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Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.

Photo gallery for Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.

Winter is interesting. Those are moose tracks.  If this is full see our cabin.
Summer, a favorite time of year.  The house faces the Chena River.
The house in February.
Welcome to your home away from home.
The route to the upstairs.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10970 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Fairbanks, AK
  • University of Alaska-Fairbanks
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Pioneer Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Fort Wainwright
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.

While the unit is advertised for a number of people, it is great for a couple as well. We bought a two bedroom log cabin in the 60's. In 1974 we built a two story addition to accommodate our six children. At the time we wired and plumbed one bedroom so it could someday be a kitchen. The downstairs of the addition consists of a double garage, sun room and dining room. The upstairs is where guests are welcome. It has four bedrooms, sitting area, kitchen and porch. We have rented it monthly for many years but this time it was vacated we decided to do it as a VRBO. We live in the cabin downstairs.

Also on the property is a cabin that the original owner built for his parents and a barn that we built for our children and converted to a house when they were grown. We did bed and breakfast in them in the 1990's. At the time we registered the name Riverside Retreat. After a few years we decided to rent them on a monthly basis to have more time to play and travel. We can no longer do some of the things we used to do so are doing VRBO in the cabin too. We enjoy marrying people. We also enjoy sharing the space we have taken for granted for so many years. It really is a special spot.

Property manager

Martha and Robert Roth

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
We ask that people smoke outside.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Fairbanks

Located in Fairbanks, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Birch Hill Recreation Area and Chena River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include University of Alaska Museum of the North and Big Dipper Ice Arena. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Carlson Center Event Arena or Growden Memorial Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Fairbanks, AK

What's nearby

  • University of Alaska-Fairbanks - 13 min walk - 1.2 km
  • University of Alaska Museum of the North - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Pioneer Park - 5 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Fairbanks Ice Museum - 7 min drive - 8.4 km
  • Fort Wainwright - 8 min drive - 8.5 km

Getting around

  • Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Oasis Restaurant & Lounge - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Brewsters - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪House of Fire Pizza - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Where is Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly. located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Chena River and University of Alaska-Fairbanks. University of Alaska Museum of the North and Georgeson Botanical Garden are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 147 out of 188 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 31 out of 188 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 188 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 188 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 188 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Colleen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location & Stay

We enjoyed our seven-night stay in winter 2025. The hosts were friendly and the place had all we needed; we especially liked spending time in the kitchen, with its big window overlooking the Chena River.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cooper G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River stay

Great house, would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Chari B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay with family

Visiting from Idaho to see my sister, we had an amazing stay. The Ice Sculptures were beautiful. We made the trek to Chena Hot Springs twice during our stay. It was quite a dream relaxing in that warm water and staring into a sky I feel like I have never seen before. On our last night, as we pulled in after a long soak in the Hot Springs, we saw a great show of green dancing lights. The space was just what we needed to rest at night and fuel up for another adventure.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Elliot K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mostly good, except for a couple of minor issues.

Really decent place overall. It's situated a bit outside of town, but still close. Less light pollution, so sometimes you can see the aurora without driving anyplace. Lots of space to spread out if you're 4 people. Originally we were going to be seven though, and that would still have been fine... except for the fact that there's only one bathroom. Beds were relatively comfortable. Pillows so-so. Kitchen is well stocked with everything you need, including generous supply of condiments and even snacks. Moreso than most VRBOs. The pans, however, were old, and teflon was coming off. I liked the rustic decorations... grizzly bear watching over us at night. Cleanliness was decent, but there is the smell of smoke. Guests are not allowed to smoke inside, but the owner smokes in the sunroom below, and that sometimes wafts into the upstairs living space. Also, the water had a smell to it. No one suffered any ill effects though. Overall, very decent place especially for the price.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house great price

It's a beautiful older house on the river. It's well maintained and clean. It was warm and comfortable. Just awesome
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unexpected Trip

Our trip was unplanned due to a funeral, the property was gorgeous, the apartment was large enough for all 7 of us the only downfall was it not handicap accessable but we didnt state that when we paid for it
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Hosts

I haven't met a nicer and more caring host! I will stay at any of their properties again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mariah S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

This was a great place for my family to stay at. Great views from the windows and has a lot of character.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This is the second time we've stayed here and it is a great location. The view out of the "Master Bedroom" out at the river is beautiful. The ambiance is rustic with a lot of hides and trophies mounted and hung. It's nice and quiet and the hosts, who live below, are very accommodating. 10/10 from us. We'll definitely plan to stay here again next time we go to Fairbanks.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

James H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Moose hunters

House was big enough for all individuals to have beds a place to shower and cook and prepare meals and nice owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent location in Fairbanks.

Host was fantastic. Great location, highly recommend if your coming into faibanks on a hunting trip. Host communicated well and accommodated our unique needs with alot of gear.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great!

We had a great stay! Marge was very welcoming and the place had plenty of room for our family. The property was beautiful right on the river. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Frana B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

BEAUTIFUL river stay

Martha and Robert's property was absolutely gorgeous! We had our wedding in the backyard, and it was really dreamy; right along the river, beautiful grass, fire pit, benches, and privacy from the house and other rental properties due to the trees. The house has older furniture so the beds are really worn in. There is no washer and dryer in the rental and Martha was willing to offer laundry via her home below this rental. There is no smoking in the unit, however the host smokes inside downstairs, so the unit often smelled of cigarettes. When people arrived, it seemed like the bathroom and sheets had not been cleaned. The gem of this rental is definitely the outdoor space, including the yard and back deck. Thanks for the hospitality, Martha kdnddnjddreamy.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Beautiful views! Owner is the nicest! Very log cabin vibe and loved every minute. Right on the river with a beautiful deck overlooking it.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful place in front of the river. Location is good. I would recommend this place to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Serena B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family visit

Beautiful property on the river host was welcoming. House was clean and comfortable. I highly recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

James B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Review

Very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

DANNY

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Property met our needs but couldve been a little cleaner. It was fine for the men in the group but the women were a little put out about the overall cleanliness of the bedsheets in some of the rooms and kitchen area needed a little more cleaning prior to arrival.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River runners

Always excellent. This is the 4th time we have stayed here
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nostalgia

As soon as we entered the unit, all my family members experienced nostalgia from our past- whether it were the cabin or the lake, or our grandparents’ homes. The shag carpet, kitchen and decorations were from another fabulous era. The hostess was so kind and shared stories of her family with us. The view of the river is beautiful, and it is very close to so many things in town. The unit had everything we needed to cook meals. The only negative has been mentioned by other guests- there was a smell of smoke when ascending the stairs, however it didn’t follow us into the living area. Overall an enjoyable stay for our family! Oh! And the pelts and stuffed animals- amazing!!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carol R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Raft crew

Excellent!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pat S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family fun

Property is old and outdated. But the beds are comfy. Quiet upstairs apartment right by the river. Easy access to lots of places. Hunters paradise with all the trophies on the walls. Would stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Property

Perfect for family traveling for sports.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Welcome to Fairbanks

Enjoyed the ease of our stay. Easy check in process. Excellent location on the Chena River. Kitchen stocked with all cookware essentials was so helpful. Beautiful fire-pit with generous seating, wood and hot dog/marshmallow sticks. Four bedrooms gave us room to spread out and a desk to work from. Pet friendly and our dog loved hanging outside on the deck while I sat and read books about Alaska from the little library in the house. Exceptionally generous family. Great week at the Riverside Retreat.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

George Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location, nice hosts

Well placed weekend vacation house for a family, host was accommodating and everything was available just as advertised!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

About the host

Hosted by Martha and Robert Roth

Host profile image
In January of 1962 my husband was drafted out of a general practice residency in Sacramento and sent to Ft. Wainwright. At the time we had two small boys and I was teaching half day kindergarten. I had to give notice so we didn't arrive until March. Originally we paid our way up so we wouldn't have to stay longer than 18 months. We then extended so that we could live on post. Meanwhile, my husband fell in love with the hunting and fishing so we extended until they finally told him he had to either get out of the Army or take another assignment. The Army would give us a free move back to Oregon, our original home, within a year. So, we moved to a little one bedroom house on five acres. By then we had three boys so built a triple level, youth size bunk bed for the kids and slept in a hide-a-bed in the living room. The year ended and we're still here.

Bob practiced family medicine until retirement. Early on he learned to fly and had many adventures in his Super Cub. He completed the Yukon 800 boat race 6 times and won once. Now that he can't do these things, he raises bees and we play duplicate bridge. While Bob was busy working and playing I had time to get into trouble on my own. I quit teaching after my first year in Alaska and loved staying home with the kids. A neighbor and I once started a booth at the Fair to sell spaghetti for the swim team. It turned out to be a 15 year commitment, The Farmhouse Cafe, that served everything from hamburgers and Hunters Stew to eggs the chickens laid in their cages. When the last two children were in high school I took a class to become a realtor. This seemed interesting, especially since an older son who taught in the Bush was moving to Fairbanks with his young family and would soon be needing a house. They bought the first one I showed them. About 20 years ago I bought an 8 unit efficiency apartment with another son because of the real estate connection. Many more stories but out of room

Why they chose this property

While we were living in the little house a neighbor came to collect money for another neighbor that plowed the snow. When they went to California to get braces for their daughter they asked if we would like to rent their bigger house. So in 1966 we moved. The next summer there was a big flood. The basement was filled with water and there was 10 1/2 inches in the living room. They owned the lot next door and wanted to build their dream house there so we negotiated to buy the house. They borrowed money on this house to finance the new house so, though we agreed on a purchase price, we paid rent until the financing on their new house was completed. Then we bought it. It's a wonderful place to live.

What makes this property unique

It is close to town and the University. The location on the river is a delight. Through the years there have been dozens of picnics at the river. Last summer our daughter had her 20th high school reunion, and of course the picnic was here. They picked up canoes and kayaks from Pioneer Park to add even more fun. It is casual and homey. We put new carpet in the upstairs last year. It has a big garden and lots of privacy.

Languages:

English