits.

Policies & House Rules

Are parties or large gatherings allowed? +

No parties or events — including bachelor and bachelorette groups. And no glitter. It never, ever goes away.

We're a small, family-owned operation with guests in nearby units. We built this for couples, families, and friend groups who want a genuine experience, not a venue. We enforce this policy seriously.

Is smoking allowed? +

No smoking or vaping inside any unit. If you smoke, please do so outside and away from the units, and dispose of materials responsibly. Smoking inside will result in additional cleaning charges.

Can I bring guests who aren't registered on the booking? +

Only registered guests should be on the property. If you're planning to have day visitors or your group size changes, let us know in advance. Unregistered guests create insurance and liability complications that we take seriously.

Can I do a photoshoot or video shoot at the property? +

Personal photography during your stay is of course fine. Commercial photography, videography, or any kind of brand shoot requires written approval in advance. Reach out before booking if you have a project in mind and we'll discuss it.

What's the septic situation? Are there things I can't flush? +

The property is on a septic system. Please flush toilet paper only — no wipes (even "flushable" ones), feminine products, paper towels, or anything else. There's also no garbage disposal at the sink. We mention this not to lecture anyone but because septic backups are genuinely unpleasant for everyone involved.

Are there bugs or wildlife I should know about? +

We're in a wooded area in Ohio. We stay on top of regular pest control, but the occasional ladybug or curious spider showing up is just nature doing its thing. Larger wildlife — deer, birds, the occasional raccoon — are around the property. We don't recommend leaving food outside.

If you encounter something that seems like an actual problem (not just one bug), let us know and we'll address it.

Are there quiet hours? +

Yes. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM, for the enjoyment of all guests on the property.

Are there cameras on the property? +

For guest safety, we have a Eufy doorbell camera next to the front door of each unit, and a camera in the community game room. There are no cameras inside cabins or pointing at hot tubs or private outdoor spaces. Neither camera is actively monitored but may be reviewed if needed. Tampering with or covering either device is strictly prohibited and may result in eviction from the property. Cameras are disclosed prior to booking.

Is there a washer and dryer? +

There are no washers or dryers in any of the units. For longer stays, we have laundry facilities on the property that we can occasionally make available — just reach out and ask. We accommodate it when we can, as long as it doesn't conflict with our cleaning schedule between guests.

Is Notestone Reserve accessible for people with mobility issues? +

Our properties have varying accessibility levels. Most are not fully ADA compliant due to stairs and outdoor features — the tiny home lofts, cabin multi-levels, and outdoor terrain can all present challenges. Please contact us directly to discuss specific accessibility needs — we'll help find the best fit or recommend fully accessible options in the area if we're not a match.

The Area

What's there to do near the property? +

Rock House is 3.1 miles (7 minutes). Cantwell Cliffs is 7.4 miles (15 minutes). Conkle's Hollow is 8.8 miles (15 minutes). Old Man's Cave is 11 miles (20 minutes). Cedar Falls is about 13 miles (25 minutes). Ash Cave is 16 miles (28–30 minutes). Drive times may vary seasonally.

For dining, Logan (about 25–30 minutes) has a solid selection. We put together a local guide with our current favorites — find it on the Experiences page.

Are the Hocking Hills trails dog-friendly? +

Many trails in Hocking Hills State Park allow leashed dogs, though some areas restrict pets. Trail policies can change, so we recommend confirming with the park directly before your visit: ohiodnr.gov. In general, dogs are welcome on most gorge trails on a leash.

What's the area like in winter? +

Honestly, a great time to come. The frozen waterfalls at Old Man's Cave are stunning, the trails are less crowded, and there's something particularly satisfying about a hot tub when it's 25°F outside. Just be prepared: 4WD or AWD is recommended in winter months due to the rural roads. Check conditions before you drive in after snowfall.

Is there cell service at the property? +

Cell service is available but spotty depending on your carrier. WiFi calling works fine from the units. If you're expecting important calls, WiFi is more reliable than cellular. This is pretty typical for rural Hocking Hills.

Still have a question?

We're a small operation and we actually answer. Email us or call — whichever is easier. Most emails get a response within a few hours.

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