If you are mulling over if you should pull the trigger on booking this, let me save you from sifting through twenty tabs and playing the comparison game because nothing, NUH-THING, holds a candle to Indigo Birch House. I haven't gone on a vacation in a decade and when my partner gifted us a week at this space for my birthday --- my expectations were through the roof. Aaaaand Curtis exceeded them all. You may be thinking, there is no way a place could really be THIS magical. Oh, but it is. But enough of me setting the stage....what precisely makes this experience a worthy investment?
THE GARDEN
This fairy-tale of a garden was why we ended up cancelling our plans for the first three days. It is worth mentioning that we both had never been to Portland prior and while we had our days planned out to a tee, once we saw the garden in person, we spent the majority of our time soaking in the beautifully curated and intentionally designed garden space that led us into a deep, meditative space.
THE CEDAR HOT TUB
This was a main selling point for us. We took full advantage of the cedar tub every day and it was luxurious being able to soak while watching the rain pour over the stunning Japanese Garden with a glass of bubbly. It was the height of my existence, so far.
THE INSTAGRAM-ABLE KITCHEN
Your friends will be beyond envious when they find out you have SMEG appliances and everywhere. Jokes aside, the kitchen was easy to cook in, as there was plenty of dish ware, cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, storage containers and plenty of local teas & coffee for sipping on. Other favorite features included the dishwasher, the garbage disposal and gorgeous marble countertops.
THE HOSTS
Curtis was my favorite type of host and I will tell you why. Not only was he quick to respond to my many questions and requests, he was accommodating, gracious and contentious of our stay. I have stayed at many other Airbnbs where sometimes, the kind but unaware host will strike up a conversation or invite themselves in during moments where I would much rather be alone to relax and unwind. Curtis never lingered around the shared garden area or made awkward small talk. He was professional and anticipated our needs to a tee, so contact was minimal. That being said, when I did get the chance to meet him, he was lovely and I wanted to chat with him longer!
THE BED, OH MY GOD THE BED
Like most people, I adore my own bed. So when I travel, I anticipate not sleeping for the first few days. But the Indigo Birch Bed --- she hits different. I don't know what spell Curtis has placed upon those sheets but I slept like an infant/rock/mammal-in-deep-hybernation each and every night --- including the first. I also adored looking over at the garden every morning, rain gently knocking against the window just as I woke up. Oh, and there were plenty of fresh Anthropologie sheets, blankets & more pillows stowed away, which was glorious of course.
THE IMPRESSIVE STORAGE SPACE
For the space technically being a studio, I was shocked at just how large the guest suite felt and believe credit is due to the smartly placed storage space. The massively large cabinet spaces hid our suitcases well and we had plenty of drawer space for each of us to unpack for a weeks' long stay.
THE BATHROOM'S HEATED FLOORS
Not only is the bathroom stunning and fully-stocked with plenty of toiletries, fresh towels and deliciously-good-smelling local soap, the floor is heated. Yup, you read that right. Getting up in the middle of the night, bracing your bare piggies to hit that cold tile --- only to be met with the inviting sensation of warmth --- I could go on but if you are still reading, it sounds like you'll be experiencing this glorious feature soon enough!
AND ALL THE OTHER BEAUTIFUL LITTLE TOUCHES & MOMENTS...
Curtis came to the door on my birthday to hand deliver warm and delectable popovers he crafted in his mother's pan --- presented on a bed-and-breakfast tray, which included mini ramekins of salted butter, delicate spreading knives and a single, Gerber Daisy, (unbeknownst to him, one of my favorite flowers) which bloomed in a sweet, clay vase. If that isn't a fairy-tale ending to a birthday-vacation at Indigo Birch Guest House, I don't know what is.