Vacation Rentals by Owner

North Carolina Jan and Jeff

Guest: East Coast to West Coast (North Carolina Outer Banks)
Date of Stay: 02/03/12 Review Submitted: 03/06/12

We've stayed in four houses in Bend, and this is by far the most comfortable--and the smallest! It helps if you like each other. The layout is very comfortable. This town is full of cute little cottages, but nothing beats a house that really feels like a home, with wonderful light, a warm feel, and comfortable furnishings. It's all here. The house is not ritzy, but you don't need ritz when you've got a river in the backyard and a natural playground a few miles away.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Riverfront Christmas

Guest: Craig (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/09/12

My wife, our 2 dogs and I enjoyed our time at this cozy cottage. We loved having the river view. The location is great, walking distance of Old Mill shopping and downtown. We will be back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners.

great place !!!!

Guest: Lola (citrus heights, ca)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

we had a great time with our dog in john's place. nice little one bedroom house - much better than staying in a hotel. we walked our dog lola through drake park every day. the house was well-stocked with everything in case you forget something - even plastic bags. john is a great person to rent from and we will be back. thank you - eric,sue and lola.

Owner response:I really enjoyed meeting Eric, Sue and Lola. We had some great conversations (about local and not so local beers among other things). I Lookforward to their next trip (or move) to Bend.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners.

Centrally located for downtown and Deschutes Brewery

Guest: Kevin (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11 Review Submitted: 01/16/12

My wife and I spent 6 days here back in June. We really enjoyed staying here vs choosing a hotel or even a B&B. John (the owner) was out of town when we arrived but left everything out for us and gave us the number of someone just down the street that could help if we needed anything. The house was clean and we found everything we needed inside. We cooked several meals in the kitchen and it had everything we needed. We really enjoyed walking to downtown for lunch/dinner/drinks/shopping and sitting out on the deck near the river soaking in the sun. John even let us borrow his boats for a lazy paddle down to Mirror Lake. When we come back to Bend (this was our second visit), I wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. This house was centrally located to many of the things we wanted to do so we did a lot of walking around, which was perfect. Thanks for a great stay John.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers

Little cabin on the river

Guest: bikedoc (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 05/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/02/11

Very cute little cabin. Best place is it's next to a very tranquil river, with geese swimming around. And an ideal location in the center of the city, walking distance from downtown. Accomodations are simple but very cozy. John lives right next door, and is great for advice around town, esp biking trails if that's what you love to do.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Any idyllic spot with everything you need.

Guest: AlycePC (Husum, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 05/27/11

We had such a relaxing, fun time indulging in John's little piece of wild Deschutes River right in the heart of Bend. The cottage is perfectly dialed for easy living, and well-thought out. We loved how close we were to bike anywhere we wanted, yet felt so tucked away in his quaint, peaceful neighborhood. The bonus was John's expert inside scoop on racing the PPP! We loved how helpful he was while sharing our race preparation - even our "divorce boat" tandem kayaking debut! ;-) Thanks, and we'll be back for sure!

Owner response:I really enjoyed meeting you guys. Your enthusiasm for Bend and PPP was contagious. Hope to see again soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Awesome Snow Dog Den

Guest: Kodiak the Siberian Husky (Pendleton OR)
Date of Stay: 12/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

My people took me for a ride and I was really excited when we got to the house by the river with lots of snow because I am a snow dog and like to do plays and stuff in the snow. There was a fenced yard for me to play in and neat ducks in the river to look at. I got to go for a walk with my people into the town and when we got back I curled up by the warm fireplace and looked out the window at the birds and river. We got in the car and took a quick ride into the mountains where I pulled my people on their skis down a doggy friendly trail. The owner of the riverhouse was really nice and liked me, he also told my people about the dog trails in the area because he is on the doggy trail committee. He has a dog too and I played with him. I was so happy that weekend, my people must really like me. They think that I am special enough to take me to such a cool place. I can't wait to go back to that snow den. I almost didn't write this review because I want to keep that den for myself...but my people told me that I need to share...darn!

Owner response:Kodiak, I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to Bend. You were a fun guest. King and I really enjoyed having you next door.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fantastic location!

Guest: Valerie (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 10/14/10 Review Submitted: 10/21/10

Loved our stay at the Riverfront Cottage! Being on the river is such a unique experience. Cottage is also located in an ideal location- close to town but also close to all the trails in the area. The owner was very helpful and genuine. Will definitely stay here again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

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Guest: Craig C. (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 07/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Well it's us again. Craig & Becky. Guess this makes it 5 years running and another coming up fast. We love being on the river. We like Bend so much we bought a vacation house about 10 blocks away, not on the river, sad. We value our time in Johns' house so much we still rent to be on the river. Couldn't afford to buy on the river, but we can rent and enjoy it. It's a fabulous spot. Our escape. The house is small, 1 BR so it's no surprise, comfortable, great Queen bed, well equipped and clean. That about takes care of my needs.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect place for a couple and their dog!

Guest: Dixie and Andrew (portland, or)
Date of Stay: 07/09/10 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

The house has everything you need. The location is perfect. We were able to walk to town and bike to perfect trails from the house. The river is right there with a perfect patio to sit and enjoy it! We celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary here. We loved it and our dog loved it! John is a dog lover and great guy who will make you feel right at home! We can't wait to come back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Felt at home.

Guest: Bren (On a ship)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

I was able to stay at John's little Cottage by the Deschutes for a little over a month and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having lived around Bend off and on for some time, my Sisters and friends enjoyed it as well, with several BBQs on the deck and afternoon sunbathing sessions. The house is perfectly comfortable and the kitchen is well stocked with about everything you'll need. It's and easy walk or bike to the park or downtown with off street parking, which is a huge bonus during one of the many festivals or events happening weekly during the summer months. I'd recommend the Riverfront Cottage to anyone wanting to enjoy the best Bend has to offer from a quiet, fun, convienient location. And, best of all---there's the river!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Our one month stay in Bend...

Guest: FreeThinker (Long Beach, CA.)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/26/10

OMG - this place is fantastic! PERFECT size for 2 people (and a dog - wish I had one), not to mention ALL the amenities, and an absolutely PERFECT location. Honestly, we could not have found a better place to spend the month. Thanks, John - you ROCK! Hope to see you again, soon... Joyce & Jerry

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Clean, comfortable and excellent loctaion!!

Guest: JMC7633 (Portland)
Date of Stay: 02/08/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/10

Our stay was fantastic! The location to downtown was perfect we could walk everywhere. We had dinner at a local brewery call 10 Barrel which is only about 5 blocks away. The home is set up very well, John the owner is very helpful when we needed a recomedation for dinner or a good hiking trail. I highly recomend this home.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Dennis and Sally (Mt Shasta)
Date of Stay: 09/09/09 Review Submitted: 09/09/09

We had an absolutely wonderful 3 days while at the Riverfront House. Our host was very gracious, answering our many questions and suggesting wonderful places to eat. We will definitely return, very soon!

Owner response:It was great to meet Sally and Dennis (and Molly) and I am looking forward to their next visit. And thanks for the road bike maps and the tomatoes.

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Guest: bryce & jaclyn (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 09/08/09 Review Submitted: 09/08/09

We spent a great Labor Day weekend at this little riverfront house. The size is perfect for a couple and a dog. The location can't be beat. Close to downtown, close to the Old Mill, and last but not least on the river! There's a great deck and a BBQ which make a great place to hang out. We hope to make it back soon. Thanks for the great stay.

Owner response:It was great to meet Bryce, Jaclyn and Kenobe. They were great to have as guests and neighbors.

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Guest: Gretchen and Rodney
Date of Stay: 05/23/09 Review Submitted: 05/22/09

Way too short of a stay for us on our first trip to Bend. Thank you so much for being so accommodating from initial contact to after our "checkout". All the recommendations for rides and use of your map and trail book are so very much appreciated. You have a great place in a great town in a beautiful area. Thank you for going above and beyond! We'll be back soon.

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Guest: Craig C. (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 03/30/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

This will be our third year back in the riverhouse. We love it there. We walk to everything. Fabulous location. When the weathers hot the people floating from Old Mill District to Drake Park right in front of the dock provide entertainment.The house is remodeled with all the necessities. Comfortable queen bed and a sofa bed that’s actually really comfortable. I didn’t think they made a sofa bed that people could get a decent night sleep on but the owner found one. Pretty amazing. It’s great.I’m an early riser so I start my day by taking my coffee down to the dock and watch the river wake up. The otters, mink and beavers seem to show early. I look forward to those days every year.It’s the close location to town and being on the river that make this the right place to be. Peaceful and convenient.

Owner response:It has been great having Craig and Becky as guests and neighbors for the last two summers. I look forward to seeing them again this summer.

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Guest: Dave & Nancy1 (-)
Date of Stay: 03/30/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

We feel fortunate to have found the most beautiful location in Bend. There is a lovely view of the River right outside the back sliding door and we could easily walk to Old Town and the Mill district. Super close to skiing at Mt. Bachelor as well as hiking at Smith Rocks. We will be back, hopefully sooner rather than later!

Owner response:I am really glad to have met Dave and Nancy, and look forward to their next visit to Bend. They were a delight to have as guests.

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Guest: Gretchen and Stephen
Date of Stay: 12/24/08 Review Submitted: 12/23/08

Thanks for a wonderful stay in Bend! Enjoy the holidays in this winter wonderland!

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Guest: Grant Stockton
Date of Stay: 10/24/08 Review Submitted: 10/23/08

Thank you John We had a wonderful stay here.

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Romantic Riverside Retreat

Guest: Bork (San Francisco, California USA)
Date of Stay: 06/22/08 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

We spent a wonderful week here, enjoying drinks and meals out by the river. Bike-riding paths and the park were easily accessible - fabulous location. We loved the coziness of the cottage, and being there inspired us to buy our own vacation cottage in the California wine country (Sonoma). I highly recommend this area, the location, this specific cottage rental and the "innkeeper," who made every effort to help make our visit more enjoyable.

Owner response:I really enjoyed having Chris and Pat as guests. They are such fun and interesting people. I look forward to their next visit, not just as guests at the cottage, but as friends.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.