Welcome to your home away from home! Our AirBNB House Manual is designed to enhance your stay with essential information regarding fun, comfort, and safety. Please review the sections that guide you through our house systems. For Heating, instructions on the thermostat settings are provided to ensure a cozy atmosphere. The Septic system operates best with minimal waste; please refrain from flushing anything other than toilet paper. Our Solar Electric setup is eco-friendly and efficient; we encourage you to take advantage of the sunlight for your electronic needs. In case of unexpected outages, the Back-up Generator can be activated easily—detailed instructions are included. Water access is abundant, featuring high-quality filtered tap water. For Entertainment, a smart TV and various games are at your disposal for relaxing evenings. The Laundry area is equipped with a washer and dryer; please follow the guidelines posted for optimal use. Our Kitchen Appliances are modern and user-friendly, making meal prep a joy. Lastly, for your Security, the property features secure locks and outdoor lighting; please ensure doors are locked when you venture out. Enjoy your stay!

The main house is equipped with a propane-powered central heating system designed for optimal comfort. The thermostat is conveniently located on the wall outside of the Powder Room, set to an inviting 68 degrees Fahrenheit upon your arrival. In addition to this modern system, the living room features a cozy wood-burning stove, with all necessary supplies—including firewood, kindling, newspaper, and matches—readily available in a large wooden trunk. When using the stove, it is essential to ensure that the door is securely closed and the vent is open to facilitate proper airflow. Please exercise caution, as the exterior of the stove can become very hot during operation. Should you require additional firewood, you can find it stored in the large green bin located on the north side of the main house.

Our property operates independent of a city sewer system, utilizing a septic system designed for natural filtration of wastewater. All drains on the property direct waste to this system, where it is treated without the use of chemicals, allowing it to return safely to the groundwater. This process ensures that any reintroduced water is far removed from our primary water supply, accessed via wells drilled over 300 feet deep. The main well is conveniently located near the horse stables, accompanied by a small solar panel array that supports its function. It is imperative to maintain the integrity of the septic system by adhering to strict waste disposal guidelines: toilets must only be used for human waste, toilet paper, and water. Items such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and medications must never be flushed. In the kitchen, most food waste should be placed in the compost bucket on the counter, reserving the in-sink garbage disposal for residual waste only.

At Totemic Forest Farms, our solar electric system stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and efficient energy use. This system powers both buildings on the property, harnessing solar energy through a robust array of panels that feed into a large battery bank, ensuring a reliable source of electricity even after sunset. Featuring low-power LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances, we encourage all guests to adopt a conscientious approach by turning off lights and appliances when not in use. The energy output from the solar panels, the current state of charge of the batteries, and any generator input are easily monitored through a Control Module in the Main House. To maintain optimal battery health, it is crucial that about 70% of the battery power remains available after dark. Additionally, while we have a diesel backup generator to be used sparingly during prolonged storms, we recommend limiting the operation of high-energy appliances to daylight hours. In situations where the battery level dips below 45%, guests should activate the generator for 1 to 2 hours until the batteries recharge to approximately 75%. Starting the generator is a simple process, requiring the press of the "Manual" button until the engine comes to life, ensuring that our energy needs are met sustainably.

The laundry facility at Totemic Forest is available for your convenience throughout your stay. We recommend utilizing the machines during the peak hours when the sun is high in the sky, maximizing solar energy and ensuring that the batteries are charged efficiently. Detergent and dryer sheets can be found in the kitchen, stored in the cabinet to the left of the refrigerator on the bottom shelf. While we encourage you to use the facility at your leisure, please remember that as our guest, you are not expected to do any laundry on behalf of your host. Enjoy your time here, and let the serene environment be your focus.