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Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.

Photo gallery for Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.

A rustic wooden house with a balcony, surrounded by trees and a fenced yard.
A wooden interior with a zebra-patterned wall, a deer head mounted on the wall, and a wooden chair.
A garden with various vegetable plots and flowering plants.
A lakeside bench and picnic table by a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and distant buildings.
A wooden cabin interior with a dining table, chairs, a window with a view of a snowy landscape, and a shelf with a toaster.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
At the waterfront, this vacation home accommodates 10 guests with 4 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It features a balcony and offers access to games for entertainment. Enjoy nearby adventures like rafting, snowboarding, and mountain biking while exploring attractions such as the Chena River and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Pets are welcome.

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to University of Alaska-Fairbanks
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Washing machine
  • Internet
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Fairbanks, AK
  • Place, Chena River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Alaska-Fairbanks
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Fort Wainwright
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Airport, Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.

While the unit is advertised for a number of people, it is great for a couple as well. We bought a two bedroom log cabin in the 60's. In 1974 we built a two story addition to accommodate our six children. At the time we wired and plumbed one bedroom so it could someday be a kitchen. The downstairs of the addition consists of a double garage, sun room and dining room. The upstairs is where guests are welcome. It has four bedrooms, sitting area, kitchen and porch. We have rented it monthly for many years but this time it was vacated we decided to do it as a VRBO. We live in the cabin downstairs.

Also on the property is a cabin that the original owner built for his parents and a barn that we built for our children and converted to a house when they were grown. We did bed and breakfast in them in the 1990's. At the time we registered the name Riverside Retreat. After a few years we decided to rent them on a monthly basis to have more time to play and travel. We can no longer do some of the things we used to do so are doing VRBO in the cabin too. We enjoy marrying people. We also enjoy sharing the space we have taken for granted for so many years. It really is a special spot.

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
We ask that people smoke outside.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 560455vb
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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

Fairbanks

Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in College, a neighbourhood in Fairbanks. Birch Hill Recreation Area and Chena River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Alaska Railroad and University of Alaska Museum of the North. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Carlson Center Event Arena or Growden Memorial Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Map
Fairbanks, AK

What's nearby

  • Chena River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • University of Alaska-Fairbanks - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Pioneer Park - 9 min drive - 5.5 km
  • Fairbanks Ice Museum - 12 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Fort Wainwright - 13 min drive - 15.5 km

Getting around

  • Fairbanks, AK (FAI-Fairbanks Intl.) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Fred Meyer Fuel Center - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sunrise Bagel & Espresso - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Alaska Coffee Roasting Company - ‬16 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.?

As of 26 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly. on 24 Jan 2027 start from AU$588, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

Where is Comfortable House With Kitchen On The Chena River. Family Friendly. located?

Located in College, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Chena River and University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Alaska Railroad and University of Alaska Museum of the North are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 174 out of 237 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 237 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 237 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 237 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 237 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved the charm of staying in a real Alaska home that wasn’t all white washed and cold
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I’ve stayed at Marde’s place several times now. I really enjoy the cabin feel. A place that feels like a home not just a house. I look forward to staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Martha is very nice and always easy to communicate with. The location is peaceful and convenient to everything Fairbanks has to offer.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome, beautiful and rustic FAMILY safe retreat! I absolutely loved the house, location and the host. Safe place for the family to base out of while in Fairbanks!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Host was very kind, and excellent easy communication. We had everything we needed, and it was a very flexible place to accommodate a variety of needs. We were able to bring our dog, and we loved the backyard/ fire-pit area. Inside was a bit dirty, but sheets and towels were clean. There was a smoke smell as well. Beds were quite squeaky, but nice sized rooms with beautiful decor and art throughout.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is beautiful and overlooks the Chena River. Mardee was very nice and super informative. We especially enjoyed the outdoor fire pit. The location is close to town and other attractions.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Not sure how this has a 9.6 rating when I booked. The place was dirty, dingy, and disgusting. The 40 year old carpets had numerous stains and they hadn’t been cleaned in weeks. The bathroom was also dirty. It was topped off with cigarette smoke drifting up from the owners living space Bottom line is, do not stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was very accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Cozy and convenient location
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall, this property had several great qualities and offered a unique Alaska experience. The hostess was very helpful, and the outside property was beautiful. The home included a lot of interesting reading materials and provided great insight into Alaska history and wildlife, which added a special touch to the stay. There was also ample room for sleeping, and the property was centrally located, making it convenient for getting around. We also appreciated the nice fire ring, the included firewood, and the benches that were supplied for outdoor seating.That said, there were some areas that could use improvement. The space smelled very strongly of cigarette smoke and seemed to be in need of a deep clean. Some of the furniture and carpeting were noticeably stained, and the pillows were very flat. Also, the door accessing the apartment space did not have a lock, and there did not appear to be many smoke detectors, which may be a concern for some guests.With some thorough cleaning, updated furnishings, and a few safety improvements, this could be an even better place to stay. The location, outdoor space, and helpful host were definite positives.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing hospitality and great place to stay. Great Alaskan charm and history.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute but tiny 2nd floor place! Host was very nice and helpful! Beds were comfy! Main problem is the cigarette smell. Also there was a lot of dust on things above reach level. We did love being on the river and watching the animals! Very close and convient to get in and out of.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very accommodating and easy going.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Great location, place has some great funky charm and the host was an excellent communicator. Unfortunately the place has a VERY strong smoke and mildew smell. If you are sensitive to smell or have children I would avoid. Probably could use some new carpet, the 70s shag was cool but dirty and permeated with smoke. We had to change our stay but the host was very accommodating and kind.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great vintage Alaska Lodge vibe with knotty pine walls and shag carpeting, right on the river. Good sized bedrooms, common areas are a little cozy. Saw the Aurora from the yard in every direction. If you're sensitive to cigarette smoke, hunting trophies, or stairs, this may not be the best for for you
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
It’s a house and not a lodge.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
good, nice location, great host
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
The property was listed as no smoking but the smoke smell was terrible. One of the sheets had a small crusty substance that you could scratch off with your fingernail. The pillows and blinds were yellowed from nicotine. Under the toilet seat was crusty old gross. The location is beautiful and convenient. The view from the deck is great. I wouldn't recommend staying here if you're a non smoker
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was exactly like pictured. True Alaskan charm complete experience even saw The Lights on a great tour!
That’s a moose!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication, warm cozy home.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The host was extremely friendly, warm, and inviting. She was always very prompt and responsive to correspondence. We stayed at this property twice recently.This property reeks of cigarette smoke. The host, living on the first floor, appears to be a heavy smoker, and the smoke just repeatedly floated upstairs throughout the second floor rental area.Clean sheets, towels, and trash cans were provided, but that's where cleaning between guests stopped. The carpets, decades old, were dirty and very worn, and clearly hadn't even been vacuumed between guests, with a lot of leaves and tree debris tracked throughout the rental, including through the bedrooms and around the beds. And I don't blame the previous guests from not wanting to take their shoes off on these dirty floors, we didn't want to either.The bathroom clearly hadn't been cleaned between guests either. Recent toothpaste from people brushing their teeth was still in the sinks, along with their hair from trimmers and shavers. The shower wasn't any better, not cleaned with previous guest hair, multiple half-used bars of soap, and several empty shampoo containers (which we disposed of). The toilet seat also hadn't been cleaned, with old dribbles, hair, and toilet paper debris from previous guests visibly present (which we cleaned before using).Although extremely kind and welcoming, the host appears to be struggling to maintain this rental property, and does not use a professional cleaning service between guests.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2026
Shortly after this review I had one that gave 5 stars. The narrative said” This is not a 5 star hotel if that’s what you’re looking for but a typical Alaskan home. “
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
The place was fairly accurate as described. However, it was disgusting. There were crumbs and hairs in a couple of beds. None of the sheets even smelled clean. There were hairs and other debris all in the shower and it looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in awhile. There was cigarette resin all over the heaters in the bedrooms. There was also a strong cigarette stench throughout the entire guest part of the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A comfortable and peaceful setting. I’ve stayed here a few times now and enjoy the setting and location.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place

This was a great place for my family to stay at. Great views from the windows and has a lot of character.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really lovely cabin home right on the Chena River. Mardee is the nicest host!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Martha and Robert Roth

Host profile image
In January of 1962 my husband was drafted out of a general practice residency in Sacramento and sent to Ft. Wainwright. At the time we had two small boys and I was teaching half day kindergarten. I had to give notice so we didn't arrive until March. Originally we paid our way up so we wouldn't have to stay longer than 18 months. We then extended so that we could live on post. Meanwhile, my husband fell in love with the hunting and fishing so we extended until they finally told him he had to either get out of the Army or take another assignment. The Army would give us a free move back to Oregon, our original home, within a year. So, we moved to a little one bedroom house on five acres. By then we had three boys so built a triple level, youth size bunk bed for the kids and slept in a hide-a-bed in the living room. The year ended and we're still here.

Bob practiced family medicine until retirement. Early on he learned to fly and had many adventures in his Super Cub. He completed the Yukon 800 boat race 6 times and won once. Now that he can't do these things, he raises bees and we play duplicate bridge. While Bob was busy working and playing I had time to get into trouble on my own. I quit teaching after my first year in Alaska and loved staying home with the kids. A neighbor and I once started a booth at the Fair to sell spaghetti for the swim team. It turned out to be a 15 year commitment, The Farmhouse Cafe, that served everything from hamburgers and Hunters Stew to eggs the chickens laid in their cages. When the last two children were in high school I took a class to become a realtor. This seemed interesting, especially since an older son who taught in the Bush was moving to Fairbanks with his young family and would soon be needing a house. They bought the first one I showed them. About 20 years ago I bought an 8 unit efficiency apartment with another son because of the real estate connection. Many more stories but out of room

Why they chose this property

While we were living in the little house a neighbor came to collect money for another neighbor that plowed the snow. When they went to California to get braces for their daughter they asked if we would like to rent their bigger house. So in 1966 we moved. The next summer there was a big flood. The basement was filled with water and there was 10 1/2 inches in the living room. They owned the lot next door and wanted to build their dream house there so we negotiated to buy the house. They borrowed money on this house to finance the new house so, though we agreed on a purchase price, we paid rent until the financing on their new house was completed. Then we bought it. It's a wonderful place to live.

What makes this property unique

It is close to town and the University. The location on the river is a delight. Through the years there have been dozens of picnics at the river. Last summer our daughter had her 20th high school reunion, and of course the picnic was here. They picked up canoes and kayaks from Pioneer Park to add even more fun. It is casual and homey. We put new carpet in the upstairs last year. It has a big garden and lots of privacy.

Languages:

English

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