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BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon

Photo gallery for BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon

Exterior
A bed with a floral bedspread, a green upholstered headboard, and two white pillows. There is a painting on the wall above the bed, a bedside table with a lamp, and a small fan on the floor.
A rustic room with a wooden wall, a framed picture, a red chest of drawers, and a purple armchair.
Interior
A vintage-style sofa with a floral print, a framed picture on the wall, and a table lamp on a wooden table.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
Sleeps 2•1 bedroom•1 bed

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Air-conditioning
  • Deck or patio
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave
  • Non-smoking

Explore the area

View map
Salem, OR
  • Place, Cottonwood Lakes Golf Course
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Bush's Pasture Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Minto-Brown Island Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Salem, OR (SLE-McNary Field)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Single room with bed

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Single bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Garden

About this property

BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon

The Bunkhouse Retreat is proudly owned by a founding Salem family whose history and beautiful grounds and skilled landscape architecture dates back to the 1900's. The downstairs space which is entirely yours, features a bathroom with shower, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and basic utensils for dining. Wander around on the grounds and you might catch a glimpse of the resident pony.
The Bunkhouse Retreat is located in the north end of the 1,200 acres of lush, natural open and wooded area known as Minto-Brown Island Park. Walk, jog, or bike along 19 mile of hard and soft trail through native timber a grassy meadows. Enjoy fishing spots, a paddle boat area, and paved bikeways.
The Bunkhouse is a great Retreat just not the best place to do work on the computer. The Wifi is Very Very poor and really spotty, so usually doesn't always work out there.
The Wifi network is called CenturyLink3019, password aaf7bc87te7x4b. The internet speed is 0.5 Mbps. There is a wifi extender called "Bunkhouse" with the same password, aaf7bc87te7x4b.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks
Thank you for being our guest and safe travels.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
The property is gated and private. You will be given the gate code before check-in.
$25 fee for a late check-out per hour and a $25 fee for early or late check-in per hour Check-in: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Check-out: before 10:00 AM

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1615550vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Salem

Located in Salem, this holiday home is in a rural area and next to a golf course. Willamette Valley Vineyards and Cottonwood Lakes Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Enchanted Forest Theme Park and Salem Riverfront Carousel. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Salem Convention Center or Salem Armory Auditorium. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
View more Holiday homes in SalemOpens in a new window
Map
Salem, OR

What's nearby

  • Cottonwood Lakes Golf Course - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Bush's Pasture Park - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Minto Brown Dog Park - 5 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Minto-Brown Island Park - 8 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Willamette Valley Vineyards - 14 min drive - 18.1 km

Getting around

  • Salem Station - 10 min drive
  • Salem, OR (SLE-McNary Field) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wendy's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Daynight Donuts - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Best Little Roadhouse - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Dutch Bros Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon ?

As of 1 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon on 3 August 2026 start from NZ$644, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is BunkHouse Retreat at Minto-Brown Island Salem Oregon located?

Situated in Salem, this golf holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Cottonwood Lakes Golf Course, Minto-Brown Island Park and Willamette River. Bush's Pasture Park and Salem Hospital are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 74 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joseph S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Quiet and quaint with cottage-like charm.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bill B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great rustic hideaway. Nothing fancy. Just you and the Duck Pond animals. Like living on a farm including barn wood smell and authentic mineral laden well water. I loved it.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Donovan C.

Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Strong musty odor. Very dimly lit. Gigantic potholes on the backroad up to the property. We ended up not staying.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 24 April 2026
If you didn’t stay, how can you leave a review? How do you even know what you’re talking about? It’s just rude to not tell the truth and make stuff up, people like this place. It’s a barn and an adventure or an experience, That’s what most people really want and need 💗 The super close to town, remote property the rustic barn that they get to stay in, and the beauty of the surroundings. You booked because it was in expensive, you did not read the listing and do not know what your talking about, this review is unfound and not the truth! Shame, shame on you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Out of the way but close to everything

Loved the location. Cute place. Rustic but also comfortable.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

SHIRLEY F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So grateful to have this sweet spot as our temporary home while buying and then moving into our new home in Salem. It was so peaceful-beautiful! And Angela was so quick to respond..so flexible with our changing schedule. Highly recommend.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Donna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very peaceful & relaxing. Clean & comfortable bed. The property had lots of trees & other plants & flowers as well as wildlife. We enjoyed having our meals on the porch with such a beautiful view.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bryan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Retreat!

A relaxing country visit only minutes from Downtown!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Kimberly S.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Evident human hair still on the carpet, all windows really thick with webs, dust and dirt. Could write in the dust on the drinking glasses. “Warning” signs taped about to threaten charges if not following house rules, ie: ‘you will be charged 25 an hour if you leave late.” Just unprofessional. Floor is VERY uneven if you have older guests. Porch covered in hanging webs and debris, as if it has not been cleaned for months. Lighting inside is very poor. Dark and dusty. Old stuff is good, but it should still be clean.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 June 2026
I am sorry you did not love our barn onsuite most people do but it is a barn and some are not truly aware of that fact that we are telling the truth about it being a barn. Your other comments were found untrue when you tried to complain to Vrbo and you were denied a refund by Vrbo. Now your just being petty and mean. The grounds are truly gorgeous and it's sad that you would act this way. :(
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Margie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Spot

Wonderful place for a little getaway. We loved the convenience to our son and the nearby park.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed it, but could not figure out hte internet. Nice and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristi M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I needed a quiet place to rest and recover for a few days following surgery. This place was perfect. It was so quiet except for the sounds of birds chirping. Bunny rabbits and chipmunks played in the front yard. Angela thoughtfully provided an updated and very comfortable recliner which became my go to place to be. If you're looking for quiet and serenity, this is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 October 2025
Thank you so much for the nice review. I really appreciate it. You enjoyed your stay and it all worked out so very well. Well. Come back anytime it was a pleasure to host you. All my best, Angela
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming getaway

We loved this quaint and rustic property! It was tucked away from the bustle of town on a beautiful, peaceful property! The bed was very comfortable. The property manager was great at communicating and made the check-in process very easy!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

dean l.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cozy hideaway

Spacious, cozy, well stocked, nestled in nature. sunsets, scenery with solitude except for the street racers doing time trials up and down river road a couple nites.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Rosie L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice property, but old

Beautiful property, easy check in process and communication. However, the place smells old and there was evidence of mice and ants.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
She says that the barn "BARN" smells like animals. I can't say it enough this is a working farm, it's a barn please people don't book a place like this if you don't want to stay in a Beautiful old barn, that can? smell like an old barn. Please and thank you from your host!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the quiet and wildlife of this property. I found that I was a little cold, but resolved with extra blankets.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is just heavenly. The grounds are beautiful. I felt safe and secure. The property backs up to a state park. Cabin feel, comfortable bed, nice amenities, Very thorough instructions about entry, Gated. This is a very quiet serene place to stay. I loved every minute of it!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

dale s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Restful

It was very good except no internet connect I’ll
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Lois E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Improvements

Pleasant stay but there was an odor of skunk in the evenings, Wi-Fi was not consistent, the gate did not open automatically to exit two of the three days, there wasn’t any cream for coffee, the lighting could have been better, and it would have been nice to have heat in the bathroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Laws this is a very rare review for this property. If you go and look you see that almost 100% of the guest are 100% please. I just don’t think it was the right choice for you please don’t come back. Thank you
Verified review

8/10 Good

Anne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely but dripping faucet

Lovely spot, cozy, clean and comfortable. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because there was an issue with the faucet, which dripped constantly, gradually over several days just running hot water all the time and made it difficult to get cold water.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Anne, I had a plumber out there yesterday and we got it all fixed. So we're good to go, we don't have any more dripping are running water. Thank you, Angela
Verified review

6/10 Okay

frank L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy
Mushy bed mattress, needs replaced. No WiFi connection for browsing internet. Too dark at night, feel unsafe, needs more night time perimeter lighting. Private Railroad crossing a hazard, crossing very primitive, may damage underneath your car? Booking agent argumentative personality.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rare Magical Property

We enjoyed this hidden gem secluded next to the Willamette River with lots of song birds, ducks, & vegetation around the banks. The quiet sprawling country estate is perfectly secluded back from the highway. Our ground-level cozy Bunk House had a scenic focal-point bay window & abundance of literature for guests. We never turned on the TV during our relaxing 3-night stay. Enjoyed flowing streams with benches on this well-manicured estate. This VRBO felt like something from a storybook. Very rare, wonderful experience. March 2023.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Dennis H.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

How does a place get a Premier Rating?

Disappointed in the outside up keep from the appearance of the entry gate (Moss growing on gate) and front entrance ( spider webs). Ant traps throughout the place. Our third night we had a mouse run across the floor. Packed up and left with two nights remaining (no notice given). Very disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2023
It would've been extremely nice for you to communicate with me! To just run and not communicate with the host is unacceptable and I don't except your review! It's just wrong, I can't believe a word you're saying because you've never communicated. Definitely you're not a good fit to be a guest of mine. Angela
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Kate M.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in
My feelings about my stay in the bunkhouse are mixed. I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere with nature all around the bed was comfortable. I spent almost all of my time there, except when I was in bed on the porch, which I enjoyed. What I didn’t like was this; the room was very dark and stuffy. One chair was reupholstered with tape, and the loveseat had no padding. What offended me was that I specifically asked Angela that they’re not being any fragrance and she told me there would not be; the place was full of artificial fragrance that never did clear out, even though I located three different sources that were pumping fragrance into the space and put them on the porch. The screen door does not close and I had to deal with a yellow jacket in the house on two occasions. The front porch is covered in cobwebs. The handle of the screen door on the inside is covered in cellophane tape and very unpleasant to handle. And lastly, the electrical arrangement is sorely in need of an upgrade as shown in my second photo.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 September 2025
I'm sorry that it didn't meet your expectations. If you would read all the rest of the views everyone loves it. I must remind you. It really is a barn! You probably would be better off staying in a hotel some guests just do better and hotels. I didn't put those fragrances in there, those came from other guest, we pull them all the time and then people think it smells like a barn.
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kari S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The grounds were absolutely beautiful. The location to the park was fabulous. We loved the flowers, the serenity of the area and views. Very quiet property. The shower is very clean. There is no pony. The porch/door/outdoor lights were so covered in cobwebs and filth, it was uncomfortable to sit outside. It really needs to be made clear there is no kitchen or grill. There is only a microwave and toaster oven. The description lists a gym. There is no gym. There is a door from the bathroom that leads to a weird, dark storage area that leads upstairs and outside.(no lights) The door cannot be locked which is not ideal. I texted Angela that there were no washcloths available. She texted back that I could find extra supplies in the closet. There were still no washcloths anywhere in that bunkhouse. The lighting situation is horrible. There are no overhead lights at all, although there are lamps. It’s very dark. The sheets were clean. However, the other bedding smells very musty and dirty. The pillows are made of plastic, like the mattress pads once used on toddler beds to protect from urine. Very loud, crinkly and uncomfortable.
Front porch light
Roof above front porch
Front door
Grounds
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 September 2025
I'm sorry the pony died. It wasn't my fault. It was sad. He was old. It's clearly listed that it has no kitchen, absolutely clearly listed. It's a barn. Sorry about the cobwebs outside. We sweep them down one day and they come back the next, is a barn. It's called the Bunkhouse barn. The door to the bathroom locks from the outside not the inside so you have a fire escape. If you would've went out there and tried to get back in, you would've been locked out and had to go back around to the front. I think you should stay in hotel, this is an experience not someplace where you get lodging for cheap. Everyone usually loves it so I'm sorry, please don't come back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Although not the fanciest VRBO stay we’ve stayed at, we think this might be the BEST VRBO stay we’ve had! The property is amazing, very peaceful and relaxing. Communication with the host was top notch. Lovely experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026

About the host

Hosted by Angela Jones at Salemstays.com

Host profile image
My name is Angela Jones, I grew up and have lived in Salem for my entire life. It is my home and I am so excited to share it with visitors! I have twin boys Max and Sam, who I am currently using my vacation rentals to help put them both through college! My boys are my world! I am also an Arbonne Independent Consultant. Arbonne provides pure, safe and beneficial health and beauty products. Our products are made for those that don't want to use harsh chemicals and want true results in their health and their looks!
I decided to start my Salem vacation rentals when time got close to having to start paying for my boys college tuitions. I now also co-host the "Jefferson Garden Cottage" in Salem OR as well as "In the Heart of Downtown Living"! The "Minto-Brown Island Bunkhouse Retreat" in my newest and oh so lovely listing! I love the hospitality business and supplying guests with beautiful, comfortable, usable spaces to stay in for a much more reasonable price than a hotel.
I love to getting to know my guests and making new connections. I hope you stay with me if you ever come to Salem OR, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. All my very best, Angela Jones

Why they chose this property

Minto-Brown Island Bunkhouse Retreat is a beautiful place and a tranquil wildlife sanctuary. Improvements have been kept unobtrusive to preserve this rural land, which serves as a reserve for waterfowl and wildlife. Observation platforms along the sloughs provide unique bird-watching opportunities for visitors, and many species call the park home.

What makes this property unique

Minto-Brown Island Park has trails that connect to Salem Riverfront Park is a 23-acre park located in downtown Salem along the Willamette River connects to Wallace Marine Park which has 114.45 acres park that is the home of one of the best sports facilities in the Northwest and has miles of walking, jogging and biking paths. A $10 Million foot bridge is currently under construction and will open access to 800 acres of paved walking, jogging and biking trails in the summer of 2017. Also a haven for bird watchers.
Riverfront Park has large grassy areas, an amphitheater, play equipment, and the covered Rotary Pavilion. This beautiful park is home to Salem's Riverfront Carousel which opened in June 2001, A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village, and the EcoEarth Globe, which was officially opened June 30, 2003. The park's amenities are included below.
Amphitheater
Play Equipment
Restrooms
Picnic Tables
3 Mutt-Mitt Dispensers
Bike Racks
Rotary Pavilion - Reserve able!
Eco Earth Globe
Jogging/Walking/Biking Paths
River front viewing areas
Boat Dock
The Salem Riverfront park connects with Wallace Marine Park via a historically persevered railroad crossing bridge converted into a pedestrian crossing foot and biking bridge.
Wallace Marine Park is 114.45 acre park located in West Salem and is the home of one of the best sports facilities in the Northwest. Each year many state, regional, and national tournament events are held at Wallace Marine Park's Star Complex.
Wallace Marine Park is a focal point for water sport enthusiasts. A boat ramp and floating boat docks bring hundreds of visitors access to the Willamette River. Park users can spend the day boating and picnicking in one of Salem's prime urban parks.

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