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Art and nature retreat

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A room with a large window overlooking a lake and mountains, two sofas, a wooden floor, and a patterned rug.
A modern living room with a wooden ceiling, a large window, a sofa, a dining table with fruits and wine glasses, and a bookshelf.
A bedroom with a large bed, two purple pillows, a colorful abstract painting on the wall, and a wooden panel on the left.
A coastal building with a view of snow-capped mountains and a body of water.
A dining area with a long table, four chairs, a bookshelf, and framed pictures on the walls.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Borgarfjördur Museum
Sleeps 6•3 bedrooms•3 beds

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Balcony
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Balcony or patio

Explore the area

View map
Borgarnes, Western Region
  • Place, Skallagrimsgardur
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Borgarfjördur Museum
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, The Settlement Centre
    ‪6 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Art and nature retreat

The spacious design of our Mid-Century Modern home is great for family stays, reunions with friends and creative retreats. The wood paneled walls are adorned with original artwork. The living and dining rooms are beautifully furnished with comfortable sofas and a large dining table that overlook the estuary and ocean. The bedrooms are furnished with comfortable beds, blankets, linens, & sheets. And the bathrooms are equipped with natural Icelandic soap, shampoo and towels. The kitchen is fully stocked with an array of spices, vinegar and oils. The pantry has some basics for late arrivals.

Our home was featured in Korea's In Style Magazine and has been filmed in numerous documentaries.

There is a garden to relax in however children should not go or play there unattended as there is a bluff steep cliff.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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:
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please send me a text in the morning before you leave with message confirming that keys are in the lock box.
Please leave the towels in the bathroom and leave the bedding on the beds. Please wash and put away any dishes you have used.
Only use soap, water and a soft cloth for the dining room table.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 586261vb
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
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

Borgarbyggð

Located in Borgarbyggð, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the beach. Borgarfjördur Museum and The Settlement Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Ullarselid -The Wool Hut and Akranes Lighthouse. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling.
View more Holiday homes in BorgarbyggðOpens in a new window
Map
Borgarnes, Western Region

What's nearby

  • Skallagrimsgardur - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Borgarfjördur Museum - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • The Settlement Centre - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Puppet Museum of Bruduheimar - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Borgarnes Transportation Museum - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Reykjavik (RKV-Reykjavik Domestic) - 62 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bara Borgarnes - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Englendingavík - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Settlement Center Restaurant - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Snorri’s Kitchen & Bar - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Blómasetrið - Kaffi Kyrrð - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Art and nature retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Art and nature retreat ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Art and nature retreat ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Art and nature retreat ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Art and nature retreat located?

Located in Borgarbyggð, this beachfront holiday home is in the city centre and within a 5-minute walk of Borgarfjördur Museum, Skallagrimsgardur and The Settlement Centre. Husafell Golf Course and Puppet Museum of Bruduheimar are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

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. 20 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was unique as the host is an artist and has decorated the place with many of their art. Communication was good from pre-booking, check in and throughout the stay. The place is in a town 45 minutes out of Reykjavík but convenient enough for a relaxing stay or a base to tour the western part of Iceland. Overall a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bettina B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pros: The view and the art make this a beautiful vacation choice. We were looking for a place where we could relax after a bus tour around Iceland and this was exactly what we had envisioned. The kitchen was well-equipped and there are books to read. Several restaurants, grocery stores and the public pool and spa are within walking distance.Cons: Wifi went out a couple of times but came back quickly. The hot water has a strong sulphur smell, which is normal for this region of Iceland but which we found difficult to get used to.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed staying in this spacious and comfortable house. What an amazing location, right by the sea with the most spectacular views! It was a great place to base ourselves for a few days sightseeing - highlights were whale watching from Olafsvik and the Canyon Baths in Husafell- and we liked Borganes too
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 September 2025
It was a joy and pleasure hosting Jane and her group.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristi Y.

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

Beautiful!

Beautiful home and wonderful location! Host was very friendly and helpful and responded quickly to questions! Highly recommend staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 September 2024
I am delighted that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you for the awesome review and we hope to see you again in Iceland.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Galen S.

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

Nice Place, Great Views

This rental was pleasant and warm on some rough weather days. Great water views. Also a great location, close to many things in Borganes..
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

saskia j.

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

A real art house

Beautifull house, excellent vieuws! Superbe beds. Wonderfull
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2024
Lovely guests iit was a pleasure hosting Saskia and her group.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keith R.

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

Stunning property and location

The house was immaculate and the host, Michelle, gave us many tips on places to visit. Borgarnes is ideal for exploring the west and southwest of Iceland but the views from every window were so amazing that we were tempted to just stay and enjoy the stunning location! This property exceeded our expectations and is highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 September 2024
Thank you for the fantastic review. It was a joy hosting you and I do hope you have a chance to return again soon, all the best from Iceland.
Verified review

8/10 Good

MengLee L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very responsive host. Pretty and comfortable. Great views. Nice neighbourhood. However , limitation on cooking facilities, no dishwasher and washing machine. Limited storage cupboards and side tables in the rooms . Enjoyed our stay . Will recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Caite S.

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

Unique, with an amazing view and tons of personality

Incredible view in a creatively-appointed house conveniently situated in Borgarnes. Lovely host.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2022
Thank you Caite for reviewing our property. It was delightful hosting you and your family and I am looking forward to your return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashley Z.

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

Loved it

The house was unique and well-equipped with everything we needed. The views from the living room were amazing and it was great being able to walk out the door and enjoy walking around the cute town.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sam G.

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

Family trip 2023

Great home with an incredible view. House was clean and Michelle was very easy to work with. She provided lots of useful information about the area and things to do/see. We were fortunate to be in Iceland during the 2023 eruption and you could see the smoke plume from the living room!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kerry H.

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

Making the most of 4 days in West Iceland

This was a great location, lovely house and Michelle is a warm, super host. She gave us lots of tips to make sure we made the most of our time here. We packed so much in! The house is extremely relaxing- I loved the views in all directions. Kitchen was well stocked for preparing meals. My son took up the opportunity to paint with Michelle and really enjoyed it. We’ve had a very special time here. Definitely recommend this spot.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2023
HI Kerry, what a joy it was hosting you and your wonderful family. Thank you so much and hope to see you in your beautiful part of the world! Enjoy your remaining travels.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer O.

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

Beautiful home, wonderful host!

We had a wonderful time! The home was beautiful, and the views unbeatable. Michelle was a fantastic host. There was fresh bread from a nearby bakery awaiting us when we arrived. When asked for tips about things to do, she gave us great ideas. And, my two daughters had a great time painting with her when we took her up on the offer of complimentary painting lessons. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2022
Thank you Jennifer for reviewing our property. I am thrilled that the girls enjoyed the art lessons! It was a joy hosting you and your family and I am looking forward to your return!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Alannah G.

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

Fun art house

Michelle was lovely and the house is very fun with all the art. The beds were comfortable and the kitchen was adequate. For us it wasn't five stars because none of the bedrooms had any side tables for the beds, there were also no side or coffee tables in the living room, the wind woke us up a couple nights and it wasnt even a storm or anything , that's the usual (obviously not anything Michelle can do about that), and the sulphur smelling hot water was really pungent (again, not the owner's fault!). The view is amazing and the neighborhood is cute. Good location for exploring the northwest part of the island.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 September 2024
thank you for your kind review. I am delighted you enjoyed your stay. So sorry that you encountered some weather. That is typical for Iceland. The water smells like sulfur because we receive our water directly from geothermal source. Hope you took home wonderful memories.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dama S.

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

Wonderful cozy home

The house was beautifully situated with incredible views and comfortable furnishings. It was perfect for our group of 6 —a mix of family and friends—as we explored Iceland for the first time. We loved getting to know Borgarnes and the Settlement Center. The drive to Reykjavík was a little longer than we expected but it wasn’t prohibitive for our plans. The only thing that we wished for was laundry access on premises, but even that wasn’t too inconvenient. We stayed 6 nights, and I wish we had been able to stay longer. The host was responsive and friendly, very helpful when we unexpectedly had a flat tire. The Art House will have a special place in all of our hearts and memories.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 September 2024
Thank you for the wonderful review. I am delighted that you had such a memorable stay. We hope to see you again in Iceland.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matt W.

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

Wonderful stay!

We really enjoyed staying in Michelle's home and enjoying her wonderful hospitality! Borganes is a lovely town with a couple of very nice restaurants within walking distance of the property. The home is beautifully decorated, very clean, and very comfortable. We enjoyed a lot of time just sitting in the living room enjoying the view of the mountains and the inlet. The beds were all very comfortable, and the curtains were effective at blocking out light. We really appreciated the nice coffee machine, and while we didn't do any cooking, the kitchen was well appointed. Michelle was very responsive before and during our stay, and was a great host. She met us for check-in and was readily available, but also gave us plenty of privacy. The art lesson in her studio downstairs was a lot of fun and very informative. We will certainly stay here again the next time we are in Borganes!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2022
Thank you Matt for reviewing our property. It was a delight hosting you and your family and we are looking forward to your return!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rich L.

Spacious apartment in gorgous setting

My wife and I and another couple used this as our base for a quick 4-day trip to Iceland and it was great. The setting was beautiful and it was a convenient launching point for excursions to Snaefellness peninsula, Grabrok caldera, or back down to Reykjavik and the Golden Circle. One night we could see the aurora borealis from the kitchen window. Michelle was an enthusiastic and delightful hostess, checking in on us once a day and a font of valuable information about what to see and do. The apartment is well-equipped and vibrantly decorated with Michelle's artwork. She directed us to a great restaurant within walking distance of the house where we feasted on lamb, fish, and icelandic lobster. The town sport and health center was a great place to relax in the hot tubs at the end of the day (less than $5 per adult admission fee).
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
It was a joy and pleasure hosting you all! Thank you for the generous review and we hope to see you again in Iceland.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

michael f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Der Gesamteindruck war sehr gut.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heinz B.

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

Traumhaft.Wunderschönes Haus mit traumhaften Blick

Einfach super
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Madeline K.

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

Schöner Urlaub.

Wir waren mit einer Gruppe von fünf Personen über Silvester in diesem Haus. Das Haus liegt am Ende einer Sackgasse, also schön ruhig. Der Ausblick aus dem Wohnzimmer ist wunderschön. Man braucht kein Fernseher. Man schaltet einfach die Lichter aus und schaut nach draußen. Wir hatten auch das Glück die Nordlichter zu sehen. Das Haus ist perfekt gelegen. Etwas weiter weg von Reykjavik um ruhe zu haben (und kein Lichtersmog) und trotzdem alles in der Nähe. Alles in Allem ein perfekt gelegenes Haus mit einer super netten Gastgeberin. Ich würde jeder zeit wieder hier Urlaub machen wollen.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stefani K.

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

Schönes Haus mit kleinen Abstrichen

Schönes sauberes Haus direkt am Meer mit tollem Blick. Sehr nette und hilfsbereite Vermieterin. Das Haus ist geschmackvoll eingerichtet. Bequeme Betten, Verdunklungsmöglichkeit in allen 3 Schlafzimmern. Einzig das Badezimmer war nicht so komfortabel wie erhofft. Mini-Waschbecken und in die Jahre gekommene Dusche / Wanne mit Duschvorhang. Die Küche war größtenteils gut ausgestattet. Keine Spülmaschine, keine Möglichkeit um draußen zu grillen, tiefe Teller für Nudeln und Kaffetassen fehlten leider. Schön war, dass Gewürze, Öl, Essig, Kaffee und Tee vorhanden waren. Kleines TK-Fach im Kühlschrank und gutes schnelles WLAN. Kein TV. Hat uns aber nicht gestört, denn zum Fernsehen waren wir nicht auf Island. Auf Grund der Lage für 2-3 Übernachtungen durchaus empfehlenswert.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

Great Views with Artistic Flair

This artist's home is the most unique place we have ever rented. This flat was spacious, well equipped and most of all, had spectacular views from the living room. The artist's collection of works are prominently displayed in this flat, while she creates more art in a studio in a separate apartment below the main floor. The owner (resident artist) was extremely helpful in acclimating our family to the Borgarnes community. This home is within walking distance to fine dining and local hangouts. Oh, and the goat farm that is 45 minutes away is a hoot!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. You and your family were marvelously enthusiastic and joyful guests. It was a great joy and pleasure sharing my home. Hope to see you all again soon either here or there!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Carolin L.

Einzigartige Erfahrung - unschlagbar!

Die Aussicht atemberaubend, das Appartement liebevoll eingerichtet, die Küche mehr als ausreichend ausgestattet und die Vermieterin bezaubernd! Wir - eine fünfköpfige Familie - haben hier die beste Zeit unseres schönen Islandurlaubs verbracht!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 6 March 2020
Thank you Carolin and Jan, it was my pleasure, and what a lovely surprise! We love Champagne! We look forward to seeing you again in 2018! All the best!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

lisa m.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 August 2025
Thank you Lisa! It was a pleasure hosting you.

About the host

Hosted by Michelle Bird

Host profile image
I'm an artist, my art studio and apartment is below the rental property. I am a fanatic traveler and am passionate about creating inspiring environments. I have traveled to about over 33 countries and speak 5 languages.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with this home and it's stunning monumental views. From the living room, kitchen and office, you can see in full view the bay, the ocean, the glaciers langjokull and Eric's Jokull and monumental mountain Hafnarfjall which is a dormant volcano. During the winter I have seen Northern lights from inside the house on countless occasions from anytime in October until April. Lenticular clouds, pink and purple light flood the short days in the winter. Ice sheets in the water cluster and mount up on our shores. This is truly a magical setting anytime of the year.

What makes this property unique

An ideal space for a group or family. Minimum booking 3 nights. It is a 5 minute walk to the public geothermal hotpots at the swimming pool.

Languages:

English, German, Italian, Dutch
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