Nicol's casita was a delight from beginning to end. We arrived earlier than we'd expected and she very graciously made space for our bags and provided directions for a fun exploration of her corner of Portland. When we arrived back later in the evening to paper lanterns' soft glow we felt we were arriving at a favorite cousin's - she'd laid out movies our boys might enjoy watching as well as fresh fruit and ginger chocolate. It was bliss after a week on the road to sit in the private garden with a glass of sparkling water reading from the stack of good books and Sun journals she provided. The cottage itself shows every sign of careful attention - whimsical details in bright joyous colors - even down to the wonderful textures underfoot made this stay an experience that fed the senses as well as providing life's necessities. I want to plan another trip just so I can stay here again.