GRACE HOUSE -- A COZY PUP-FRIENDLY COTTAGE IN PORTLAND'S SELLWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Grace House in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. Our hosts surprised us with a lovely bottle of wine and a gift certificate to a wonderful local restaurant. The owners live next door and were very welcoming. They provided us with a wealth of information on events and locations in the Portland area. The kitchen is well equipped and linens are provided. There is a lovely park a block from the house and restaurants, pubs, bakeries, antique malls, and shopping are within easy walking distance. The yard is fenced and has a lovely backyard garden area. We stayed for a month and thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Portland. We look forward to returning to Grace House.

My husband, two young boys, and I really enjoyed our month-long stay at Grace House. The house is very cozy, the yard is beautifully maintained, and just a half block away is the gorgeous Sellwood Park. Susan, the owner, was kind and accessible. When we arrived there was a giant bucket of legos waiting for our boys, and a nice bottle of wine waiting for the adults. (Plus a gift certificate to a yummy restaurant nearby.) I think the house is a little tight for a family of four (especially one with two rambunctious boys); that said, we enjoyed our time living in a smaller space than we are used to, and would definitely rent here again. It was also so pleasant to be able to stroll into Sellwood for dinner, gelato, or a cup of tea. Overall, it was a great experience, and we hope to be back again soon!

Our cozy, three person family felt right at home in Grace House. My wife was able to telecommute to her job via the wireless internet, while our 10 year old daughter and I pursued our summer agendas (Rock and Roll Camp for Girls, OMSI camp, writing a short story or two in the Blue Kangaroo coffee shop). We were able to keep the car parked most of the time, and take advantage of all the shops, restaurants, parks and amenities within walking distance.

We spent some very nice evenings walking down to Sellwood Riverfront Park. We also had a grand time roller skating at nearby Oaks Park, with musical accompaniment provided by a live organist playing a very impressive Wurlitzer organ. After only a week back at home, we find we really miss being able to take a quick walk to Grand Central Bakery or the New Seasons grocery store to pick up some fresh and local food to make dinner with in Grace House's small, but well-outfitted kitchen.

We were also able to make ready use of the public transit system to get all over town and visit some of our favorite spots. We went to Powell's, to OMSI, to Washington Park, and to Hawthorne Blvd, not to mention making it downtown to see some of Oregon Ballet Theater's OBT Exposed events in Director Park. Two bus lines, the 70 and the 19, have stops nearby. It's quite easy to get downtown and back on the 19.

The owner/manager Susan was very welcoming and friendly. She helped clue us in on the best way to take in the 4th of July fireworks, and even gave us a lift to the airport on our last day in Portland. Susan is right next door and ready to offer assistance with any problems. But, we didn't have any problems with the house during our stay, so we weren't able to take her up on that.