Live the Dream.

• Portland Urban Vacation

  Portland Urban Vacation

  • Guest Bart Eleveld
  • Date of stay 03/23/13
  • Review Submitted 04/01/13
  We had several family events to attend in Portland that coincided with Spring Break. Rather than a hotel, we decided a vacation rental was in order. What a delightful hide-a-way this turned out to be. Close enough to Portland to easily take advantage of it's many cultural opportunities, yet in a quiet, peaceful corner right on the scenic Willamette River. The lodging was very well appointed and comfortable. The back yard, upon which the rental looks, is fantastic. Ducks, geese, and even bald eagles are all around. A short walk takes you to a nature park that includes easily accessible Elk Rock Island. Sara and Fred are thoughtful hosts but unobtrusive. A full kitchen allows you to cook for yourself, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby, from great coffee shops in Milwaukee's downtown to fine dining at Amadeus Manor, an old hillside mansion with wonderful river views converted into an old world restaurant. Check out their early bird specials. I especially enjoyed being able to take my kayak out on the Willamette right from the back yard. We hope to make repeat visits in the future.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you for this great review! We are so happy you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing you again!

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• Great Place to Stay in Portland~

  Great Place to Stay in Portland~

  • Guest Stacey R.
  • Date of stay 02/23/13
  • Review Submitted 03/02/13
  What a beautiful landscape! We loved the hot tub overlooking the river and enjoyed the well appointed room. Everything you need is provided plus some much appreciated extras (like the chocolates on the pillows, tea and coffee, and a nice collection of movies). The unit is very clean and the owner provides excellent customer service. A Great Stay in Portland without the crazy cleaning fees and three night minimums required by many other rentals.

  Owner response: Thank you! So glad you enjoyed your stay and hope to see you again!

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• Wow....PERFECT!

  Wow....PERFECT!

  • Guest Josh and Kim
  • Date of stay 12/14/12
  • Review Submitted 12/18/12
  The pictures cannot possibly due this retreat justice. What a beautiful and romantic place to stay. We even had a front row seat to the Christmas ships! From a dip in the hot tub by moonlight to poker and a movie and a wood-burning fire to the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in....what else can I say? We felt spoiled rotten just to be there enjoying the unbelievable view and the comfort of a beautifully decorated suite - just exquisite - with candles galore! Sara thought of everything - even the practical things like a laundry soap and a hair dryer. Getting up early in the morning, opening those enormous picture windows to see the fog hovering over the water, with a hot cup of super yummy coffee in one hand and my husband in the other, it was unparalleled comfort and tranquility. I couldn't believe how close we were to everything (shopping, restaurants, theater), but we felt a million miles away in our own private paradise. Thank you for an unforgettable - and so needed - romantic weekend getaway. We will absolutely be back - I can't think of a better tradition. Many blessings....and Merry Christmas. :)

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you Josh & Kim for this lovely review. We are so happy you enjoyed your time and were able to see the Christmas boats cruise by! Wishing you all the best and looking forward to your return visit. Happy Holidays!

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• Happy Anniversary Getaway Weekend

  Happy Anniversary Getaway Weekend

  • Guest Mamawolf
  • Date of stay 09/21/12
  • Review Submitted 09/25/12
  I found the Live the Dream listing and knew it was just what we needed for a romantic anniversary getaway. From the welcoming hug from our hostess to the beautifully decorated room, we were surrounded by tranquility and romance. There is no match for the hot tub, under the stars and at the river's edge. Well, maybe the massages -- yes, they came to us! How wonderful is that? It was clean and well-kept as well as comfortable, with many thoughtful items here and there to add to the experience (think K-cup variety in the kitchen and LOTS of candles everywhere). We walked to the small nearby island and got a little closer to the blue heron, ducks and geese we'd been admiring from the room's large river-facing windows. We'd have gone sightseeing in Portland (only 10 minutes away) but since that's our home city, we opted to soak up each other's company instead. Many great restaurants nearby and the hostess had some great suggestions! We haven't been home a week and are already thinking about how soon we can return to that little oasis, and visiting the spa mentioned in the listing! Thanks for offering such a sweet, secret place and being so gracious with us -- we'll be back!

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you for this lovely review! I am so happy that you had a wonderful anniversary, and am looking forward to pampering you again soon!

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• Relaxing, Romantic Riverside Retreat

  Relaxing, Romantic Riverside Retreat

  • Guest Smiley-girl
  • Date of stay 09/15/12
  • Review Submitted 09/20/12
  My husband and I just returned from a two night stay at this beautiful retreat. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by our hostess, who gave us a quick tour, then graciously disappeared upstairs. We were given full reign of the back yard and area, which is beautiful and full of whimsy. We enjoyed ourselves in the all natural cedar hot tub, and were thrilled with the shock of the plunge pool. The owners have supplied a Traeger for guests to use, which is awesome; we loved staying on grounds to cook. Speaking of which, the studio has a very well equipped kitchen, and there were some yummy treats in the refrigerator waiting for us- how nice! The bed is very dreamy, the studio is decorated in a Zen/Bohemian style- it's just perfect for a lovers get a way! The studio also has a wall of windows, which gives the most magnificent view all day long- while we were there the leaves were just beginning to turn. It was warm and cozy, the hostess thought of just about everything we could have wanted and made our experience wonderful. We opted to add the 90 minute couples massage, and I must say it truly was the best massage I have ever had. After, it was great to just stroll the few steps to our love nest. We would definitely stay there again if we were in the area.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway.

  Owner response: WOW, what a wonderful review! Thank you so much Chris & Christa, you were such a pleasure to have, and I look forward to your return!

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• Paradise found!

  Paradise found!

  • Guest Sarah
  • Date of stay 08/18/12
  • Review Submitted 08/31/12
  Had a spectacular stay! Sara is wonderfully sweet and welcoming, her home is beautiful and she shares it SO well. If you can't find something to do between a private yoga class/massage, a canoe ride down river, board games and beer around the fire pit table, or a snooze in the hammock you're working too much on your vacation! Didn't get to experience the hot tub as it was temporarily out of commission and the clothes dryer is a squeaky monster, but we just stuck our clothes in on the way out the door and had no troubles (plus Sara is aware of this already and is getting them fixed ASAP). Will be back as often as possible in the future!

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you for this great review! Yes, the dryer no longer squeaks :) and the hot tub is toasty hot and perfect at all times. Looking forward to seeing you again!

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• Definitely worth every penny!

  Definitely worth every penny!

  • Guest Krystina L.
  • Date of stay 08/23/12
  • Review Submitted 08/30/12
  The house was exactly like the photos. The river is RIGHT there, the hot tub is right on the water, there's a boat, and a hammock at the bottom. I love that the house is in Milwaukie, which is way more secluded and less busy than Portland. But you can literally drive about 10 minutes and be in downtown Portland. There was a Safeway and a lot of 7-11s near by which helped a lot. Sara had condiments, spices and seasonings, pots, utensils, and everything to make food in the kitchen. We will definitely be returning.

  Owner response: Yay! So glad you loved it and that you will be back! Thank you so much for this awesome review!

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• Portlands Best Kept Secret

  Portlands Best Kept Secret

  • Guest Frank
  • Date of stay 05/13/12
  • Review Submitted 07/20/12
  Me and my guest thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this sweet little villa. We owe special thanks to the owner Sara for including the little things that add to ones comfort and enjoyment. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the hot tub was delightful. We had the best massage of our lives in the spa adjacent to our room. The fireplace right next to the bed will make this place ideal to stay during the winter months as well. The inside is decorated very well and is quite comfortable and private. It was very close to some great restaurants and just a few minutes drive to downtown Portland. We will be returning and referring our friends to this spectacular getaway.

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you very much for this lovely review and i look forward to your return visit!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Beautiful home!

  Beautiful home!

  • Guest Erin B.
  • Date of stay 07/10/12
  • Review Submitted 07/15/12
  My husband and I absolutely loved our stay! The house was clean, comfortable, and Sara made us feel right at home. The grounds and view are just incredible, and it's close to all the sights of Portland, but gives you the feeling of relaxing in nature. We also got some fabulous massages! I highly recommend staying here.

  Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

  Owner response: Thank you Erin & Aaron! So glad you enjoyed your stay & hope to see you again soon!

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• Beautifully romantic with so many nice touches

  Beautifully romantic with so many nice touches

  • Guest Lorena R.
  • Date of stay 05/04/12
  • Review Submitted 05/28/12
  We stayed for two rainy nights in May while the Portland skies were gloomy and gray. The property was gorgeous and in between showers we enjoyed strolling in the garden and soaking in the tub. The room itself was luxurious. From the chocolates, snacks, and candles, to the cozy robes, comfortable sheets, and fancy smelling soap, everything eluded charm and romance. We built a fire, watched a movie, and thoroughly enjoed the atmostphere. Even with the Portland gloom, the room had lots of natural light and the reflection of the sun off the river was fabulous when it did poke its way out a few times. We did manage to drive into the city both days. It was a short, easy drive to find shopping, restaurants, and parks. The only bummer was an 11:00 check out time. It doesn't seem that early, but we really weren't ready to leave!

  Recommended for: Romantic getaway.

  Owner response: Thank you Lori for this lovely review! I am happy you enjoyed your visit and looking forward to seeing you again!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

Sept-Feb $120/nt., Mar-Apr. $135/nt., May-Aug & Holidays $155/nt.
Rates based on double occupancy. 2 night minimum May - September and all weekends.
Massage, Couples Massage, some Spa Treatments available at same rates as Spa Sasse
Monthly rates available, 1 nt. free w/ a week.
$40 one-time cleaning fee. $50 pet fee, pets only allowed with approval.
 Check-in 4 PM, check-out 10 AM. Bose sound system ~ Bring your iPod!
 $100 deposit required to confirm reservation, deducted from total when you arrive
Not responsible for lost/stolen items, please do not forget anything.

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.