Family Reunion Waterfowl Retreat

Entire villa in Salem, Oregon

  1. 16+ guests
  2. 7 bedrooms
  3. 10 beds
  4. 3.5 baths
Hosted by Colleen
  1. Superhost
  2. 5 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 10% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

In Salem, Oregon's capital city

On the outskirts of Salem with downtown shops and dining a short drive away

A storybook home on nine acres

A custom-built home with themed rooms, two kitchens, a game room, and two living rooms

Colleen is an attentive host

Guests highlight the seasonal decorations, thoughtful touches, and Colleen's attentive hosting
This custom-built home, seasonally decorated & designed by New York Times Bestselling Author Colleen Houck, is set up as a family reunion retreat. It features two kitchens, themed rooms for sleeping and gathering, a game room, and two living rooms. The outdoors include multiple fairy gardens, a seasonal pond, a large vegetable garden, a koi pond, and much more! With plenty of indoor and outdoor games and activities, including a kids' map and scavenger hunt, you'll want to return again and again.

The space
With more than nine acres to explore at Houck Hollow, guests will be entranced with the outdoor amenities, which include ponds and fairy gardens. There are more than twenty trees with unique green men's faces to discover on the scavenger hunt. A beautiful creek cuts through the entire property, and you won't want to miss the seasonal pond that springs up behind the house in the winter months. With plenty of outdoor seating beneath a covered porch, you'll enjoy watching the wildlife, listening to the bubbling creek, or catching up with your favorite literary heroes. A large vegetable garden and orchard are made available for U-Pick during the summer months.

Guest access
Guests enter the home through the coded entry and can wander the property at leisure, keeping in mind that we do have many nesting domestic waterfowl who are protective of nests in the spring season. Guests are encouraged not to enter their enclosures without a keeper nearby.

Other things to note
Guests are free to use any pantry items. Our policy is that pantry items must be either replaced or, if not, guests may leave a note and make a donation. Instructions are found in the pantry.

Fancy dishes such as China or linens may be used, but they must be cleaned and returned to the place where they were found. Some items may be available for purchase. To inquire, take a photo of the item, then contact the property manager for a quote.

Where you’ll sleep

1 of 4 pages

What this place offers

Garden view
Waterfront
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Free driveway parking on premises – 10 spaces

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Rated 4.92 out of 5 from 38 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 95% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 3% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 3% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Salem, Oregon, United States
This listing's location is verified.

Neighborhood highlights

Houck Hollow sits on the outskirts of Salem, the capital of Oregon. The downtown area is full of fun shops and quirky dining opportunities, including The Coin Jam, an old-school arcade and restaurant, and one of Colleen's favorite stops, The Book Bin. If you're willing to drive a little, you aren't far from Silver Falls, and the beach at Lincoln City! There are frequently open-air markets and festivals to make your stay even more exciting.

Meet your host

Superhost
38 reviews
4.92 out of 5 average rating
5 years of hosting
My work: Author
Favorite song in high school: Livin' on a Prayer-Bon Jovi

Colleen is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Matthew

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know