AUG 2005 ISSUE

VACATION RENTALS RULE

There's nothing like having your own little beach house for a night or two. Here's a tale of two vacation rentals

By Andre Hagestedt

It is a quickly growing segment of the lodging world, yet still a sort of secret to most coastal visitors. The realm of vacation rental homes is a place you simply have to visit - if you haven't yet. There's nothing like having your own little beach house for a night or two.

It's really quite inexpensive, if you have several folks with you to share the cost. And many smaller cottages for rent are very reasonable, and perfect for that romantic getaway. Try it once and you'll become a convert, and you'll soon be telling friends "vacation rentals rock."

AN "OCEAN ROCK GETAWAY" IN SEASIDE

It's a lovely little rental home in Seaside - well, it's not so little, actually - that is a gem of a find that's mere feet from the soothing sands of the town. Called "Ocean Rock Getaway," the main section of the house is on the ground floor, featuring a nicely done living room with a huge TV and VCR/DVD combo, a roomy kitchen and dining room, and two bedrooms. Two beds are in one of the bedrooms, creating accommodations for six. You'll find a woodstove insert here, and TV's in all bedrooms.

Every room has a beautiful décor, yet laid back, making it classy yet welcoming - perfect for a beach getaway with a nicer touch. The home is incredibly spacious, but if you need more space, you can rent the funky upstairs apartment and add space enough to sleep a total of twelve. This delightful hidden wonder comes complete with retro-70's lighting and period décor. It is possible to rent just this area as well.

There's an outside deck for lounging within earshot of the waves, as well as a gas barbecue for taking advantage of the weather.

Meanwhile, the ocean is a tiny walk away, and the main part of Seaside's fun amenities is within walking distance as well. All this is courtesy of Northwind Vacation Rentals, which has dozens of such wondrous rental homes available in Seaside, Gearhart and Astoria. Most are either right up on the beach or a short walk away, with none more than just a block or two away. www.northwindrentals.com. 948 North Roosevelt, Seaside. (800) 488-3301.

THE COZY COMMUNITY OF BELLA BEACH

The little community of Lincoln Beach - not to be confused with Lincoln City - lies between Gleneden Beach and Depoe Bay, where another charming enclave is cloistered within. Bella Beach is a bit like the archetypal, cozy suburban neighborhood that could be the stuff of "living happily ever after," (coming complete with the white picket fence), except that it's really a collection of rather upscale, gorgeous beach cottages that are vacation rentals or for sale. There are over 40 rentals available inside this pretty place, and some more are still being built.

The philosophy of Bella Beach is to create a place with a "neighborly feel," and indeed they've succeeded. Set in the midst of a Central Coast wooded area, there are the rustic architectural themes common to places like Manzanita or Cannon Beach, where garages are tucked away behind the buildings and front porches are the emphasis.

One home, called "Song of the Sea," sits in a little park-like area in the middle of Bella Beach: the last in a row of quaint, rather diminutive houses that ooze cuteness.

It's red and adorable as all get-out.

Inside, it's absolutely immaculate, decorated with a lighthouse theme and filled with a myriad of lighthouse knick-knacks and artwork. This beautiful pad sleeps six. There are two bedrooms, each with an elegant bathroom nearby and a ceiling fan. A couch in the living room folds out to accommodate persons number five and six. A full kitchen with coffee maker and loads of utensils helps complete the dream vacation home thing, as does a VCR and really big TV with satellite.

Oh yeah, and there's a hot tub in the backyard.

There's a playground for the kiddies, and the homes vary from hideaway lodgings for two with oceanfront hot tubs, to larger accommodations for bigger groups. Bella each also offers up accommodations for groups as large as 60, if you happen to have a business retreat or reunion of some sort.

Then there's that wondrous beach. Like many of the beaches in the area, the tide line is at a rather steep slope, so waves come in fast and hard, but dissipate quickly to shyly lap at your feet.

Prices on rentals vary greatly, depending on stay, size of home and number of people and amenities. 866-994-7026 or www.bellabeach.com.

OTHER VACATION RENTALS OF NOTE

BEACH HOUSE VACATION RENTAL HOMES, Seaside. Over 65 of these to choose from between Seaside and Warrenton, and some are pet friendly. www.beachhouse1.com. 1-800-995-2796.

ARCH CAPE PROPERTY SERVICES. Oversees gobs of rentals in that rugged, unpopulated stretch between Manzanita and Cannon Beach. Some pet friendly homes. www.archcaperentals.com 866-436-1607.