By submitting a reservation request or using Instant Book, you confirm that you, and all members of your party or anyone accompanying you, have read, understand, and agree to abide by all House Rules listed below. You will also be required to eSign our rental agreement, which applies to both you and all guests in your group. Your stay is subject to full compliance with both the House Rules and the rental agreement.
Rental Agreement Required
All guests are required to electronically sign our rental agreement. You must also provide a valid email address so the agreement can be sent to you.
Rental Agreement Signing Deadlines
If your check-in date is 11 or more days after your reservation is accepted, you must provide your email address and sign the rental agreement within 5 days of booking.
If your check-in date is 10 days or less after your reservation is accepted, you must provide your email address and sign the rental agreement within 24 hours of booking.
Failure to complete the rental agreement within the applicable deadline will result in cancellation of the reservation. Completion of the rental agreement is a condition of maintaining your reservation. Booking the property does not waive this requirement. If you would like to review the rental agreement before booking, please send us an inquiry and we will provide it to you.
Booking Requirements
To have your booking approved, your Airbnb profile must include a clear photo showing your face, along with a verified email, phone number, and government-issued ID. The minimum age to book is 25. We also require multiple 5 star reviews from multiple hosts.
Bring Your Own Linens
Guests are required to bring their own bed linens, pillows, bath towels, beach towels, and blankets. The home contains two queen-sized beds.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect their trip. Our reservation follows Airbnb’s selected cancellation policy, and we are unable to offer refunds outside of that policy for circumstances beyond our control, including weather events, flight delays or cancellations, road closures, illness, or other travel disruptions.
Security Camera
There is one camera mounted in the carport area facing the driveway. It records video only (no audio).
Occupancy & Visitors
Maximum occupancy is limited to two people total, including infants and children. Additional guests or unregistered visitors are not allowed under any circumstances. If more than two people arrive or are found to be staying, the reservation will be canceled without refund.
Children & Safety
The house is not suitable for children or infants. There are stairs, window blind cords, electrical outlets, a rooftop deck, and a closed-off loft. If you choose to bring a child, you assume full responsibility for their supervision and safety at all times.
Restricted Areas: Roof, Loft, Owner's Closet
The rooftop area beyond the top deck is strictly off-limits. Guests are not permitted to access or attempt to access the roof under any circumstances. The loft is also off-limits to all guests and may not be accessed at any time. The locked Owner's closet in the utility room is also off-limits.
Check-In & Check-Out Times
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Early arrivals are not permitted without prior written approval and may result in cancellation of your reservation without refund. Check-out is by 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Late check-outs may result in fees or claims per the rental agreement.
Pets
Maximum of 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are allowed only with prior approval and a $75 fee per dog. Dogs are NOT permitted on the 2 blue couches in the main room. You must pick up all waste from your pet around the property/yard prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in a $250 damage claim to have our cleaner come and clean up after your pet.
Smoking, Fires, and Prohibited Items
Smoking and vaping are not allowed indoors. If evidence of smoking is found, a $500 deep-cleaning fee will be charged. Campfires, bonfires, candles, portable fire pits, portable grills, and fireworks are not permitted anywhere on the property.
Propane Grill Use
Guests are welcome to use the propane grill, but it must never be left unattended. Please clean the grill after it has cooled.
Plumbing Etiquette
Only toilet paper may be flushed. Do not flush wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or anything else, as this can damage the plumbing system.
Quiet Hours & Noise
Please be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood. Loud music, parties, or disruptive behavior are not permitted at any time.
No Refunds for Inconveniences
This cottage is located in a coastal environment where guests should expect exposure to sand, salt air, seaweed, humidity, and occasional insects. No refunds or discounts will be issued for wildlife sightings, pests (even with regular pest control), outages of power, internet, water, or cable, odors or natural scents, weather or road conditions, local noise, allergens, or changes to amenities due to maintenance. We do our best to respond quickly to issues, but these events are beyond our control and not grounds for refund or concession.
Maintenance & Emergencies
We make every effort to ensure the home and its amenities are in good working order. Please report any issues as soon as they arise so we can assist. In the rare event that emergency maintenance is required, we may need access to the home during your stay. If the home becomes unsafe or uninhabitable, you may be asked to vacate early. In such cases, a partial refund may be issued at our discretion. Disrespectful behavior toward maintenance personnel will result in cancellation of your reservation without refund.
Chargebacks & Payment Disputes
By booking, you agree not to initiate any chargebacks or payment disputes for your stay. Any concerns must be brought to our attention directly. If a chargeback is filed in violation of this agreement, you will be responsible for all legal, administrative, and processing costs we incur to reverse the chargeback.
Liability & Indemnification
Guests accept all risks associated with staying at the property and release the owners from any liability for injury, loss, or damage to persons or property. This includes use of the stairs, rooftop deck, outdoor spaces, and all indoor amenities.
Early Departures & Cancellations
If you choose to leave early, this will be considered a cancellation. The standard cancellation policy that was in place at the time of your booking will apply.
Trash & Personal Belongings
Guests may only dispose of household trash generated during their stay. The disposal of personal items such as luggage, furniture, appliances, or other large/broken belongings is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized dumping of personal items will result in an additional fee that you agree to pay after checkout of $75 per item so we can dispose of it properly.
Final Note
Our cottage is not for everyone. This is a clean, charming, and historic Outer Banks beach cottage, full of character and soul. However, it is over 70 years old. If you're looking for pristine finishes, granite countertops, spotless perfection, or modern luxury, this may not be the right home for you. But if you’re looking for a unique, peaceful, and nostalgic Outer Banks experience in a one-of-a-kind cottage near the beach, we believe you’ll love it here as much as we do. To confirm you've read all the house rules, please include the phrase “Checkout time is 10:00am” in your reservation. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our house rules. We can’t wait to host you at Serendipity.