In 2010, me and the two D’s traveled to Walla Walla for a wine frolicking long-weekend. A year later, we decided to brave pinot valley and headed south to Willamette. Our exhaustive research on lodging resulted in a ‘W’ for Fox Farm Cottage. Prior to even setting foot anywhere near the cottage, the website photos enticed us with its vast 2-acre property adorned with a fire pit, hot tub and outdoor dining four-top. Images of the interior wooed us with their modern shabby chic, cozy-as-warm-bathroom-slippers composition. The 3 nights for 2 web deal sealed the deal! Anticipate the 18 mile stretch after exiting I-5 to feel like an eternity due to all the traffic lights. Exacerbating matters is the fact that the majority of the trek is not a pretty drive — you’re pretty much passing strip mall after strip mall… then Newberg hits, which feels ‘downtown’-ish. Know you’re close to FFC after seeing scenic winery grounds. Know you’ve arrived once you spy the Four Graces banner adorning 99W. Fox Farm Rd is a stark contrast to the highway — it’s quiet, quaint and will lead you to immense properties resting on even-more immense lands marked by wood-post fences, trees and some horseys. The cottage’s periwinkle exterior stands out amongst all the brown and green — another visual clue from the road is a sign with the property’s name. The gardens are immaculately maintained and the property lives up to, if not exceeds expectations. Don’t settle in too quickly, as the property owner, Heidi, will arrive to offer a sweet welcome, answer questions, offer restaurant/winery recommendations, and, most importantly, settle the bill. It really felt like we were being welcomed home when Heidi informed us she had stocked the fridge with breakfast eats — eggs, bacon, bread + english muffins. The house offers a master bedroom with a king, a smaller bedroom with a queen and two full bathrooms… all for a daily rate of $ 200 or $ 250(depending on time of week). Max occupancy is 4 and would be great for a wine weekend double-date — there’s also plenty of opportunity for together AND alone time. Sadly, this particular weekend is marred by gray, cold and rain, so it’s not looking like we’ll be able to partake in outdoor dining or the fire pit. Other notable perks: *FFC is nestled amongst the Dundee Hills and its 30ish wineries *Very close to a handfull of great restaurants and markets *Dundee is 2 miles from Newberg and 11 from McMinnville(I’m guessing these are the two biggest towns in the Willamette region) *Sturdy dining room table! We haven’t even spent a full day at Fox Farm Cottage, but, so far, sooooooooo really good!
