Welcome to Swallows Nest, a truly extraordinary retreat where history, nature, and timeless beauty come together. Nestled beside a tranquil lake, this special place offers a setting like no other—where you can swim, explore, or simply relax and watch the abundant wildlife year-round.
Nearly a century ago, this property was at the heart of the global prune trade, where orchards thrived and harvests were dried on-site for distribution around the world. Many of the original materials have been lovingly reclaimed and incorporated into the home, blending rich history with a modern, luxurious twist. Every corner of the Swallows Nest tells a story, yet offers the comforts and amenities you expect for a relaxing and memorable stay.
Wander through grassy fields, stroll along serene trails, cross charming walking bridges, and marvel at the property's streams and waterfall. Whether you're enjoying the view from the Château’s perch overlooking the pond or savoring peaceful moments among nature, you'll be surrounded by a vibrant array of wildlife and endless natural beauty.
This is truly a bird watcher's paradise. Depending on the season, you can expect to see a wide variety of birds. Keep an eye out for an osprey that frequently visits, diving dramatically to catch bass or bluegill. A stately blue heron is almost always perched at the pond’s edge. The owner’s favorite, however, are the red-winged blackbirds with their distinctive calls—nesting along the pond and regularly visiting the bird feeders on the deck.
Seasonal waterfowl abound, and from around Thanksgiving through late spring, flocks of Canadian geese are regular visitors. You can often watch them circle above and gracefully land in the pond right in front of the deck. In the winter, you might even spot river otters making the long journey up the creek from the Willamette River to feast on fish in the pond. At night, it’s not uncommon to hear a pack of coyotes calling from the nearby hills.
If you're up for a little fishing, bring a pole and try your luck catching bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The small pond is also home to cutthroat trout, making this a perfect spot for both nature lovers and anglers
Swallows Nest isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience to be cherished. We invite you to come and be part of its remarkable story.
If you need room for a couple more people, there is an incredible Hobbit House that can be rented as well. Feel free to look it up by name or reach out to us directly to view pictures of it.
Sleeping Arrangements:
Bedroom 1 (main level): King bed
Bedroom 2 (main level): King bed
Bedroom 3 (main level): Queen bed
Living / Sleeping Combo (loft area): Full bed + Full bed + Full bed -- perfect area for kiddos and young adults
Amenities:
★ Historical home in breathtaking lakeside setting
★ Multiple streams and ponds on the property
★ Custom bridge over a small waterfall
★ Interesting and eclectic décor and furnishing throughout
★ Countless wildlife in and around the property every day
★ Huge wall on windows allowing for epic views
★ Large deck with ample seating
★ Hot tub *We strive to make sure hot tubs are working at all times. If they are not working due to circumstances outside of our control, unfortunately we cannot provide any type of refund for the inconvenience.
Location:
★ Steps away from multiple streams, waterfall, pond, and so much more
★ Countless vineyards and tasting rooms are a short drive away
★ 2 Miles to Salemtowne Golf Club
★ 3 Miles to a number of restaurants, groceries, and shopping
★ 5 Miles to the Oregon State Capital / Central Area
★ 50 Miles to Portland
★ 55 Miles to the Oregon Coast
Additional Property Information:
Please do note that there are a couple of other homes on this property. When in town, the caretakers stay from time to time but will always respect your space and privacy. Due to the natural beauty of the property, landscaping and maintenance may be done as needed, though we'll always try and keep it to mid-week whenever possible.
We truly want you to enjoy your time and make some wonderful memories with your group. That being said, this is not a party or gathering house for groups that can't control their noise levels. We have relationships with all of our neighbors who have our direct contact information. Quiet time is 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. If it is loud enough to be heard outside in these conditions, it is too loud for you to remain our guest. These devices are only to ensure noise levels don't reach a threshold that bothers our neighbors. Also, please note there is no electronic video surveillance monitoring pools or spas, or on the interior of the house.
PET FRIENDLY: **There is a $100 pet fee per pet with a maximum of $300 (3 pets). Although we are pet-friendly please note your pet must not be left unattended at the house without you present, even if in a crate/kennel. Failure to adhere to the house rules as it pertains to pets may result in cancellation of the booking with no refund. **