I cannot say enough fantastic things about this special little home. It is so beautiful, so cozy and quiet, and so thoughtfully appointed. From furnishings, to wall art, to high quality cookware, the space leaves absolutely nothing to be desired, as Julie and Olga thought of everything under the sun for this AirBnB. The attention to detail here is, singularly, out of this world.
The guest house, being a newer construction, is so insanely insulated, that it never gets cold (presuming your stay is during Portland's colder months), even if the central heating is turned off all together—it is a perfect haven during the wet and grey season! And it stands to reason that this benefit would apply in an opposite fashion during any rare hot days Portland may experience as well. The shower is very quick to warm up (with great water pressure), the skylights provide so much wonderful natural light (even on cloudy days), and the bird feeder provides a lovely source of entertainment and enjoyment throughout the day (thank you for always keeping it filled, Julie!). The bed is supremely comfortable, complete with crisp linens and a thick cozy comforter. Oh, and don't forget to write a letter on the typewriter! Also, as a amateur chef, I especially appreciated the kitchen and all the high-end cookware and tools I could ever need. It's just right size to make meals for two, and has a nice under-cabinet light that makes for amazing visibility while chopping veggies.
The neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between convenience and solitude. The various stores, coffee shops, and restaurants on Woodstock are a gorgeous 15-20 minute walk away, while the immediate neighborhood offers a rustic escape from the city, replete with quiet unpaved roads perfect for walks, beautifully kept and humble homes, a community garden, a lovely park (beaver sightings not uncommon!), adorable neighborhood cats, and even a publicly-visible backyard "farm" with goats, turkeys, chickens, and ducks located just a couple blocks away. Oh, and did I mention the wild flocks of peacocks throughout the neighborhood? It would be hard to imagine a better place to stay, offering the best of both worlds in a package that will make you want to stay forever! It's honestly comical how perfect it is...
Finally, as hosts, Julie and Olga are the gold standard when it comes to communication and sensitivity to the different needs and preferences of their guests. If you want complete and utter privacy, they will respect that. If you are more a social butterfly and want to engage, they are a true delight to talk to and beam with warmth and positivity :)
You just can't go wrong with staying here, whether a hermit, a socialite, or anything in between. During our stay, I often found myself forgetting we were in an AirBnB, as the space truly felt like home, and I always looked forward to coming back to it after a day out. I hope I get the chance to come back, but I imagine that once the word gets out about how great it is, people will be lining up to experience it (and that, I realize, would be partially my fault).
Forever grateful to you both for everything, Julie and Olga!