House Details and Rules
HOUSE RULES
Just a few rules so we can be clear about how we work before you make a commitment.
Checkout Time.
We ask guests to leave the premises by noon of the last day. If you have booked say to the 10th we need to have the flat vacated by noon of the 11th so that we can clean the flat and wash bedding etc for new guests. If you wish to use the flat that day say for a night flight then you need to book for another day. You can of course leave your luggage to be picked up later assuming we have someone around to open up. We will try and be as helpful as possible.
Bond.
A bond of $500.00 is usually requested and will be fully refunded assuming no damage to flat has occurred during the stay. Normal wear and tear will not be included in any calculation of damage.
Extra Guests.
The flat can accommodate up to 3 guests but we prefer 2 guests only. We need to know if you are intending to add any extra guests above the number we have agreed before you book the flat. Our Insurance cover can become void under certain circumstances if we have a total of more than 2 guests at a time.
Car Parking.
Please note that cars can be parked in the street but they must face the same direction as everyone else. There are penalties in Northcote for creative parking.
House Information Book
We have for some time provided a House Information Book to assist guests make better use of the flat and environs.
We have decided to present it here so visitors can read the book before they arrive.
Welcome to the Garden Flat
You are our honoured guest and we wish to make your stay here as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Please do not hesitate to let us know if an appliance is not working or you are having problems operating something. Any other concerns about living here should be passed on to help us help you. We will be happy to help with local information; just ask at any time. If some goods or items are left here when you come in then they are meant to be used by you if you wish. Certain food items and laundry items for example are often left over from our use or by other guests. Rice, sugar, salt, vinegar, laundry powder and so on are left to share. Anything you think should be discarded please feel free to do so.
Security
For people who are not booking through AirB&B our possessions are only insured if the door and windows are locked when you leave the flat. However our policy excludes theft by someone who entered the home with your consent and malicious damage caused by someone who entered the home with your consent. (Our policy also excludes cash, cheques, or any other negotiable financial documents and computers including laptops, electronic diaries, palm or pocket devices or stock used in connection with any business, trade, or profession. Also items left outside are excluded. The back lane and side gates should also be shut at all times. The intercom under the barometer near the door does work and is associated with the side gate. Lift the receiver and talk to anyone who buzzes. If you want to let them in you will need to ask them to wait while you walk to the gate and talk to them there.
Safety
There are two fire alarms that will go off if you burn the toast. This is good as we know they are working. There is a fire blanket and two extinguishers in the kitchen. A box containing first aid items is kept in one of the drawers in the bathroom.
Privacy Buzzer
If we need to come down to the shed or water the back garden we will give a buzz.
Emergency Numbers
These are kept on a magnet list on the refrigerator.
In the Kitchen
Washing Machine
The large silver knob on the front allows you to select the wash you want.(On each selection the time it takes will be shown as well as water temperature. If you wish a quick wash just press the quick wash button on the right of the selection panel. It allows you to select a wash time from 15 to 60 minutes. It also allows you to select a cold wash if you prefer. Liquid detergent goes into the left hand panel of the pull out tray under the Samsung sign. Powdered detergent goes into the right panel.
Refrigerator
The settings of the refrigerator should be altered throughout the year. If you think the setting is inappropriate please alter it.
Oven
This is an electric fan forced oven.
Left Dial is oven use setting: We usually use the oven with fan setting for almost all cooking so we leave the setting on the middle setting on the left of the dial about 8 o’clock on a clock dial.
Centre Dial is for a time setting: The dial pointing to 12 o’clock turns the oven off.
Pointing to the hand icon turns the oven on with no time cut off. The number settings indicate the time set before the oven will turn off. If using this timer setting over wind the dial and then go back to the time you want to make sure the timer is properly wound.
Right Dial is for oven temperature. Fan forced ovens usually will cook at a slightly lower temperature than regular ovens.
Gas Stove
Each ring is automatically lit.
Range hood (fan over gas stove).
Pull out for light with two fan settings on the right once the light pull out is done.
The small shelves around the basin area are meant for small light weight containers only. The kitchen also has a blender, small food processor, rice cooker and electric slow cooker.
Next to the refrigerator you will find a small fold up step and a fold clothes drying rack.
In the Bathroom
The heater can be operated manually only. Turn on the power at the wall switch and press the left button on the heater 3 times.
The exhaust fan and light are operated from outside the room.
Please note: unfortunately they can easily be left on after use.
Running the exhaust fan after a shower for 10 minutes is a good idea.
First Aid material is to be found in the drawers.
In the Bedrooms
An electric blanket is supplied for both beds. It is not advised that the blankets be left on above setting 1, if at all, once entering the bed.
On cold nights it may be useful while running the heater, to open the doors to allow the living room heat to fill the bedrooms half an hour before going to bed.
Extra bedding is supplied for both rooms in the wardrobes.
If you have left the heater on after going to bed you may hear a clunk every time the heater turns itself on.
There is a TV in each bedroom. You will need to turn on both TV and Set Top Box to get all channels. Operate through the Set Top Box remote.
The main bedroom also houses an iron, a hair dryer and shoe cleaning box in one of the cupboards. Please use as required.
In the Living Room
The gas heater is turned on by controls at the top, just lift the metal flap. Manual settings make it easy to use. You turn on the heater by the button on the extreme right and set the temperature you want the room to be at by using the up and down arrows. Indicators will show the set temperature (on the right) and the current temperature (on the left).
You do not need to use other buttons.
If you have left the heater on after going to bed you will hear a clunk every time the heater turns itself on.
A tray at the bottom of the heater should be topped up with water periodically.
The automatic fan keeps running some minutes after you turn the heater off to clear the hot air from the heater.
The TV on the metal shelf is controlled by two TEAC remotes. The larger turns the TV on and can alter the volume. Everything else can be operated by the smaller remote. You will need to turn this set top box on at the same time as the TV. The speakers are turned on however by a dial on the small speaker on the left of the metal shelves. A red light should be on when it is working. Turning it off when finished would be good.
The Radio Tuner and Cassette player plus DVD player are placed in the middle shelves. For radio just turn on the amp in the middle of the 3 unit stack. Music from a CD or USB can be played through DVD player and amp.
DVD’s, including movies, can also be played directly through the left side of the TV with sound therefore coming through the small speakers. You need to switch the TV to DVD mode. You do this by selecting the INPUT button on the TEAC remote and selecting DVD. To go back to TV viewing you select INPUT and select DTV
In the Garden
Please feel free to use the garden in front of the flat as your space.
Two power points are provided for night lights, a radio, computers etc for outside use and there is a night light switch under the intercom. Two Sensor Lights that help navigate in and out of the flat at night should be left on at all times.
Mosquito coils and repellent roll-ons can be useful.
Internet Connection
The WiFi is permanently on. Occasionally the connection will drop out and you may need to connect again on your device.
The WiFi password is posted on the refrigerator and it connects to dlink-5F4A
This connection will easily reach all rooms in the flat and into the garden.
Your 3G or 4G phone, tablet or laptop should connect easily to the network.
Electrical Resources
Fan forced Gas Heater
Heater in Bathroom
Hair Dryer
Small Food Processor
Blender
Coffee Grinder
Kettle
Toaster
Slow Cooker (ask if not available)
Iron
Electrical Beater
Samsung Front Loading Washing Machine
3TV’s
DVD Player, Radio Tuner and Amp
Printer and Scanner
WiFi Connection
Several Radios and Transistors.
Electric blankets
Fans in each room
Sensor lights for night time arrival.
Outside lighting
Hand Mixer
Creepy Crawlies
Some visitors from overseas have arrived a little fearful of spiders and snakes. I have lived in this area for over 60 years and have never seen a snake. Occasionally you do see a spider in a web in the garden, basically harmless and minding their own business. Never been bitten by a spider or even had a spider close to me here in Northcote. They are all necessary parts of the eco system and not to be feared.
The only spider found in Victoria that has been proven to be highly venomous is the Red-back Spider, for which an antivenene is available at hospitals. All other spiders are considered relatively harmless but should be treated with respect.
Noises
If you are alone in a strange place it can be a little disconcerting at night if you hear strange sounds. This is a very quiet place to be most of the time but you may hear:
Possums on the roof (often thump as they run) and on the ground outside the rooms. They may knock over a broom or bucket.
The refrigerator going on and off.
The clunk of the heater and a soft whirring sound as it starts up. You have left it on.
Sometimes a vehicle can be heard in the back lane.
Occasionally a plane late at night.
The rubbish collectors from the front of the house on a Monday morning.
Anyone coming into the garden at night would activate the night light.
Sometimes the lights will come on at night if a cat or possum pass in front of the sensor.
Shopping and Services
Supermarkets
The local Northcote Plaza mall has two Coles Supermarkets and an ALDI supermarket. There is a smaller IGA supermarket in High St and one in North Fitzroy (Piedmontes).
Cafes and Restaurants
Everywhere, but main strips include, High St Northcote, including the Plaza, High St Westgarth, Brunswick St North Fitzroy and Fitzroy. Also Johnston St Fitzroy, Smith St Collingwood, Gertrude St and Lygon St Carlton a little further away.
Markets
Preston Market: Multicultural market in largely working class area of Preston. Also has some supermarkets. Catch train to Preston, about 4 stops away and you are there.
Queen Victoria Market: Old style historic market on the edge of the CBD. Catch a train to the city and exit at Flagstaff station.
Farmers Market at Collingwood Children’s Farm Abbotsford. Weekend farmers market in a semirural setting. Take train to Collingwood station and walk east to the river.
Alcohol
The local pub is 4 minutes away. There are wine shops in High St and St Georges Rd, Nth Fitzroy about 10 minutes away plus all kinds of drinks at the supermarkets.
Bread
Specialty bread shops in High St and North Fitzroy plus Northcote Plaza and the Supermarkets
Milk
The local milk bar is 3 minutes away on St Georges Rd.
Libraries. Main library opposite Northcote Plaza. Smaller one in Nth Fitzroy
Post Offices Northcote Plaza and Nth Fitzroy
Doctors
There is a clinic at 295 High St called Doctors of Northcote, 9481 1214 , one in Westbourne Grove, Northcote Medical Group, 147 Westbourne Grove Northcote VIC, 9489 8666, close to High St and Northside 370 St. Georges Road, Fitzroy North, 9485 7700. Phone for appointments.
Numbers for after hours doctor service is magnet stuck to the fridge.
Local Attractions
Rucker’s Hill. A four minute walk to the highest point in Melbourne
Westgarth Cinema
Fairfield Boathouse and Studley Park Boat House, walks cafés and boat hire
Yarra Bend National Park
Merri Walking and Cycling Trail
CERES Alternative energy farm with coffee and cake on the Merri Walk
All Nations Park.. great if you like big boulders.
Swimming Pools at Clifton Hill, Brunswick, Fitzroy and Fairfield
Live Music and Events in some cafes and pubs along High St and the Northcote Town Hall and Brunswick St Pubs and cafes.
Local Transport
All public transport (except taxis) are connected. A travel card (Myki) will cover all tram, train and bus transport within the city. The local Milk Bar will sell you a card and you can top it up there and at other similar outlets or at train stations. You just swipe the card on an entry machine at stations and as you get into trams and buses. You need to log off as you leave train stations and on buses. Check with Roben, we may have spare cards..
Train. Merri station is about 3 minutes away. You can check times online… http://www.metrotrains.com.au/timetables/ and http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ The line we are on is the Mernda Line which will take you into the CBD via the underground loop and out through Northcote to Preston and end at South Morang and Mernda.
Tram. One tram line on St Georges Rd into the CBD along Brunswick St, Fitroy. to Collins St in the City. Route number 11
Another tram line down Hight St, to Westgarth, Clifton Hill, Collingwood down Smith St and into the city along Bourke St. Route No 86
See http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/Images/maps/Network-maps/Tram-Network.gif
There is also a bus service from Westgarth into the CBD and bus services to other parts of the city including a bus from Bastings Street and High St Northcote will take you to Northland Shopping Centre (Route 567).
Car Parking for guests with a car or who have friends with a car then parking is available on the street. During the day parking is usually not a problem but parking late at night means you may have to park your car away from the front of the house.
For guests coming from overseas please note that you need to park the car facing the same way as everyone else is parked and close to the curb.
The Rubbish
Big Recycle Bin (Yellow Lid)…for paper, cardboard, bottle, cans and solid plastics.
The smaller Waste Bin (Dark Green Lid) for food scraps and plastic wrappers and bags and everything else except for:
The small Tree Pruning and Plant Cuttings Bin (Light Green Lid)
Collection for the waste bin is every Monday and the other bins on alternate Mondays.
We will take care of this. We try and put food waste into our compost bins. Check with Roben if you would like to do the same.
Your Home.
Please use this flat as your own home. Move furniture if you wish and use what is available in the cupboards. Anything you think is no longer usable please feel free to discard. Please ask if you are facing any problems are simply want information . We are happy to assist you.
You are our honoured guest and we wish to make your stay here as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Please do not hesitate to let us know if an appliance is not working or you are having problems operating something. Any other concerns about living here should be passed on to help us help you. We will be happy to help with local information; just ask at any time. If some goods or items are left here when you come in then they are meant to be used by you if you wish. Certain food items and laundry items for example are often left over from our use or by other guests. Rice, sugar, salt, vinegar, laundry powder and so on are left to share. Anything you think should be discarded please feel free to do so.
Security
For people who are not booking through AirB&B our possessions are only insured if the door and windows are locked when you leave the flat. However our policy excludes theft by someone who entered the home with your consent and malicious damage caused by someone who entered the home with your consent. (Our policy also excludes cash, cheques, or any other negotiable financial documents and computers including laptops, electronic diaries, palm or pocket devices or stock used in connection with any business, trade, or profession. Also items left outside are excluded. The back lane and side gates should also be shut at all times. The intercom under the barometer near the door does work and is associated with the side gate. Lift the receiver and talk to anyone who buzzes. If you want to let them in you will need to ask them to wait while you walk to the gate and talk to them there.
Safety
There are two fire alarms that will go off if you burn the toast. This is good as we know they are working. There is a fire blanket and two extinguishers in the kitchen. A box containing first aid items is kept in one of the drawers in the bathroom.
Privacy Buzzer
If we need to come down to the shed or water the back garden we will give a buzz.
Emergency Numbers
These are kept on a magnet list on the refrigerator.
In the Kitchen
Washing Machine
The large silver knob on the front allows you to select the wash you want.(On each selection the time it takes will be shown as well as water temperature. If you wish a quick wash just press the quick wash button on the right of the selection panel. It allows you to select a wash time from 15 to 60 minutes. It also allows you to select a cold wash if you prefer. Liquid detergent goes into the left hand panel of the pull out tray under the Samsung sign. Powdered detergent goes into the right panel.
Refrigerator
The settings of the refrigerator should be altered throughout the year. If you think the setting is inappropriate please alter it.
Oven
This is an electric fan forced oven.
Left Dial is oven use setting: We usually use the oven with fan setting for almost all cooking so we leave the setting on the middle setting on the left of the dial about 8 o’clock on a clock dial.
Centre Dial is for a time setting: The dial pointing to 12 o’clock turns the oven off.
Pointing to the hand icon turns the oven on with no time cut off. The number settings indicate the time set before the oven will turn off. If using this timer setting over wind the dial and then go back to the time you want to make sure the timer is properly wound.
Right Dial is for oven temperature. Fan forced ovens usually will cook at a slightly lower temperature than regular ovens.
Gas Stove
Each ring is automatically lit.
Range hood (fan over gas stove).
Pull out for light with two fan settings on the right once the light pull out is done.
The small shelves around the basin area are meant for small light weight containers only. The kitchen also has a blender, small food processor, rice cooker and electric slow cooker.
Next to the refrigerator you will find a small fold up step and a fold clothes drying rack.
In the Bathroom
The heater can be operated manually only. Turn on the power at the wall switch and press the left button on the heater 3 times.
The exhaust fan and light are operated from outside the room.
Please note: unfortunately they can easily be left on after use.
Running the exhaust fan after a shower for 10 minutes is a good idea.
First Aid material is to be found in the drawers.
In the Bedrooms
An electric blanket is supplied for both beds. It is not advised that the blankets be left on above setting 1, if at all, once entering the bed.
On cold nights it may be useful while running the heater, to open the doors to allow the living room heat to fill the bedrooms half an hour before going to bed.
Extra bedding is supplied for both rooms in the wardrobes.
If you have left the heater on after going to bed you may hear a clunk every time the heater turns itself on.
There is a TV in each bedroom. You will need to turn on both TV and Set Top Box to get all channels. Operate through the Set Top Box remote.
The main bedroom also houses an iron, a hair dryer and shoe cleaning box in one of the cupboards. Please use as required.
In the Living Room
The gas heater is turned on by controls at the top, just lift the metal flap. Manual settings make it easy to use. You turn on the heater by the button on the extreme right and set the temperature you want the room to be at by using the up and down arrows. Indicators will show the set temperature (on the right) and the current temperature (on the left).
You do not need to use other buttons.
If you have left the heater on after going to bed you will hear a clunk every time the heater turns itself on.
A tray at the bottom of the heater should be topped up with water periodically.
The automatic fan keeps running some minutes after you turn the heater off to clear the hot air from the heater.
The TV on the metal shelf is controlled by two TEAC remotes. The larger turns the TV on and can alter the volume. Everything else can be operated by the smaller remote. You will need to turn this set top box on at the same time as the TV. The speakers are turned on however by a dial on the small speaker on the left of the metal shelves. A red light should be on when it is working. Turning it off when finished would be good.
The Radio Tuner and Cassette player plus DVD player are placed in the middle shelves. For radio just turn on the amp in the middle of the 3 unit stack. Music from a CD or USB can be played through DVD player and amp.
DVD’s, including movies, can also be played directly through the left side of the TV with sound therefore coming through the small speakers. You need to switch the TV to DVD mode. You do this by selecting the INPUT button on the TEAC remote and selecting DVD. To go back to TV viewing you select INPUT and select DTV
In the Garden
Please feel free to use the garden in front of the flat as your space.
Two power points are provided for night lights, a radio, computers etc for outside use and there is a night light switch under the intercom. Two Sensor Lights that help navigate in and out of the flat at night should be left on at all times.
Mosquito coils and repellent roll-ons can be useful.
Internet Connection
The WiFi is permanently on. Occasionally the connection will drop out and you may need to connect again on your device.
The WiFi password is posted on the refrigerator and it connects to dlink-5F4A
This connection will easily reach all rooms in the flat and into the garden.
Your 3G or 4G phone, tablet or laptop should connect easily to the network.
Electrical Resources
Fan forced Gas Heater
Heater in Bathroom
Hair Dryer
Small Food Processor
Blender
Coffee Grinder
Kettle
Toaster
Slow Cooker (ask if not available)
Iron
Electrical Beater
Samsung Front Loading Washing Machine
3TV’s
DVD Player, Radio Tuner and Amp
Printer and Scanner
WiFi Connection
Several Radios and Transistors.
Electric blankets
Fans in each room
Sensor lights for night time arrival.
Outside lighting
Hand Mixer
Creepy Crawlies
Some visitors from overseas have arrived a little fearful of spiders and snakes. I have lived in this area for over 60 years and have never seen a snake. Occasionally you do see a spider in a web in the garden, basically harmless and minding their own business. Never been bitten by a spider or even had a spider close to me here in Northcote. They are all necessary parts of the eco system and not to be feared.
The only spider found in Victoria that has been proven to be highly venomous is the Red-back Spider, for which an antivenene is available at hospitals. All other spiders are considered relatively harmless but should be treated with respect.
Noises
If you are alone in a strange place it can be a little disconcerting at night if you hear strange sounds. This is a very quiet place to be most of the time but you may hear:
Possums on the roof (often thump as they run) and on the ground outside the rooms. They may knock over a broom or bucket.
The refrigerator going on and off.
The clunk of the heater and a soft whirring sound as it starts up. You have left it on.
Sometimes a vehicle can be heard in the back lane.
Occasionally a plane late at night.
The rubbish collectors from the front of the house on a Monday morning.
Anyone coming into the garden at night would activate the night light.
Sometimes the lights will come on at night if a cat or possum pass in front of the sensor.
Shopping and Services
Supermarkets
The local Northcote Plaza mall has two Coles Supermarkets and an ALDI supermarket. There is a smaller IGA supermarket in High St and one in North Fitzroy (Piedmontes).
Cafes and Restaurants
Everywhere, but main strips include, High St Northcote, including the Plaza, High St Westgarth, Brunswick St North Fitzroy and Fitzroy. Also Johnston St Fitzroy, Smith St Collingwood, Gertrude St and Lygon St Carlton a little further away.
Markets
Preston Market: Multicultural market in largely working class area of Preston. Also has some supermarkets. Catch train to Preston, about 4 stops away and you are there.
Queen Victoria Market: Old style historic market on the edge of the CBD. Catch a train to the city and exit at Flagstaff station.
Farmers Market at Collingwood Children’s Farm Abbotsford. Weekend farmers market in a semirural setting. Take train to Collingwood station and walk east to the river.
Alcohol
The local pub is 4 minutes away. There are wine shops in High St and St Georges Rd, Nth Fitzroy about 10 minutes away plus all kinds of drinks at the supermarkets.
Bread
Specialty bread shops in High St and North Fitzroy plus Northcote Plaza and the Supermarkets
Milk
The local milk bar is 3 minutes away on St Georges Rd.
Libraries. Main library opposite Northcote Plaza. Smaller one in Nth Fitzroy
Post Offices Northcote Plaza and Nth Fitzroy
Doctors
There is a clinic at 295 High St called Doctors of Northcote, 9481 1214 , one in Westbourne Grove, Northcote Medical Group, 147 Westbourne Grove Northcote VIC, 9489 8666, close to High St and Northside 370 St. Georges Road, Fitzroy North, 9485 7700. Phone for appointments.
Numbers for after hours doctor service is magnet stuck to the fridge.
Local Attractions
Rucker’s Hill. A four minute walk to the highest point in Melbourne
Westgarth Cinema
Fairfield Boathouse and Studley Park Boat House, walks cafés and boat hire
Yarra Bend National Park
Merri Walking and Cycling Trail
CERES Alternative energy farm with coffee and cake on the Merri Walk
All Nations Park.. great if you like big boulders.
Swimming Pools at Clifton Hill, Brunswick, Fitzroy and Fairfield
Live Music and Events in some cafes and pubs along High St and the Northcote Town Hall and Brunswick St Pubs and cafes.
Local Transport
All public transport (except taxis) are connected. A travel card (Myki) will cover all tram, train and bus transport within the city. The local Milk Bar will sell you a card and you can top it up there and at other similar outlets or at train stations. You just swipe the card on an entry machine at stations and as you get into trams and buses. You need to log off as you leave train stations and on buses. Check with Roben, we may have spare cards..
Train. Merri station is about 3 minutes away. You can check times online… http://www.metrotrains.com.au/timetables/ and http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ The line we are on is the Mernda Line which will take you into the CBD via the underground loop and out through Northcote to Preston and end at South Morang and Mernda.
Tram. One tram line on St Georges Rd into the CBD along Brunswick St, Fitroy. to Collins St in the City. Route number 11
Another tram line down Hight St, to Westgarth, Clifton Hill, Collingwood down Smith St and into the city along Bourke St. Route No 86
See http://ptv.vic.gov.au/assets/Images/maps/Network-maps/Tram-Network.gif
There is also a bus service from Westgarth into the CBD and bus services to other parts of the city including a bus from Bastings Street and High St Northcote will take you to Northland Shopping Centre (Route 567).
Car Parking for guests with a car or who have friends with a car then parking is available on the street. During the day parking is usually not a problem but parking late at night means you may have to park your car away from the front of the house.
For guests coming from overseas please note that you need to park the car facing the same way as everyone else is parked and close to the curb.
The Rubbish
Big Recycle Bin (Yellow Lid)…for paper, cardboard, bottle, cans and solid plastics.
The smaller Waste Bin (Dark Green Lid) for food scraps and plastic wrappers and bags and everything else except for:
The small Tree Pruning and Plant Cuttings Bin (Light Green Lid)
Collection for the waste bin is every Monday and the other bins on alternate Mondays.
We will take care of this. We try and put food waste into our compost bins. Check with Roben if you would like to do the same.
Your Home.
Please use this flat as your own home. Move furniture if you wish and use what is available in the cupboards. Anything you think is no longer usable please feel free to discard. Please ask if you are facing any problems are simply want information . We are happy to assist you.
We are on the edge of the CBD and well served by public transport.