Reservations for Room/Board
Reservations will be on an availability basis. Full payment can be done with a credit card online under reservations or a deposit of 25% via check can be mailed to hold your reservation. Meals must be reserved 48hours in advance. (For large groups reserving the entire facility, a 25% deposit is required for reservation and full payment on arrival.)

Room/Board Reservation Cancellation
We ask that if your plans change that you please notify us 48 hours prior to room reservation.

Tuition for Courses
Tuition is dependent on the course and faculty and will be posted in the class description.

Course Cancellation
Thistledown makes an investment when planning classes, and vacancies can be hard to fill. If you cancel within 7 days of the class, you will be responsible for the cost of the class unless we can fill that vacancy with another student. Waiting lists will be maintained for all classes that are filled.

Risks Associated with Tools and Equipment
Students should be aware that they may be working with tools and equipment which, if used inappropriately, can cause injury. A safety tour and information of the proper handling of tools and materials is part of the orientation to classes. Students assume the risk of working with tools and materials provided by Thistledown. Thistledown reserves the right to dismiss students, without refund who are behaving in a manner that jeopardizes their safety or the safety of others.

Accessibility
The road to Thistledown is about 1 mile from the paved road and is a steep gravel road. If you have a four wheel drive vehicle, you will not have a problem navigating the road. If you do not have a four wheel drive vehicle or would rather not drive up the mountain, we can arrange for parking at the base of the mountain and then transport you to Thistledown.

The terrain around Thistledown is hilly and uneven. Thistledown is handicapped accessible but if you have mobility restrictions, please contact us to discuss room availability and access to the facility.

Alcohol
Alcohol is not permitted in the studios. The legal drinking age in North Carolina is 21.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside the building or on the decks. There is a designated area for smoking.

Drugs
Illegal drugs are not permitted on campus and their use is strictly prohibited.

Firearms
Firearms are not permitted on campus

Personal Property
Thistledown is not responsible for the security of property belonging to guests.

Pets
Guests are not permitted to bring pets to Thistledown. The only exception is for service animals assisting the physically handicapped.

Phone use
Thistledown has a phone for local use and incoming emergency calls. The number is 828-733-2573. Cell phone service depends on the carrier. We receive good service from Verizon. We also have wireless internet available athough we encourage guests to minimize technology use in order to fully enjoy the natural and peaceful environment around Thistledown.