Friends! I’m SO excited to share this one with you because these travel posts just fill me up with all the good travel feels, and I’m ready to get the endorphins flowin’. Let’s start at the beginning! A couple of weeks ago my husband defended his PhD and we were so ready for a break. We had a big move from PA to NYC looming ahead of us and we knew that if we didn’t take a little vacay it might be awhile before we got one. Then, the most incredible opportunity came along to stay at the Historic Reed House, part of The Houses on Manzanita Beach in Manzanita, Oregon, and we knew we couldn’t pass it up. For two kids who have spent big chunks of our lives living in the west, neither of us had been to the Oregon coast and we were not let down. I HAVE to tell you about this place.
So. The house. Ever since our epic Outer Banks trip with friends, we are so onboard with piling as many of the people that we love into a house as possible while traveling. It’s just so good. Cozy meals together, late night talks, tons of laughing and kiddos so tired from all the playing that they put themselves to bed. It’s the best. If you haven’t traveled this way before and are wanting to dip your toe in, or if you love traveling with friends and/or family and are looking for your next location, The Historic Reed House is the place to go. I truly don’t have enough superlatives to describe my love for every inch of this place but I’m going to do my best.
Let’s start with the specs. The Historic Reed House is one of the original turn-of-the-century cottages on Manzanita Beach. While the original charm remains, the Reed House has been updated with the most incredible modern details (the heated floors were my BFF). This beauty is packed with windows, creating a space with the most incredible light. (As someone who loves snapping pictures, I had to restrain myself several times from pulling out my camera and try to stay in the moment. It was just so gorgeous in there!)
Aside from that, this stunning home is large and spacious but manages to maintain the most wonderful cozy feeling as a result of its rustic and modern design. It has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, an incredible cooks kitchen, a great room, 180º views and dining area for 14, an entertainment and media room, a pool table room, ping pong area, a third HD TV area, and a small library. Plus, it has a huge deck spanning the front of the house and along the side of the house covering a full lot and a private fire pit for plenty of marshmallow roasting. Could you die? Insane, I know.
In our next post about the trip we’ll be talking a little more about Manzanita, the Oregon coast and what we did, but if you know Oregon, you know it can be a little gloomy. While we were there we were lucky to have a couple of days of great weather, but we also had a day or two of rain. And although on a normal vacation a forecast like that would put a damper on things, if you are staying at The Historic Reed House, you don’t care one bit that you can’t go anywhere! We had the best time on those rainy days catching up on books and knitting, talking for hours or napping while the kids played happily downstairs. Plus, we spent LOTS of time sitting in cozy chairs in the great room just staring at the view. And, in the patches where it cleared up, we were able to hop over to the beach in seconds since the home is just across the street from the sand. It just doesn’t get dreamier, you guys.
Can you believe the beautiful design details? Claw foot tubs, exposed beams, and there is even a vintage phone booth in there that just about did me in with its cuteness. It was too much.
Every inch of this home is beyond beautiful, and coupled with its incredible surroundings, I can’t imagine a more wonderful place to recharge. Every one of us were pinching ourselves daily. So gorgeous.
The happiest kids around! Sometimes traveling with kids can be super stressful because the pace can be crazy, but a stay in Manzanita with kiddos couldn’t be more ideal. They loved marshmallow roasting, cuddling up for movies, playing on the bunk beds, running along the deck, and exploring at the beach. There were no amusement park lines or fancy events on the schedule, just lots of simple fun. They loved it.
The crew! What a dream. I’m so sad it’s over but I’m already thinking about when we can go back. And with summer vacation happening now, you’ve got to check out The Houses on Manzanita Beach and book a trip. Aside from The Historic Reed House, they have several other gorgeous properties in this amazing area perfect for a summer getaway. To see more about The Historic Reed House and all of their properties, visit their site right here.
Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast? I’d love to hear your favorite parts! And be sure to keep an eye out for our next post in our summer travel series with The Houses on Manzanita Beach!
ox. Liz
This house is amazing! What a perfect getaway for the early summer!
Wow! I love all these spaces. The houses looks like it’s full of charm, and isn’t one of those cookie cutter houses. Especially wonderful for kids? We’ll check it out. We love the Oregon Coast, and wouldn’t call it dreary at all. The rain, when it does come, makes everything green. Usually in the springtime the rain is light, and doesn’t stay long. We love the north Oregon Coast, especially Astoria and Cannon Beach (when Cannon Beach isn’t packed), but have always wanted to stay in Manzanita. We’ll check it out.
Wonderful blog post! We have stayed at the Houses on Manzanita Beach before, can’t wait to go back there. Love the way you describe the house. It’s indeed beautifully designed and very very cozy; the best place to stay with family and/or friends and share lots of fun. Looking forward to reading your next post about Manzanita as well.
I love the idea of this beautiful setting for a get-away but mostly, I love pictures of beautiful, loving mothers like Liz and her sweet children and nephews and nieces…. Location, location, location – very important! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE – life-saving!!!!
Liz does an awesome job – love her places and her touch on the decoratoring. We stayed at another cool place called 3ONE8 in Manzanita – it’s a modern remodel close to the main strip of Laneda Avenue with a private back yard overlooking the golf course. Google it – you’ll find it. Liz’ houses are awesome.
[…] sounds familiar that’s because Liz took her family there a couple of years ago and shared it here, and fell so in love with it that she had to bring more family back. Manzanita is the most charming […]
[…] have talked about our love of Manzanita here and here, and love having this little oasis be our headquarters when we travel to the coast. We […]