Creating Unforgettable Escapes in the Dundee Hills – One Home at a Time
Produced in partnership by Travel Dundee and the Dundee Hills Winegrowers Association.
Megan Carda knows the Dundee Hills like the back of her hand. Growing up on 11th Street in town, she spent her childhood walking the very roads where she now manages some of the most sought-after vacation properties in the region. Taking a cue from her hometown, her love for hospitality blossomed early and took root.
After earning a degree in hospitality management, Megan honed her skills at luxury resorts in California, including the prestigious Ritz-Carlton and Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. However, the pull of her hometown never waned, and in 2012, she returned to Dundee to work at The Allison Inn & Spa, a luxury resort in the heart of Oregon wine country. “I picked up this love for anticipating the guests’ needs,” Megan says. “And I do it best by understanding the sense of place and the heart of the travel experience I’m creating.”
As the popularity of Oregon wine country grew, so did the demand for lodging. Megan saw an opportunity and transformed her parents’ basement into a vacation rental. What started as a side project quickly blossomed into a full-time venture, leading to the creation of Lifestyle Properties, and soon afterward the purchase of a wine tour company called Pinot Car. Now, a decade later, Megan employs 45 people and manages more than 75 vacation homes, each offering a unique experience for guests.
“Everybody has their own definition of a good vacation, and there’s a place for everybody in the Dundee Hills,” Megan explains. “Some prefer the amenities a hotel can offer, while others may prefer the coziness of a bed and breakfast. Vacation homes offer something different – a place to gather, cook meals, or sit outside and roast marshmallows with your kids.” In short, they provide a private retreat that’s central to all wine country offers, yet still feels a million miles away.
Megan’s commitment to hospitality extends beyond providing beautiful properties. Lifestyle Properties includes concierge services with every rental, ensuring that guests have access to personalized, local experiences. From wine tours and horseback riding to private chefs and gift baskets filled with local wine and goodies, Megan’s team takes care of every detail to create a seamless and memorable stay. “Our concierges are local and knowledgeable,” she says. “Our guests never pay anything additional for us to help them plan a trip filled with the activities that will give them their best experience.”
By offering personalized experiences and exceptional accommodations, Megan and her team ensure every visitor leaves with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for all the Dundee Hills offers, making their wine country visit truly special.
Photos by Molly Bailey