House rules

I.

Welcome & purpose

Welcome to Victorian Highland Ranch in Clyde, Texas. These house rules help keep the cottages, the animals, and fellow guests safe and at ease. By requesting or completing a stay, you agree to follow them. Please read them before you arrive; we are glad to answer questions when you book.

II.

Texas agritourism warning

The ranch is a working agritourism property. Under Texas law, guests who take part in agritourism activities are subject to the statutory notice below.

Signs & written agreement

• Required warning signs must be clearly visible on or near premises where agritourism activities occur. We recommend posting at the entrance, animal areas, riding areas, and near the cottages.
• We also recommend a signed written agreement at check-in that includes the required statutory language in bold type of at least 10 points. A Texas-licensed attorney should finalize the agreement and posting plan.

III.

Animals

• Do not approach, pet, handle, or enter animal enclosures without ranch supervision or a booked experience session.
• Do not feed animals anything — human food or otherwise — unless the food is provided by staff during a supervised session.
• Guests are responsible for costs and damages if they injure or kill an animal through a violation of these rules or through negligence. (Draft wording — attorney review required.)

IV.

Vehicles & parking

• Park only in the designated space by your cottage.
• Drive slowly. Yield to animals and people. Stay on designated roads.

V.

Cottage inventory

• Each cottage contains an inventory list of furnishings, linens, kitchenware, and related items.
• Please leave items in place. Missing or damaged items may be charged at replacement cost.
• Check the inventory on arrival and report any shortages immediately so we can resolve them fairly.

VI.

Quiet hours, parties & guests

• Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.
• No parties, events, or gatherings beyond the registered occupancy without prior written approval.
• No unauthorized overnight guests. All overnight occupants must be registered on the booking.
• No loud noise that can be heard by other guests or that disrupts the animals (including DJs or outdoor speakers).

VII.

Pets

Well-mannered small dogs are welcome under our confirmed cottage policy:

• Maximum two small dogs, each under 25 lbs.
• Fee: $50 per pet per stay.
• Pets must be leashed when outside the cottage.
• Clean up after your pet promptly.
• Do not leave pets alone in a way that disturbs neighbors or ranch operations.
• Keep pets away from ranch livestock and animal enclosures.
• Cats, larger dogs, or more than two pets are not permitted unless arranged in writing beforehand.

VIII.

Fire, smoking & safety

• Fire pits only if booked as an add-on and only in the designated area. Never leave a fire unattended; extinguish fully before leaving.
• Smoking outdoors only, well away from structures, hay, and dry vegetation. No smoking inside cottages.
• Children must be supervised at all times, especially near animals, roads, and open water or equipment.

IX.

Conservatory

Cottage guests are welcome in the conservatory area for coffee, tea, or a quiet hour under glass.

• Respect merchandise and displays.
• Do not climb plants, benches, or glass structures.
• Leave the space tidy for the next guest.

X.

Check-out & grounds

• Leave the cottage reasonably clean — dishes washed or loaded, trash bagged, and surfaces cleared.
• Place trash in the designated receptacles.
• Report any damage or breakage promptly so we can address it.

Thank you for treating the ranch as a shared home. We look forward to your stay.