I can't say enough about this space. Admittedly I was happy to go anywhere other than home: smoke filled valley for months, BUT that doesn't deny the great place I landed into. It was somewhat on a whim, left early for a Portland wedding AND glad I did.
Carmen's Little Red Barn is SO thoughtfully put-together: windows and light fill the cozy structure with great touches of pine (?) tree trunk as features in bathroom and staircase, plus it's surrounded by rich garden with layers of color and texture. Kitty cats greeted me and humming birds opened the morning with dashes to the feeder. There's a lot going on in this small yet full garden (edible and otherwise) - it'd be great to stay longer just to watch the happenings.
It was SO peaceful as well (!!!) tucked behind the best neighbor of all, a cemetery. Of course, there are city sounds, but not like a full on typical noisey hood - it was genuinely quiet.
The shower was great, I didn't do any cooking, but the kitchen is stocked. Once you know where to park, it works out great. They are tucked away so it may be hard to see at first glance. Friendly neighbors waved :)
Communication is A+.
For me, it's all totally walkable: restaurants, coffee spots, shops, grocery store and so on. I'd say walk as much neighborhood as possible rather than the busy streets, but definitely DO check out Fremont - that's the good stuff. Other places within 10-15 min drive: Mt. Tabor, Randall Children's hospital (yes, had to visit fam there), Laurelhurst Park (went to a wedding), checked out chocolate shops - Ranger, Creo, Woodblock (#eatbeantobar) - went to Herb Stomp AND check out Rocky Butte Natural Area, more of a place to walk up to rather than hike (although smokey haze limited sight). Tons to do. ALSO you can park on Sundays for free on SE 2nd Ave (hope I read that right, I did it) and walk over to the Saturday Market.
Looking forward to coming back :D