Guidelines for overnight residents at the Playhouse
Welcome to the Austin Alpaca Playhouse community!
This guide covers what you need to know for overnight stays – days, weeks, or months.
📖 Also Read: The Orientation Guide covers day-to-day basics like wifi, parking, music, spa operations, and alpaca care.
🤝 Community Principles
Throughout history, successful co-living communities have been built on the principle that the interests of the individual are enhanced by the condition of the commons. Each of us at the Austin Alpaca Playhouse is a steward of the commons.
Respect the CommonsTreat shared spaces as your own
ContributeGive back through presence & participation
EmbodyLive the values we share
GratitudeAppreciate this community
WisdomMake thoughtful decisions
🍳 Kitchen & Food
Food Storage
Kitchen refrigerator: You may use the bottom section
Doghouse refrigerator: Available for your use (this is the only place for meat)
Garage freezer: Available for frozen items
Label your food with your name AND the date – we have fruit flies and unlabeled/old food gets thrown out
No open fruit on the counter – fruit flies are a real problem. Keep fruit covered or in the fridge.
⚠️ Reminders:
NO meat inside the house – cook outside only
NO alcohol (unless it's your wedding)
Water
There is a filtered water spigot next to the main sink – use it for drinking water. Please don't bring plastic water bottles.
Compost
There is a compost bin outside the back door. Please use it for food scraps.
🚫 Do NOT compost: citrus, eggs, dairy, meat, or fish. These will attract wildlife and damage the compost.
Dishwasher
The dishwasher is available, but do not put the following in it:
Cast iron pans
Frying pans (non-stick coating)
Big/good knives
Wooden cutting boards or wooden utensils
Thin plastic cutting boards are fine to put in.
Stove & Appliances
Stove: Electric coil – there is also a grill grate if you need it
Garbage disposal: Left side of the sink only
Electric kettle: Please turn it off after it boils – it won't shut off automatically
Kitchen Etiquette
Clean as you go: Wash dishes immediately after use
Don't leave dishes in the sink
Wipe down counters after cooking
Put items back where you found them
🧺 Laundry & Climate Control
Laundry
Washer and dryer are in the garage
Don't pre-stage clothes in the washer – only put clothes in when you're ready to wash them right away
Turn the washer ON first, then add your clothes – not the other way around
Turn the washer OFF after use
Wait a few minutes after the washer finishes before transferring to the dryer
Remove clothes promptly when done
⚠️ NO BLEACH – we have a septic system. Bleach damages the bacterial ecosystem that makes it work.
Lint Trap
Clean the lint trap after every dryer use:
Pull out the lint trap screen
Peel off the lint and throw it away (don't rinse it)
Slide the trap back in before running the dryer
HVAC & Climate
Main house: Central AC/heating via thermostats
Cabins & outbuildings: Individual climate control units
Be mindful of energy usage
Close doors and windows when AC/heat is running
Trash & Recycling
Take trash out when full – don't let it overflow
Recycling bins are next to trash
Compost is available for food scraps
🛒 Supplies & Shopping
Shared Supplies
Basic supplies are shared: toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, etc.
If you use the last of something, please replace it or let a resident know.
Nearby Shopping
H-E-B15 min in Bastrop
Walmart15 min in Bastrop
AmazonDon't block circle or garage!
👥 Inviting Guests
🚨 Important: Please do not invite guests without asking a resident first.
