Sue Carter-Low missed her true calling - she should have been a historic preservationist or interior decorator. Her house is unique, historic and exquisitely renovated and remodeled, as is the "Cottage Garden Apartment" in which my husband and I stayed. Sue's attention to detail and thoughtfulness in regards the comfort of her guests was evident everywhere, and she clearly has an elevated aesthetic sense that makes a stay in her home a complete delight. We loved the small kitchen with authentic, retro fixtures and equipped with every possible tool or utensil one might ever need. Brick stairs lead outside to a private bricked courtyard, (not usable by us in November, sadly, so best appreciated in the summer months!). The kitchen floor is tile and the bedroom is warmly carpeted. Antiques and clever, thematic decorating touches abound. The apartment is part of the house's basement, but is spacious with deep, leaded windows and there is no oppressive, claustrophobic basement feel. In summer months, it would be even better, especially with the use of the courtyard.
The Laurelhurst neighborhood is a quiet, historic residential development in Portland from the 1920s, with curving streets and diverse historic homes, wonderfully situated and close to many amenities, including a terrific microbrewery (Coalition Brewing at 27th and SE Ankeny).
Our hosts, Sue and her husband Bob, are warm and conversational without being intrusive and very generously allowed us to view the interior of their beautiful home, decorated in full holiday splendor.
As an art historian with an interest in Oregon historic architecture, our decision to stay in Sue and Bob's English Cottage apartment was inspired.