Peace and Quiet

The owners were very helpful and friendly. The directions were good and easy to follow. A good value and more inviting than a hotel.

This summer we stayed for our second time at the Hollyhocks House, four nights this time. We just love this place, and think of the little town of Mitchell as our second home. We live in the old growth Rain Forest on the Washington peninsula, but used to live in southern Arizona for almost twenty years, so we like to see the desert every so often. Last year we came in August, when the big chokecherry tree out front had berries on it. When we were watching the birds at one point they all shrieked and flew away fast, and I said to my wife that must be a predator warning cry. Lo and behold, a hawk had come down into the tree across the street and just stayed there, watching, for a long time. Eventually it flew off, and the birds returned. We used to watch the birds like that all the time in Arizona, but, funny as it seems, there is little bird watching here from our house. Desert or dry areas seem to be a lot better for bird watching. We really enjoyed that part of our stay, and, of course, the Painted Hills. There is so much to explore in the area, from the desert to the river to the high mountain areas to the paleontology museum to 'world famous' Henry the bear in town. When we get tired we head back and sit on the porch and enjoy the incredible garden, or pick some fruit or berries. It's just an adorable, romantic little house. Aruna is such a nice, hospitable person, too, she's just great. We've already started planning our trip for next year. We kind of hate to post this and tell everyone how great this place is because we want it to stay a quiet, nestled getaway, and the last thing we want is to have to battle lots of other people for our reservations!

Our week at the Hollyhock Guest House was, hands-down the most relaxing and enjoyable vacation we have ever had. The house was clean, cheery and bright as well as nicely appointed; everything you could want in the kitchen, bedding and bath-- including a fabulous shower. The house is graced with a wonderful old-fashioned porch we practically lived on and a gorgeous, well tended surrounding garden. Not only are the Painted Hills Vacation Rentals nice, their owner and manger are some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Mitchell makes the perfect place to explore the vast John Day country-- digging fossils, taking photos of awesome landscapes and lots of wildlife. Also, everyone we met in Mitchell were good folks, easy going, friendly and always helpful. We cannot recommend these rentals enough and will return there in different seasons as well as high summer (there is a cozy rec-room with Franklin stove that looks perfect for cooler weather). We think we have found our home away from home. Oh and wireless internet and satellite TV are available if you even want them (hint, we never turned on the TV).

We enjoyed our stay at your cottage! The kids loved hanging out in the barn watching movies and playing games. We loved the quiet and lovely garden and relaxed with a cup of coffee each morning on the front porch.

Thank you so much for the stay at your beautiful cottage. From the moment we've arrived we knew this was the perfect place for us. A magical garden sanctuary in the middle of the desert. The first words out of Hayden's (age 6) mouth were "I wish we could live here"The sounds and physical beauties of nature are so calming.
We will be back!
With thanks and love
Yvonne, Hayden, and Dan

I moved to Pendleton from the midwest in February and have been staying at a dark apartment. I loved your cottage and garden! Its a little oasis in this part of Oregon. I've been able to recharge my spirit spending time on the porch with tea, reading in the garden,and taking in the beauty of the Painted Hills. I love the many colors in the cottage and your paintings. Reading "In Search of Ancient Oregon"helped me to appreciate the area even more. Thanks for the delicious eggs.
I hope to be back in the future.
Pat

Great place to stay, lovely garden, nice house. Outside the main tourist trails.