House Rules

Welcome to Still Water,

These guidelines are designed to ensure every guest experiences the quiet luxury, comfort, and natural beauty that define this home. We appreciate your care and mindfulness during your stay.

❋ Respect for the Home

Still Water has been thoughtfully designed with high-end materials, custom finishes, and curated spaces. We kindly ask guests to treat the home with consideration and leave it in good condition at departure.

❋ Smoking & Vaping

Still Water has a zero tolerance smoke policy. Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on the property (e.g., smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the home or on the decks and balconies). Evidence of smoking will result in additional and substantial cleaning fees, which may include furniture replacement fees.

❋ Lake Safety

Use of the private dock and lake access is at guests’ own risk. Life jackets are strongly recommended for all water activities.

Children must be supervised at all times.

❋ Security

For your safety and the protection of the property, exterior security cameras are in operation. There are no cameras inside the home.

❋ Parties & Events

To preserve the serene environment of Still Water and the surrounding community, bachelor, bachelorette, and drinking-centered parties are strictly prohibited.

Large gatherings or events must receive written approval prior to booking.

❋ Pets

Pets are generally not permitted. Service animals are welcome with prior approval. Please inquire before booking so we can ensure appropriate accommodations.

❋ Community Guidelines

As guests of the gated Waterside on Douglas Lake community, please respect all neighborhood regulations, including speed limits, parking guidelines, and use of shared amenities such as the pool (open seasonally) and boat launch.

❋ Environmental Stewardship

Still Water is surrounded by pristine natural beauty. Please help us care for the land by disposing of trash properly, avoiding litter on trails or shoreline, and using water and energy thoughtfully.

❋ Quiet Hours

Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. The property sits within a peaceful, gated community, and we ask that guests honor the calm of the area—particularly when enjoying outdoor spaces.

❋ Outdoor Spaces

The hot tub is available for guest use only. Children until 16 are not permitted in the hot tub. Prior to use, please review the hot tub safety rules below.

Fires are permitted only in the designated fire pit. Fires must by supervised by an adult at all times and fires must be fully extinguished prior to leaving the area.

Children must be supervised at all times.

❋ Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM

We do our best to accommodate early arrivals or late departures when the schedule allows—please request in advance.

Wildlife & Bear Safety

Still Water is surrounded by protected natural habitat, home to black bears, deer, and other native wildlife. Black bears are generally shy and avoid humans, but proper precautions are essential to ensure your safety and theirs. Respectful coexistence keeps both guests and wildlife safe and preserves the natural beauty that surrounds Still Water.

To help prevent encounters:

Never leave food, coolers, grills, or trash outdoors, including on porches, decks, or in vehicles.
Keep all doors and windows closed and locked, especially at night or when you are away.
Dispose of garbage only in the bear-resistant bins provided and ensure the lid is fully secured.
Do not leave scented items—such as sunscreen, toiletries, or food—outside.

If you encounter a black bear:

Stay calm and speak in a firm, calm voice.
Do not run. Back away slowly while keeping the bear in sight.
Make yourself appear large by raising your arms or standing tall.
Give the bear plenty of space and an escape route.
If the bear approaches, make loud noises to deter it—clap, shout, or bang objects together.
Never feed, approach, or attempt to photograph a bear at close range.

Hot Tub Safety

To ensure a relaxing and safe experience, please review the following guidelines before using the hot tub. These rules help protect both guests and the equipment. To help prevent encounters:

General Use

Shower before entering the hot tub to help maintain water quality.
Children under 16 are not permitted in the hot tub.
Do not use the hot tub if you are feeling dizzy, overheated, or unwell.
Please limit soak times to 15–20 minutes to avoid overheating.

Health & Safety

Guests who are pregnant, have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other medical concerns should consult a physician before use.
Do not use the hot tub while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep long hair tied back to prevent entanglement with jets.
Exit the hot tub slowly to avoid slipping.

Water Care

Do not add soaps, bath oils, bubbles, or any other products to the water.
Avoid wearing lotions, self-tanner, or heavy cosmetics in the hot tub.
If the water appears cloudy or you notice any issues, please notify us.

Equipment Protection

No glassware in or around the hot tub—use plastic drinkware only.
Do not adjust the temperature above the preset limit.
Do not sit, stand, or place objects on the hot tub cover.
Please replace the cover securely after each use to retain heat and maintain cleanliness.

Behavior & Conduct

Please keep voices low during quiet hours (10 PM–8 AM).
Splashes should be minimal to prevent damage to surrounding surfaces.

At Your Own Risk

Guests use the hot tub at their own risk. By enjoying this amenity, you acknowledge responsibility for following all safety guidelines.

Lake & Boat Safety

Douglas Lake is one of East Tennessee’s most beautiful natural treasures, and we hope you enjoy it fully and safely during your stay at Still Water. Please review the following guidelines before using the lake, dock, or boat slip.

General Lake Safety

Swimming, boating, and water activities are done at your own risk—there is no lifeguard on duty.
Life jackets are strongly recommended for all guests, regardless of swimming ability.
Always supervise children closely around the water and dock areas.
Be aware that water levels, currents, and underwater terrain can change seasonally. Please visit the TVA website for details regarding water levels.
Do not swim at night or during low-visibility conditions.

Dock & Boat Slip Use

Still Water features a private dock with one dedicated slip for guest use. Please note that the private dock is not available during the winter season, given that the TVA drains the lake to low levels rendering the dock inoperable.

To ensure everyone’s safety and protect the structure:

Only registered guests may use the dock and slip.
The dock is designed for daytime and recreational use only—no diving or running.
Shoes with good traction are recommended; the surface may become slippery when wet.
Tie off boats securely using designated cleats and lines.
Do not exceed the dock’s weight limits; large vessels may not be suitable.
No open flames, grills, glassware, or smoking are permitted on or near the dock.
Please report any damage or concerns immediately so we can address them promptly.

Boat Safety

Whether you are bringing your own boat or renting one locally, please follow all Tennessee boating regulations:

Operate all watercraft safely, responsibly, and at appropriate speeds.
Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Keep a safe distance from other boats, docks, swimmers, and wildlife.
Follow all “No Wake” zone signage around marinas, docks, and residential shorelines.
Ensure navigation lights are functioning for early morning or evening outings.
Carry required safety equipment, including life jackets, a throwable flotation device, and an emergency whistle or horn.

Watercraft Launching & Parking

Guests may use the community boat launch for putting in or taking out their vessels.

Environmental Care

Douglas Lake is home to a rich aquatic ecosystem. To help preserve it:

Never discard trash, fishing line, or bait into the water.
Avoid disturbing wildlife nesting areas, especially in coves.
Use eco-friendly sunscreen to help protect water quality.

In Case of Emergency

Dial 911 for urgent situations.
For non-emergency boating issues, contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
Familiarize yourself with your boat’s safety equipment before heading out.

These guidelines help ensure that you and your guests experience Douglas Lake with peace, safety, and respect for the water and surrounding environment. Thank you for caring for Still Water and the natural beauty that makes it extraordinary.

Fire Pit Safety

The fire pit at Still Water is designed for relaxing evenings beneath the open sky. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please review the following guidelines before lighting a fire.

General Use

Fires are permitted only in the designated fire pit area.
Never leave a fire unattended—an adult must remain present at all times.
Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the flames.
Only burn approved firewood; no trash, leaves, driftwood, or accelerants (e.g., gasoline, lighter fluid).
Do not use the fire pit on windy days or during dry-weather advisories.

Solo Stove Instructions

Remove the Solo Stove from the storage station and place it on the stand that is located in the middle of the fire pit area. Use the Solo Stove only in this designated location.
Ensure the area around the solo stove is clear of furniture, blankets, and flammable materials.
Use dry, seasoned firewood only. Do not burn trash, leaves, or treated wood.
Place a small amount of kindling or fire starters in the bottom of the stove.
Stack firewood loosely above the kindling to allow airflow.
Light the fire starter.
Allow the fire to establish before adding additional logs as needed.
Do not touch the Solo Stove or move it the solo stove while hot. The metal will be incredibly hot and will burn you.

Safety Precautions

Maintain a clear area around the pit, free of chairs, blankets, and flammable materials.
Please use the provided tools to tend the fire—do not attempt to move burning logs with bare hands.
No glassware near the fire pit; use non-breakable drinkware.
Be mindful of embers and wind direction, especially during quiet hours (10 PM–8 AM).
Never leave the Solo Stove unattended.
An adult must remain present at all times. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
Do not touch the Solo Stove or move it the solo stove while hot. The metal will be incredibly hot and will burn you.
Avoid use on windy days.

Extinguishing the Fire

Before leaving the area or heading indoors, it is essential to fully extinguish the fire:

Let the fire burn down naturally until flames disappear and only glowing embers remain.
Do not pour water into the Solo Stove, which may damage the Solo Stove. Instead, slowly stir ashes to ensure all heat is extinguished.
Do not removes ashes, which may still be embers and potentially catch on fire if removed prematurely or improperly.
Confirm the stove is cool to the touch before leaving the area.
Never leave the fire pit until everything is completely cold.

After Use

After you have finished using the Solo Stove and have confirmed that it is cold to the touch and ashes are fully extinguished, store the Solo Stove back in the storage station. Importantly, do not cover or store the stove until it has completely cooled.

At Your Own Risk

Use of the fire pit is at guests’ own risk. By enjoying this amenity, you acknowledge responsibility for following all safety guidelines and ensuring fires are safely extinguished.

Fire extinguishers and fire blankets are available throughout the house. They are located under the stovetop in the kitchen, in the drawer with the grill tools (bottom drawer closest to the sliding glass doors), and in the fire pit storage area. To use the fire blanket to put out a fire, pull the straps to release it, unfold, and quickly cover the fire to smother the flames by cutting off oxygen, turning off the heat source if possible, and leaving it until cool. The blanket can also act as a heat shield for escape if needed.

Thank you for helping us care for this outdoor amenity.

Lake Water Levels

Douglas Lake is a dynamic, carefully managed reservoir overseen by the Tennessee Valley Authority (the “TVA”). Its water levels rise and fall throughout the year as part of regional flood control, power generation, and environmental stewardship. Understanding these natural fluctuations will help you plan your time on the water and make the most of your stay at Still Water.

Peak Lake Season: Late Spring Through Early Fall

This is the best season for guests looking to enjoy water activities at their fullest. From approximately May through September, Douglas Lake is at or near full pool, offering:

High water levels ideal for boating, swimming, and fishing
Easy access from Still Water’s private dock and boat slip
Deep water around the shoreline and coves
Full navigability for most recreational vessels

Seasonal Drawdown: Fall and Winter Months

Each year, typically beginning in late September or October, the TVA gradually lowers the lake to help manage winter and spring rainfall. By December through March, Douglas Lake reaches its lowest levels of the year. This is all a normal part of Douglas Lake’s annual cycle and is not weather-related.

During this drawdown:

The shoreline expands significantly as water recedes
Parts of the lake become shallow or temporarily inaccessible
Some coves may not be deep enough for boating
The private dock will not float or will not be usable during this time
Views from Still Water remain stunning, but water access is naturally reduced and limited

What Water Levels Mean for Boating

During Peak Season: