Entire home
Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.
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Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 1 bathroom Sleeps 10 90.1 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Fairbanks, AK
- University of Alaska-Fairbanks15 min walk
- Pioneer Park4 min drive
- Fort Wainwright9 min drive
- Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.)5 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.
While the unit is advertised for a number of people, it is great for a couple as well. We bought a two bedroom log cabin in the 60's. In 1974 we built a two story addition to accommodate our six children. At the time we wired and plumbed one bedroom so it could someday be a kitchen. The downstairs of the addition consists of a double garage, sun room and dining room. The upstairs is where guests are welcome. It has four bedrooms, sitting area, kitchen and porch. We have rented it monthly for many years but this time it was vacated we decided to do it as a VRBO. We live in the cabin downstairs.
Also on the property is a cabin that the original owner built for his parents and a barn that we built for our children and converted to a house when they were grown. We did bed and breakfast in them in the 1990's. At the time we registered the name Riverside Retreat. After a few years we decided to rent them on a monthly basis to have more time to play and travel. We can no longer do some of the things we used to do so are doing VRBO in the cabin too. We enjoy marrying people. We also enjoy sharing the space we have taken for granted for so many years. It really is a special spot.
Also on the property is a cabin that the original owner built for his parents and a barn that we built for our children and converted to a house when they were grown. We did bed and breakfast in them in the 1990's. At the time we registered the name Riverside Retreat. After a few years we decided to rent them on a monthly basis to have more time to play and travel. We can no longer do some of the things we used to do so are doing VRBO in the cabin too. We enjoy marrying people. We also enjoy sharing the space we have taken for granted for so many years. It really is a special spot.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
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Cozy two bedroom log cabin on the Chena River near town.
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9.6 out of 10, (211 reviews)
House Rules
Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
We ask that people smoke outside.
Important information
You need to know
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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Fairbanks
Located in Fairbanks, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Birch Hill Recreation Area and Chena River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include University of Alaska Museum of the North and Big Dipper Ice Arena. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Carlson Center Event Arena or Growden Memorial Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Fairbanks, AK
What's nearby
- University of Alaska-Fairbanks - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
- University of Alaska Museum of the North - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
- Pioneer Park - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
- Fairbanks Ice Museum - 7 min drive - 6.8 km
- Fort Wainwright - 9 min drive - 8.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Starbucks - 4 min drive
- Oasis Restaurant & Lounge - 2 min drive
- House of Fire Pizza - 3 min drive
- Starbucks - 4 min drive
- Mayan Palace - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Martha and Robert Roth

In January of 1962 my husband was drafted out of a general practice residency in Sacramento and sent to Ft. Wainwright. At the time we had two small boys and I was teaching half day kindergarten. I had to give notice so we didn't arrive until March. Originally we paid our way up so we wouldn't have to stay longer than 18 months. We then extended so that we could live on post. Meanwhile, my husband fell in love with the hunting and fishing so we extended until they finally told him he had to either get out of the Army or take another assignment. The Army would give us a free move back to Oregon, our original home, within a year. So, we moved to a little one bedroom house on five acres. By then we had three boys so built a triple level, youth size bunk bed for the kids and slept in a hide-a-bed in the living room. The year ended and we're still here.
Bob practiced family medicine until retirement. Early on he learned to fly and had many adventures in his Super Cub. He completed the Yukon 800 boat race 6 times and won once. Now that he can't do these things, he raises bees and we play duplicate bridge. While Bob was busy working and playing I had time to get into trouble on my own. I quit teaching after my first year in Alaska and loved staying home with the kids. A neighbor and I once started a booth at the Fair to sell spaghetti for the swim team. It turned out to be a 15 year commitment, The Farmhouse Cafe, that served everything from hamburgers and Hunters Stew to eggs the chickens laid in their cages. When the last two children were in high school I took a class to become a realtor. This seemed interesting, especially since an older son who taught in the Bush was moving to Fairbanks with his young family and would soon be needing a house. They bought the first one I showed them. About 20 years ago I bought an 8 unit efficiency apartment with another son because of the real estate connection. Many more stories but out of room
Bob practiced family medicine until retirement. Early on he learned to fly and had many adventures in his Super Cub. He completed the Yukon 800 boat race 6 times and won once. Now that he can't do these things, he raises bees and we play duplicate bridge. While Bob was busy working and playing I had time to get into trouble on my own. I quit teaching after my first year in Alaska and loved staying home with the kids. A neighbor and I once started a booth at the Fair to sell spaghetti for the swim team. It turned out to be a 15 year commitment, The Farmhouse Cafe, that served everything from hamburgers and Hunters Stew to eggs the chickens laid in their cages. When the last two children were in high school I took a class to become a realtor. This seemed interesting, especially since an older son who taught in the Bush was moving to Fairbanks with his young family and would soon be needing a house. They bought the first one I showed them. About 20 years ago I bought an 8 unit efficiency apartment with another son because of the real estate connection. Many more stories but out of room
Why they chose this property
While we were living in the little house a neighbor came to collect money for another neighbor that plowed the snow. When they went to California to get braces for their daughter they asked if we would like to rent their bigger house. So in 1966 we moved. The next summer there was a big flood. The basement was filled with water and there was 10 1/2 inches in the living room. They owned the lot next door and wanted to build their dream house there so we negotiated to buy the house. They borrowed money on this house to finance the new house so, though we agreed on a purchase price, we paid rent until the financing on their new house was completed. Then we bought it. It's a wonderful place to live.
What makes this property unique
It is close to town and the University. The location on the river is a delight. Through the years there have been dozens of picnics at the river. Last summer our daughter had her 20th high school reunion, and of course the picnic was here. They picked up canoes and kayaks from Pioneer Park to add even more fun. It is casual and homey. We put new carpet in the upstairs last year. It has a big garden and lots of privacy.
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