Hummingbird Heights Handbook
FIRE: 452-6600 POLICE: 456-5363 John McLellan: 214-692-0526
HAYWOOD COUNTY HOSPITAL
Phone: 456-7311 Address: 90 Hospital Drive, Clyde, NC
Directions: Drive toward Asheville on 19/23; take the exit for “Lake Junaluska / Hot Springs”
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Band-Aids, alcohol and other supplies are located in the master bathroom cabinet above the counter next to the vanity.
NEED HELP?
If you have any questions or concerns, call John McLellan, at 214-692-0526. If you are not able to reach John, please leave a message, your call will be returned as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Candles are located in the cabinet over the desk in the kitchen in the event of a power failure. Also, there are portable gas lanterns and hotplate in the closet at the end of the stairs on the first floor
KEYS
The key to the house will be in a small brass lockbox that is set into one of the rock pillars supporting the carport. The combination to the lockbox is XXX. Start by turning the dial two revolutions in a counterclockwise direction and stopping on "X", then turn the knob in the clockwise direction passing X once and stop on it the second time, then turn the knob in the counterclockwise direction and stop on X. You should now be able to press the black button down and the cover will fall towards you.
SECURITY SYSTEM
The house has a state-of-the-art security system which must be disarmed within two minutes of opening the front door. I will assign you a unique code, so be sure to jot it down for future reference. As you enter the house, the security keypad is to your right. Immediately go to the keypad and press the arrow under “DISARM” and input your code, then press the arrow under “ENTER”. Press the keys firmly and slowly to be sure the system is accepting each entry. If you have any problem, such as the alarm going off, call the security company immediately; their phone number is 800-286-5699. Give them the account number (XXX) and the password (X). This will prevent them from sending the police.
It will be your decision whether to arm and disarm the system during your stay. There are three keypads which are located at the front door, the garage door and in the master bedroom. All functions can be performed at any keypad. To arm the system, simply press the arrow under “ARM”, input your code, press the arrow under “ENTER,” then press the arrow under “AWAY”. You have two minutes to leave the house and close the door. If you want to arm the system while you are in the house, follow the same procedures listed above; however, press the arrow under “STAY” instead of “AWAY”. This is very important, otherwise you will set the motion detector off as you move about the house. When your visit is over, please be sure all doors and windows are shut and arm the system when you ultimately leave, place the keys back in the lockbox and spin the dial so the lock engages.
APPLIANCES
We have a fully equipped gourmet kitchen including convection oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, waffle iron coffee grinder and coffee maker and a large collection of kitchen gadgets for your convenience. Directions for all appliances are in the large drawer below the kitchen desk.
BREAKABLE ITEMS
You will notice that there are breakable items throughout the home. If you feel any of these items are at risk, please move these items to a safe location for the duration of your stay and replace them when you leave.
CABLE TV & VCR
The cable service has over 60 channels of programming, and a program guide should be in the vicinity of the television area. If there has been an extended power outage, you may experience a significant reduction in the number of available stations. This can be easily corrected by pressing the “CATV” button on the front of the television. We have an assorted collection of 30+ videos for you to enjoy, or you may choose to rent a video from the Ingles grocery store or Moovies video store in the Walmart shopping center.
CLEANING SUPPLIES & TOILETRIES
Items such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, dishwasher detergent, etc.,
are provided for your convenience.
These items are stored in the closet on the first floor at the bottom of the
stairs. You will also find a mop, dust pan, hose and attachments for the central
vacuum system, Dustbuster, etc. There should also be some extra toilet paper in
each bathroom and kitchen cleaning products under the kitchen sink.
There should be a hair dryer in a drawer by the vanity
in the master bath. If you do any cleaning, please note the following in
order to maintain the beauty of these surfaces:
Hardwood Floors – There is a three foot wide dry mop (located in the hall closet by the front door) to remove dirt, dust and sand. Only plain water should be used on the floors, no harsh soaps. Please do not use the vacuum cleaner or Dustbuster on the floors as they will scratch the wood surface.
Granite and Cultured Marble Counters and Marble Floor –
Please use a sponge or mop moistened with only water to clean these surfaces
as harsh chemicals will dull the finish.
If you spill anything, please be sure to wipe up the spill immediately to
ensure no permanent staining.
Shower Glass – The water at the house is very hard and tends to spot the
glass. We have provided a squeegy in both showers to help reduce the
spotting. Any help would be appreciated!
Mirrors- Glass cleaner is located under the kitchen sink. Please be careful so this does not get on the marble or granite. Ammonia, which is the primary ingredient in most window cleaners, is very harmful to granite and marble.
COMPUTER EQUIPMENT & FAX
You are welcome to use the desk area in the loft. This includes the telephone, fax machine and modem line. The telephone number for all of these is the same as the voice line 828-452-9360. See “High Speed Internet Access” for how to use this service. However, please do not make toll calls from any of the telephones unless you call collect or charge them to your own accounts. Note that it is possible to dial a toll call without dialing a “1” first. If there is a question, consult the telephone book or call the operator. A former guest was surprised to find they had incurred a $250 phone bill over the course of just one week! Please do not disturb any of the other equipment that is connected to the docking station.
DETECTORS (Smoke, Heat, CO2 & Propane)
The house is equipped with several detectors. Only the smoke and heat detectors are centrally monitored. If you experience a situation which sets off one of these detectors, use your best judgment in handling the situation, but please inform John McLellan as soon as possible.
DISHWASHER
We know it is tempting to put everything in the dishwasher, but please be considerate. All black handled knives, colored plastic glasses with metal bases, humming bird feeder, wooden utensils, pots and pans and non-stick bake ware need to be washed by hand.
ELECTRICAL ITEMS
Flood Lights - There are flood lights which surround the outside of
the house which can be turned on and off from several locations. The
switches are labeled “Flood Lights”.
Outside Entry Lights
- The lights along the front of the house located under the soffit as well
as the on the pillars and in the rock wall are controlled by a sensor at the
entrance to the driveway and a switch at the front door. The sensor will
keep the lights on for approximately 15 minutes.
Sensor Flood Lights
- There are two sets of lights which are controlled by sensors, one is over
the garage door and the other is under the deck. If you have had experience
with this type of lighting, you will know that it is possible for these
lights to be turned on by a small animal such as a dog or a bird, so don’t
panic if one goes on during the night.
Closet Light Switches
– For your convenience, the hall closet, master bedroom closet and storage
room under the stairs in the basement have switches located in the door
jams. Therefore, please be sure the doors are completely closed, so the
lights will turn off.
Heated master bathroom floor - The controls for the master bathroom marble floor are located just inside the door to the bathroom on the right. The recommended setting is indicated and should not be set higher. Otherwise, the heat could damage the marble. (NOTE: Please turn the unit off during the day and especially when your visit is over.)
FIREPLACE (Living Room)
This is a wood burning fireplace and can cause serious damage and possible danger if not used properly. Please note the following:
Fire Logs – If you are just looking for a little atmosphere and don’t care to deal with building and maintaining a fire, consider using one of the prepackaged Fire Logs. They are quick, clean and last for up to three hours.
Fire starter material – This is located in the cupboard under the TV.
Wood bin – The wood bin is located next to the television cabinet. We can not guarantee that it will be completely stocked, however if additional wood is needed, you will find it outside, under the deck stairs. The wood bin is designed to be filled from the deck using the outside door. The key to the outside door is on your key ring. Please be sure the wood bin is locked before you leave.
Ashes –If the ashes need to be removed, please be sure they are cold, and then shovel them into the aluminum garbage pail which is stored on the lower deck. Note that it will be much easier to build a fire when there are about one inch of ashes in the fireplace.
Glass doors – The glass doors should be
either completely open or closed during operation.
Outside air lever – Before using the fireplace, be sure the lever is open. The lever is located in the lower right hand corner, inside the fireplace; it should be pulled out so the fire uses outside air to burn. This also reduces the chance that smoke will enter the room from the fireplace.
FIREPLACE (Master Bedroom)
This is a gas enclosed fireplace and provides atmosphere as well as heat. The
fire is ignited and the temperature is controlled by the round thermostat on the
left wall just as you enter the bedroom. (NOTE:
Please turn the thermostat to the lowest setting when you leave the room for an
extended period and, of course, when you leave.)
FISHING & HUNTING
Not being a hunter or fisherman myself I can only go on recommendations from previous guests. Here is one that got high marks for bass fishing: Buck & Bass Sports; 1870 South Main Street, Waynesville (828-456-9994). Ask for Jeff the hunter or Leonard the fisherman.
FOOD ITEMS
Help yourself to any food item you find in the fridge or kitchen cabinets. These items include spices, condiments, butter, sugar, flour, etc. There is also the likelihood that some food will be left in the refrigerator and freezer by previous renters or by the owner. You may use any of items you find, but for your safety be sure to check the date codes and discard any expired item. If you take a bottle of wine or use up (or almost use up) an item, please be considerate and restock the item for our next guests.
GARAGE
The
garage is considered an “owner area” and is not available for guest vehicles.
Please do not attempt to open the garage overhead door. You are welcome to go in
and out of the garage through the regular doors to the outside or the downstairs
hall.
GARBAGE
There is no garbage collection service, but the cleaning service will remove the trash when they clean after you leave. Please put bagged garbage in the bin labeled "TRASH" on the lower deck. Make sure everything is securely bagged so there will be not leaking which could attract bugs or animals. However, if you want to remove the trash during your stay, there is a public dump in Waynesville. Here are directions: Take the West Waynesville exit off 19A/23; turn right at the bottom of the exit; go to stop light; turn left on Main Street; go about .4 miles; turn left on Allens Creek; go about .2 miles; turn left on Hemlock; go about 300 yards; turn left on Belle Mead; this is the entrance to the lot containing the public dumpsters. Their hours are 7am - 5pm Monday – Saturday, excluding holidays.
GAS GRILL
The gas grill located on the deck is supplied with propane by the main underground tank so it will always have gas. To use the grill, remove the cover and follow the instructions on the grill located next to the knobs. When you are done cooking, make sure the burners are completely off and the unit has cooled down before replacing the cover. Please be diligent in replacing the cover to insure the unit is protected from the weather and that the cover does not blow away. There are two clamps which we have affixed to the bottom of the grill to prevent it from blowing away. The wind can get pretty strong at times.
HAND TOOLS
There is a multi-purpose screwdriver and a pair of pliers located in a drawer next to the set tub in the laundry. These are for any minor adjustments. If anything breaks or requires service, please call John McLellan right away.
HIGH SPEED INTERNET ACCESS
You may arrange for use of the cable modem service during your stay. The service can be turned on and off on a weekly basis. The charge for one week is $30. The download speed varies between 250 - 350Kb/sec. Please make arrangements in advance as the service can only be enabled or disabled during the week and may take a couple of days to turn on or off.
HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER
There are numerous kinds of humming birds here. The feeder (should be) in the left cabinet over the desk in the kitchen or on the pole in the center of the table on the deck. Simply fill the feeder with a mixture of one part sugar and three parts hot water which has been thoroughly stirred and cooled. The lower white portion of the feeder fits on top of the white tubing which is in the umbrella hole on the outside patio table. Please be sure to clean the feeder by hand (not in dishwasher) when you leave. If you leave an empty feeder out, humming birds may not return. We ask that the feeder not be put out after November 1st as it will discourage the hummingbirds from migrating to the south.
IRON & IRONING BOARD
These are both located in the laundry. The iron is in the cabinet above the counter on the sink side of the laundry. The ironing board is on the back side of the laundry door.
LENDING LIBRARY & BROCHURES
To enhance your stay, we have a collection of videos, books and games. The videos are in the cabinet below the VCR. Books are in the enclosed bookcase in the loft. Games are in the steamer trunk in front of the couch in the loft. If you don’t finish a book from our lending library feel free to take it with you. On the other hand if you finish a book you’ve brought, please consider adding it to our library for future guests to enjoy. Cookbooks are in the cabinet over the kitchen desk, and beautiful Audubon books on wildflowers, birds and trees are also in this area, please do not take these books from the house.
We have an abundance of sight-seeing and dining brochures and books located throughout the living room for your reference. In consideration for our future guests, as well as for us, please do not take any of our brochures or books. You may obtain new brochures at the Visitor Center which is at the foot of the mountain in the “Rest Area”. For advance planning, we suggest calling the Waynesville/Maggie Valley Visitor Center (800-334-9036) to request your own “Gateway to the Smoky Mountains” booklet and the North Carolina Tourism Center (919-733-4171) for a beautiful 150+ page book, filled with hundreds of color photographs highlighting activities and attractions throughout North Carolina; both of these publications are free.
LINENS (sheets & towels)
Each of the beds has a clean set of sheets and there are six sets of towels between the two full baths. If clean linens are needed during your stay, then you will need to use the laundry facilities provided.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES, ATTRACTIONS &
DINING
Pack a picnic and take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to a beautiful overlook or hike on one of the many trails; the entrance is conveniently located at the bottom of our mountain. The Cataloochee Ranch (800-868-1401) has the best horseback riding and barbecue dinners, and is less than 30 minutes away. For a change of pace, call the Windsong Inn (828-627-6111) for an easy llama trek through the woods, followed by a delicious dinner served over a stream. Maggie Valley (800-627-6250) and Waynesville (800-627-6250) Country Clubs offer great golf amongst spectacular scenery with reasonable afternoon rates. For a leisurely day of waterfall viewing, drive an hour to the Cashiers/Highlands area. While you are there, you may want to take in a round of golf or have a meal at the High Hampton Inn (800-991-9026). You can’t leave here without seeing the number one attraction in Asheville – the palatial Biltmore House & Winery (800-624-1304) - a true American castle. Call ahead for special events including jazz and flower festivals or to book dinner reservations. For the adventuresome, try whitewater rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (800-232-72380) about an hour away in Bryson City. Instead of driving the whole way, take the Great Smoky Mountain Railway (800-872-4681) to Nantahala and raft back down the river. If you don’t want to raft, the railway has other scenic excursions as well as murder mystery dinner rides. (Be sure to call early to reserve your seats since these trips book up quickly, especially in October.) Spend all or part of a day hiking, fishing, picnicking and enjoying the waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (828-497-1900). For serious anglers, call End of the Line Guide Services (828-926-2708) for a personalized fishing trip or visit Holland’s Trout Pond (828-926-3307). The Cherokee Reservation (800-438-1601) offers fishing and gambling, as well as a nightly performance of “Unto These Hills” June-August. Drive 1 ˝ hours to Chimney Rock Park (800-277-9611) for a fun day of hiking and beautiful vistas followed by a theatrical performance at the renowned Flat Rock Playhouse (828-693-0731). The charming towns of Boone and Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain are just over 2 hours away. If all this sounds too exhausting, simply relax on our deck and marvel at the splendor of the mountains, wildflowers and humming birds, and go to dinner at the Balsam Inn (828-456-9498) for a delicious home cooked meal, just 10 minutes away, or the Old Stone Inn (828-456-3333) in for mouth-watering, pink salmon trout and other specialties.
MAID SERVICE
Maid service after your departure is paid for in advance. However, if you would like to have someone come during your stay for an additional charge, you may contact XX at XXX. Be sure to call a few days in advance of the day you want the house cleaned.
Mail may be sent to you in care of John McLellan at X.
OWNER'S AREAS
There are four rooms/storage areas which are not available to renters. They are:
a closet in the master bath, a storage area off the loft, a storage room off the
laundry and a closet in the garage. Your security code does not allow you access
to these areas. They are on a separate security system and will set off the
alarm if opened. In addition, there
are cabinets in the kitchen, master bath and garage which are locked.
POND (On Adjoining Property)
This is private property, and the pond has been stocked with fish by the owner. Therefore, please do not fish there. Please refer to the previous “Brochures” section of this handbook for suggested fishing locations.
SPA (On Deck)
The spa, located on the deck, has a filter system which runs on a timer. You will hear a slight hum which can be heard on the deck and in the master bedroom when it is running. It is set to run several times during the daylight hours. The temperature control is located on the edge of the spa and should be set at the white tape mark when not in use. Generally speaking, the heater is able to raise the temperature approximately six degrees per hour, so plan accordingly. The spa heater uses a considerable amount of electricity, so please be sure it is turned to the tape mark when not in use and especially when you leave. Also, please do not bring any glass near or in the spa.
Occasionally the spa will require additional water to bring it up to the designated level. The level indicator mark is located on the white filter inlet on the back wall of the spa. If additional water is needed (more than ˝ inch below the mark) use the short hose located under the spa deck through the access door as described above. Be careful not to overfill the spa as this will cause excessive spillage on the deck when the spa is turned on. Please do not attempt to adjust any of the settings on the power pack unit. If you have any questions, please call John McLellan. The spa is professionally cleaned and maintained every week, usually Friday or Saturday. Do not be alarmed if our spa technician comes to the spa unannounced.
SPA COVER
The cover is designed to keep the heat in and debris out. It is made of relatively fragile foam material. It is not designed to support any additional weight and it must be maneuvered carefully or it will crack and break! Therefore, please do not step or lean on the spa cover. Lift the first half of the cover carefully using the handle opposite to the cover lifter mechanism. Lay the one section on top of the other, grip the red bungee cord handle in one hand and with the other hand, grab the cover as far in the middle as possible and lift the cover up until it is almost vertical. The gas shock closest to the house will latch to hold the cover in place. When you are ready to lower the cover, simply push the orange button on the side of the gas shock and carefully lower the cover, then carefully lift and lower the other section into its original position. Always use care in handling the cover and provide as much support as possible. Do not lift from the corners!
SPA
(Jacuzzi Tub
In Master Bath)
The Jacuzzi tub is easy to use. It has controls located on the inside of the tub which control the jets. However, do not turn the jets on until the tub is filled. Otherwise, it will spray water all over the bathroom. We are speaking from first hand experience!!!
STEREO SYSTEM
The stereo system is located above the television next to the fireplace in the living room. It has AM/FM and CD with speakers located in the living room as well as the deck areas. The speakers on the deck are controlled first by the “B” setting on the tuner and a volume control located outside next to the doors leading to the kitchen and the master bed room. Don’t forget to bring you favorite CD’s for your stay.
TELEPHONE
& ANSWERING MACHINE
The telephone number at the house is XXX. Please do not make toll calls from any of the telephones unless you call collect or charge them to your own accounts. Note that it is possible to dial a toll call without dialing a “1” first. If there is a question, consult the telephone book or call the operator. A former guest was surprised to find they had incurred a $250 phone bill over the course of just one week!
The answering machine is located on the desk in the kitchen. It will in most cases have a greeting from the owner, John McLellan. However, if there has been a long enough power outage, it may revert back to the default message. Instructions are in the desk drawer.
TELEVISIONS & VCRs
There are two televisions and VCRs. There is a 27" TV and a separate VCR in the living room with remote controls and cable hook-up. There is a second 13" TV with and integral VCR also on the cable system which is located in the third bedroom.
THERMOSTATS
The home has a sophisticated heating and cooling system. There are several zones which are controlled by programmable thermostats located in various parts of the house. Please do not attempt to re-program the thermostats. However, if you desire additional heat or cooling, simply adjust the temperature by pressing the “warmer” or “cooler” either up or down to increase/decrease the temperature one degree at a time. Any adjustments you make will be reset each day at midnight to the pre-programmed temperature.
VACUUM SYSTEM
The house has a central vacuum system for the carpeting. The unit is located in the utility room off the garage and the attachments are located in the closet at the bottom of the basement stairs.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
There is a central ventilation system which runs continuously. You will notice that many of the rooms have a small circular vent located in the ceiling. This is used in stead of bathroom fans and promotes better air circulation. There are no adjustments or switches to the system.
WATER HEATER
In most cases the water heater will be turned off when you arrive. The water heater is located in the utility room off the garage. The only thing you need to do is turn the black rocker switch to the ON position (or OFF when leaving). The switch is located on the blower motor on top of the water heater. See the picture below. Please do not attempt to make any other adjustments!
Water Heater (ON/OFF) Switch
HAVE A WONDERFUL VACATION AND PLEASE
REMEMBER TO SIGN THE GUEST BOOK!