More Than Just a House
What’s Here?
Houck Hollow is a charming family estate located on ten acres just outside of Salem, Oregon. The over 6500 square foot home was designed and decorated by New York Times Bestselling Author, Colleen Houck, with each guest room featuring decor and one-of-a-kind collectibles associated with her novels.
Built for family reunions, writing retreats, and forested views, guests can enjoy strolling down the many tree-lined paths, searching for hidden fairy gardens, relaxing by the koi pond, or enjoying a family picnic. Each guest is welcomed with a special gift and treated as if they were a part of the family.
There’s a bubbling year-round creek in front of the house where guests can unwind on the covered porch and the large roofed deck behind the home has comfortable seating overlooking the seasonal pond which is frequented by mallards, geese, the occasional heron, and where tree frogs can be heard singing by the thousands in the spring.
You’ll Love Staying With Us
The Essentials
- Estate Size: 6562 Square Feet
- Sleeps Up to 11 Guests
- 3 Available Bedrooms
- 2.5 Guest Bathrooms
- Minimum Stay: 2 Nights
“I’d like each guest to feel as if they’ve been transported to the world I’ve created in my books.”
-Colleen Houck
“Words fall short!”
We have never met such a warm and gracious host before. Although it was very late for her, she made time for us to make each one of us comfortable. I would like to visit again and again.
KK
“Where is the ten-star option?”
This was literally the best Airbnb experience I have ever had and I have stayed in MANY Airbnb’s. Every detail of this Airbnb was thoroughly thought out, from the stocked game room to the homemade dinner from our sweet hosts. I would have paid double the price to stay here again and enjoy this experience.
Ronald
“Incredible!”
We had a wonderful stay. [Colleen] is incredibly hospitable! Her attention to detail, great communication, and all the amenities made for such a comfortable stay. We hope to book with her again in the future!
Amanda
Our Favorite Recipes
Passionfruit Sweet Rolls
Rolls:
- 1 3/4 Cups Warm Water
- 2 Tablespoons Yeast
- 1/3 Cup Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Cup Melted Butter
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 5 Cups Flour
Filling:
- 1 Cup Butter
- 3/4 Cup Passionfruit Puree
- 1 Cup Sugar
Glaze:
- 2 1/2-3 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Passionfruit Puree
- 1 Cup or 8 oz Package of Cream Cheese
Instructions:
- Mix water, yeast, and sugar, let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In mixer, combine yeast mixture, and remaining roll ingredients. Knead for 3 minutes. Cover with a towel. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Repeat 3 minute kneading and 10 minute resting 2 more times.
- Divide the dough into three balls. Roll each ball out into a rectangle.
- Combine filling ingredients and spread over dough, leaving ends bare. (This will be juicy!)
- Roll up and seal just as you would with cinnamon rolls but place cut rolls in a sprayed muffin tin.
- Pour any extra filling over the top of the rolls and let the rolls rest for an additional half hour.
- Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
- Beat glaze ingredients together until smooth and spoon over warm rolls.
Note: This recipe was adapted from Lauren's Tastes Better From Scratch Orange Roll Recipe. Colleen's Go-To Favorite!
Lemon Zest Lavender Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Butter
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 Teaspoons Lavender Blossoms
- 1/2 Teaspoon Lemon Salt
- Zest & Juice of 1 Lemon
- 3/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 1/2-3 Cups Flour
Optional Glaze:
- 1 1/2-2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- Zest & Juice of 1 Lemon
- 2 Tablespoons Softened Butter
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar for five minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time until incorporated.
- Sift together dry ingredients then add in all remaining items.
- Chill dough in the freezer for at least a half hour.
- Roll out and cut into desired shapes using more flour if needed.
- Bake at 350 degrees 12-15 minutes.
- Glaze if desired, sprinkling more lavender over the glaze when wet.
Note: You may want to crush or grind your lavender. Colleen personally likes keeping it whole. This recipe was adapted from Mary Ann's Beach House Kitchen Blog.
Banana Donuts with Nutella Glaze
Donuts:
- 2 Ripe Bananas
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Cup Flour
- 2-3 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 Teaspoon Nutmeg
Nutella Glaze:
- 1 Cup Nutella
- 1/4 Cup Heavy Cream or Half & Half
- 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
Instructions:
- Place all donut ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until batter is just combined.
- Spray your donut pan or donut maker with nonstick spray.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes or follow your plug-in donut maker instructions.
- Whisk together glaze ingredients adjusting amount of cream until desired consistency is achieved.
- Glaze baked donuts and add sprinkles if you like or place glaze in a bowl for dipping.
Note: Dark chocolate may be used instead if you have a nut allergy. This recipe was adapted from The Banana Bread Donut Recipe found on The Pioneer Woman Blog.
Houck Hollow 