Our Getaway to Share

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                                                                                           Where Do We Start?

                Our story comes from a humble beginning. Very humble in fact. To say this property was in need of some elbow grease and love, is an understatement. But with a whole lot of helping hands, paint, patients, and more paint, we were able to make this passion project come to life.

                When we received the call the previous owner was ready to set sail in another direction, we made contact with them and started the paperwork-basically sight unseen. Due to our property bordering this one, we could see the potential on the outside. Little did we know what horrors awaited for us on the inside. Upon entering the home, we saw what could only be described as a hoarder’s paradise. There were a lot of items left behind from the previous owner that they could not take in one U-Haul truck load. In fact it took them 4 trips-AFTER we had purchased the property. Even after those trips of getting “all of their” belongings, we still had a mountain to climb. It begged the question, “where do we start”? Bugs (alive & dead), dirty clothes, books, furniture, and a random assortment of items are just a scratch at the surface as to what we found and hauled out of the inside of the home. On the outside of the property, there were many rolls of wires, broken glass, torn and tattered green houses, a rotten chicken coop and hazardous materials. Still we tried to salvage and sell what we could to carefully not waste certain items.

 

                                                                                           Bringing Buckets

                Once the house was practically empty and void of trash, we brought buckets of Pine Sole, Bleach, and all the other cleaning supplies we could think of. The place looked as though it was a hazmat clean-up site. We dusted, swept, scrubbed, and mopped any and all surfaces! Once the sanitizing was finished, we brought in the buckets of paint and imagination. Lots of imagination. Several days went by and we could finally felt like we were making progress. A year into the project, we had our fair share of trials and learning curves. Moments of defeat were not absent. But luckily we have some of the best people as a support group who helped us along.

 

                                                                                       Putting It All Together

                 Finally, we could start thinking about new furniture, décor and household appliances. We had the vision locked in and went for it. Putting it all together was one of the best moments during this process. We got to see what worked, what didn’t, and where we thought we could splurge to make the property stand out. One of those things was the all glass garage door. We got inspired. By putting in that door we were able to make the space feel open, modern and cozy all at the same time. It allows you to feel the cool summer breeze, gaze at the mountain side or watch the sunrise.

 

                                                                                            The Soft Launch

                After talking it over, we decided we are going to do a little experiment. We will have a get together with friends and family- a party. This would allow us to get a feel for what it would be like as a vacation rental but also as a venue. Many of the family members and friends knew about this project but hadn’t been or seen the property. We got such a positive outpouring of praises on our hard work and advice. It was nothing sort of a success in our eyes. Of course we had to make some adjustments on some things, but without reluctance. At this point we weren’t totally finished. We probably won’t ever be. If anyone has ever been in this position knows that that statement is true. It’s a project and space we love with our whole hearts. Since the first launch we’ve hosted Christmases, Bridal Showers, Birthdays and friend get togethers at the property.

 

 

                                                                                  The Name: The Old 26

                We had everything else figured out but a name. We threw out a couple different ideas to family and only one kept coming back around. The Old 26. It was perfect.

                But why that name? In 1926, Highway 26 was first designated as a highway. Much of the highway follows the path of the historic Oregon Trail. A portion of the original highway ran through this property and ran next to the Sumpter Railroad. That is one reason. The second reason is a little more sincere. This highway is what brings our friends and family home for holidays, special occasions and visits. It’s the road that we’ve traveled hundreds’ and hundreds of miles on-with fond memories of early morning road trips and fun trip into the woods. It’s the road that brings us to this beautiful place. The Old 26 has quickly become one of our favorite places to go and share with friends and family.

 

                                                                                         Closing Remarks

                Now you’ve heard our story-short and sweet. We are so excited to share this space with you. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. And if not, then that’s ok too.

                We know that this project will always be improved and aspired to be better than the last year or the year before that. As first time hosts we can only hope to continuously improve this business and ourselves.

                So immerse yourself in this property and this county in all that it has to offer. We want to unplug and disconnect from stress and worries. Create bonds with friends here; and strengthen your passion for travel and the outdoors. Laugh until your side hurts, take photos, cook family dinners, and listen to the birds or nearby thunderstorm. All these things and more we hope you can indulge in.

 

Welcome to The Old 26

 

Sincerely your hosts,

Doug & Debbie