Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Cottage welcome book template

A cottage guide has to explain the things city guests have never lived with: a septic system, a well, a propane barbecue and a fire pit with local fire rules. Get those right in writing and you'll avoid the most expensive cottage calls.

This template lays out every section with short, friendly sample text. Swap in your details, add a photo of the septic warning by the toilet and the BBQ valve, and you're done.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Welcome

Welcome to [Cottage name]! Kick off your shoes, open the windows and enjoy the slower pace.

Check-in

Check-in is from [Check-in time].
The door code is [Door code]. The screen door latches from the inside, so please close it gently.

Wifi

Network: [Network name]
Password: [Wifi password]
Streaming can be slow on busy weekends.

Parking

There's room for [Number] cars on [Parking area]. Please keep the lane clear for [Neighbour or delivery note].

How things work

Septic system: only toilet paper goes in the toilet, please. Wipes (even "flushable" ones), pads and grease cause blockages. A bin is beside each toilet.
Water: [Drinking water note, e.g. tap water is from the lake and for washing only; drinking water is in the jugs in the pantry].
BBQ: open the propane tank valve, turn one burner on, then press the igniter. Close the tank valve when you're done.
Fire pit: check the local fire rating at [Fire rating source] before lighting. Keep a bucket of water beside it and drown the fire before bed.

House rules

Up to [Max guests] overnight guests, no events.
Quiet time is [Quiet hours], so the neighbours can enjoy the lake too.
Pets: [Pet policy]. Please smoke or vape only at [Outdoor smoking spot], never inside.

Trash and recycling

Garbage and recycling are collected [Trash day]. Please sort into the bins in [Bin location]; the guide on the lid shows what goes where.

Local picks

Fresh corn and pies: [Farm stand name].
Ice cream after a swim: [Shop name].
Rainy day: [Indoor activity, e.g. the museum in town].

Emergency info

Emergency: [Local emergency number]. Civic address: [Address and fire number].
Fire extinguisher: [Location]. First aid kit: [Location].
Nearest hospital: [Hospital name].
Host: [Host name], [Host phone].

Checkout

Checkout is by [Checkout time].
Please put used dishes in the sink, gather used towels in [Towel spot], and sort trash into the indoor bins.
Close the windows, turn off the lights and lock up. Thanks for staying!

Tips

Put a small, polite septic note beside every toilet as well as in the guide; that's where guests actually need it.
Many rural cottages have a civic or fire number, so include it in the emergency section exactly as responders would use it.
Tell guests where to find the current fire ban or fire rating instead of writing that fires are always allowed.
If the tap water isn't for drinking, leave plenty of drinking water so guests aren't tempted to risk it.
Show the propane tank valve in a photo; many guests have never used a tank BBQ.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

How do I explain a septic system to cottage guests?

Keep it to one line: only toilet paper in the toilet, and a bin for everything else. Add a short reason, like blockages being costly to fix, and a note by each toilet.

Can I ask cottage guests to take the garbage to the dump?

Airbnb's checkout rules say guests shouldn't be asked to take trash off-site. Ask them to sort it into the indoor bins and arrange collection or a cleaner for the rest.

What local picks should a cottage guide have?

Guests at cottages want the nearest grocery and gas, a farm stand, somewhere for ice cream, a rainy-day option and the best swimming or walking spots. Three to six good picks beat a long list.

More free templates

All welcome book templates · Every free template

Free to use

Copy it, change it, print it, use it with any platform. Sharing it with a host group, on a blog or in a forum? A link back to this page helps other hosts find the latest version:

https://keegix.com/welcome-book/cottage/