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Christy's Portrait 1

About Us

The Arcata Stay Mission

The “Arcata Stay Mission” is to arrange upscale vacation rental accommodations convenient walking distance to Arcata’s downtown Plaza and Cal Poly Humboldt, which provide visiting guests the most positive lodging experience possible.

Why we Love Arcata

The redwood coast is a highly desirable northern California tourism destination. This region offers diverse adventure and travel opportunities which attract visitors from around the world. Since opening, Christy has hosted numerous visitors at Rose Court Cottage, guiding them to the unique wonders of the area. She has developed friendships with guests who return again and again to a getaway that they love. Arts, culture, music, theater, shopping, artisan food and drink, being “green” before it was groovy, a lively downtown Plaza, outdoor adventure, architecture, history, and a friendly embracing community make Arcata a destination not to be missed.

History of the Laird Residence

Christy and Aldaron Laird are the second owners of their Tudor Revival Bungalow residence. The home was built in 1939 by Lester and Ana Averell Johnson, members of pioneer families who could trace their lineage to Arcata’s earliest days. The custom home was constructed using old growth heart redwood and other fine materials and was a modern showcase for its time.

Lester & Ana Johnson
Lester & Ana Johnson family

Besides residing in the same house, the Lairds and Johnsons share other commonalities. Christy and Aldaron are both Cal Poly Humboldt alums, and Ana earned her degree in the first graduating class in 1915, from what was then known as Humboldt Normal School. Coincidentally, Lester Johnson served on the Arcata City Planning Commission in the 1950’s and Aldaron also served on the commission for 10 years. Lester passed away in 1971 and Ana followed in 1988. Christy purchased the residence from their granddaughter, who inherited the estate. After some re-modeling and painting, Christy moved into her home on January 1,1989. She and Aldaron were married in 1991, and both have worked on numerous projects over the years to enhance and maintain the home and property.

Profile of Host Christy Laird

Christy Laird owns and operates Arcata Stay and is the host at Rose Court Cottage. Christy has had a love affair with Arcata since she moved here in 1973 to attend Cal Ply Humboldt. She graduated and couldn’t imagine leaving such a special place; this progressive kinda-quirky little university town is like none other. The abundance of natural beauty just minutes away in any direction is phenomenal: the tallest redwood trees in the world, miles of unspoiled pristine coastline, sand dunes, lagoons, six beautiful rivers, ever changing Humboldt Bay, and the world-famous Arcata Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, to name a few.

Christy Laird
Christy Laird

Christy has welcomed guests to Rose Court Cottage since January 2004, upon retiring from a 22-year career as a sales representative. Having traveled for years, she knew what lodging amenities she appreciated and has made every effort to provide for her guests’ comfort during their stay. Christy’s guests have valued the lodging experience, attention to detail, and customer service she provides at their Arcata Stay home away from home.

Arcata Stay Affiliates

  • Arcata Chamber of Commerce
  • visitarcata.com
  • vrbo.com
  • airbnb.com
  • flipkey.com
  • tripadvisor.com
  • yelp.com

Acknowledgements

We would like to express thanks to the following for allowing use of photographs and video on this website:

Photographs:  Aldaron Laird, Christy Laird, David Baselt, Humboldt Lodging Alliance, HSU Flickr photographer Kellie Jo Brown

Video:  Humboldt Lodging Alliance, Christy Laird