New blog and website for Modern-Day Nomads

How to Live in Historic Luxury Often Rent-Free

MDN mentioned in new property caretaking article on the MSN Real Estate channel.

They do it because they love living in a beautiful place rent-free, meeting new people or waking up where they work. Were talking about caretakers, the people who look after someone elses property while living there themselves. It might be an inn at a tropical paradise in Hawaii. Or an old ranch in Oklahoma rich with history. Or a historic marina in Oregon, where the caretakers live in a floating house.

Sandy Cove Inn Seaside, Oregon Coast

Chic & Cozy, Family-Owned & Pet-Friendly Inn Just Steps from the Beach

In just a few short years, the Tucker family has transformed the Sandy Cove Inn from a timeworn motor lodge into a stylish and comfortable boutique motel with the spirit of a B&B. Each of the Inn’s 18 comfy, uber-clean rooms boasts a unique decorating scheme —from the whimsical “Monopoly” and “Wave” rooms with hand-painted wall murals to the “Garden” and “Country Charm” rooms that highlight French artwork and décor collected at Parisian shops and flea markets by Ann Tucker, an antiques dealer and the Inn’s family decorator. Likewise, managers Mike and Betsy Tucker bring natural enthusiasm and expertise from their former advertising and culinary fields to give their guests a personalized, concierge-like experience. From their carefully vetted “Restaurant Guide” of top local eateries to a fun “Doggie Bag” welcoming gift for four-legged guests, it’s these sorts of little, unexpected extras that have quickly made the Sandy Cove Inn one of Seaside’s best-loved lodging values.

The Inn is also well-situated, just a block from the beach and the 1.8-mile paved Promenade boardwalk, but on the much quieter side of the strip away from the cluster of high-rise hotels and condos. Across the street, the local favorite Ken & Sons “Super Friendly” Select Market provides a convenient stop for snacks and drinks on the way to the beach, or guests can grab a burger, microbrew or legendary “Mermaid’s Purse” made of spiced fish, rice and vegetables steamed in parchment pouches at the family-oriented U Street Pub & Eatery .

More than just a day at the beach is the well-deserved motto of the City of Seaside. reflected in the year-round activities available beyond its infamous stretch of sandy coastline. At low tide, try your hand at clamming or crabbing along the shore. Other popular family activities nearby include amusement rides and bumper cars, plus the West Coasts oldest aquarium with seal shows and touch tank. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the numerous hiking trails within a short distance, including the Tillamook Head trailhead out of Seaside (at the end of Ocean Vista Drive)—the lesser-known, back entrance to the beautiful Ecola State Park with no day-use fees. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark as you amble along the winding Clatsop Loop Trail through ancient Sitka spruce trees with majestic coastal views, near the historic Salt Works site of the Corps of Discovery. From December to April, the trail’s scenic promontories also make for ideal spots to view migrating gray whales as they swim past Seaside twice a year on their way to and from their homes in northerly Arctic waters.

Sandy Cove Inn

241 Avenue U

Seaside, Oregon 97138

Reservations: 503-738-7473 www.sandycoveinn.net