My wife and 8 yr old daughter and I have experienced several fun and memorable home sharing situations over the years (Costa Rica, Ottawa, NYC, LA, Chicago, Palm Springs, Key West) and of course we were hoping that our time in Portland would be fun and memorable. Well. It was, and much more. First, the very safe residential neighbourhood is perfect for us - new businesses with creative entrepreneurs and restauranteurs - friendly folks, great food. Chris gave us detailed insider info about happy hours, popular local restos that they don't care for, and ones they like a lot. The zen studio loft is small and carefully appointed in a balanced and graceful mix of urban cabin wood grain and calm white walls, with a sound bed of low heart rate, chill japanese slow music playing on an ipod. The loft is actually an studio, where massage therapy clients sometimes leave chalkboard testimonials on the walls in the small but cozy toilet and shower area, which has great big white towels and dressing gowns. Having a shower here is very nice, your feet on the smooth black stones set in concrete are telling you you're outside but you're still inside, surrounded by tile and rough hewn wood, unpainted and untreated, with a view to outside. All the design choices in this place are super smart, careful and make sense. We plan on 'borrowing' some of the design choices for our place. Once you climb the ladder, you'll sleep like a rock in that great bed. The sheets are incredible, very soft - my wife wants some for our place. Chris and family are wonderful and friendly people. This stay was a special one in many ways for our family, the highlight of our trip. Our 3 days in Portland at Chris' studio made memories we will always cherish and talk about often.