House in Portland, OR

Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown

Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown

Photo gallery for Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown

Auntie's 5-star shower: bench seat, pencil rail, & terra cottas on the diagonal.
Conversation area in the studio.
Queen bed. Newer from our local company.
Our book shelf is stocked with good literature, some from our Northwest authors.
The Johnson House, Est 1950 when our grandparents bought this retirement cottage

Overview of Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown

9.4 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 237 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Portland, OR
  • Popular LocationThe Grotto12 min walk
  • AirportPortland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)6 min drive
  • Popular LocationOregon Convention Center8 min drive
  • Popular LocationModa Center10 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Studio

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown

Savings Alert: We have just returned to the VRBO platform and in order to advance in the search hierarchy we have dropped our prices to unprecedented low rates. We invite you to take advantage of this limited time offering and experience our rustic elegance at a significant bargain.

Auntie's has a locally made queen bed, 5-star terra cotta shower, gorgeous tiling in the kitchenette & bathroom, and a double egress window. The result is an artful, rustic daylight basement studio full of family history that reflects what Portland, Oregon is all about.

Basement level. Prvt entrance. Galley w/ microwave & compact fridge, WiFi. Terra cotta shower. 2 blocks off major blvd for easy access. Pet guest $75/stay. Auntie's is on the basement level. We have a double egress window for light and there is no mold or moisture issue. You do hear footsteps overhead--both the cats and ourselves. We try to be quiet but we do rise early, so if you are a light sleeper or want more privacy we recommend our backyard cabin, Grandpa's Bunkhouse #594594, although it is more expensive.

AMENITIES:

-Private Entrance
-Queen bed with quality mattress and linens from LL Bean
-Galley kitchenette suitable for storing snacks and light cooking: small copper bar sink, micro, toaster oven, compact fridge, coffee maker
-Bathroom with shower in terra cotta tiles, hand-painted Talavera sink from Mexico
-Wireless internet, high speed
-Library of good literature (We are happily TV-free in our main house and Aunties--if you must have television, we suggest you check out our backyard cabin, Grandpa's Bunkhouse where we have local TV.)
-Ample free street parking
-Private front patio outside egress windows for Auntie's guests
-Side patio for outdoor dining & lounging (LL Bean table)
-Weber gas grill
-Sustainable no-chem gardens front, back, curbside

NEAR MAJOR BOULEVARD: We are located in NE Portland just off Sandy Blvd which makes for easy access to downtown (20 min) , the airport (10 min), and The Columbia River Gorge. We are also 15 min from the Beaumont, Mississippi Ave, and the Alberta Arts District. Please scroll down more information on our family-oriented, safe neighborhood.

FELINE ALERT: We have 3 cats who roam the premises--including getting invited into the studios on occasion--so we cannot host travelers with allergies.

PARKING: Free street parking in front of the house for one vehicle per guest party. We do not have room for second vehicles for guests.

PETS: Dogs and cats are most welcome. If you will be needing to leave your dog unattended for extended periods, please consult the hosts prior to booking. Our pet guest fee is $75 per pet per week.

TELEPHONE: ATT plans and iphone6 users get perfect reception in this basement studio. Other plans and phones can experience problems depending on tower traffic.

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARDS: There is an additional charge for using international cards. Please inquire.

Auntie's Hideaway really was our very proper Aunt's suite for 20 years. And if it passed Aunt Kirsten's standards, we think it will pass those of the most discriminating guests--and their canine or feline companions.

We have enjoyed hosting travelers for 9 years now, first in our daylight basement studio, Auntie's Hideaway (#724637), and most recently with the completion of our stand-alone backyard cabin, Grandpa's Bunkhouse (#594594).

For those traveling with children or smaller adult parties of 3, there are couches in each studio that serve after a fashion. ($30/night for 3rd guest)


GUEST COMMENTS:

"The air is totally crisp and clean in this first rate daylight basement studio. Paint entirely up-to-date and terra cotta Mexican pavers on the galley that are to die for. They go the extra mile here." Erin and Todd, BC, 2011

"The thing about Auntie's is that it's just minutes away from everything. Two blocks off Sandy Boulevard that takes you to downtown in 20 minutes, and around the corner from Fremont St. that leads to 3 of Portland's newest hip neighborhoods. So great coffee, food, sights, and wine are all to be had easily from this lovely, unique homestay." Gabon and Charles, Chicago, 2013

"We recommend Jean's home hands down, and we are seasoned travelers. Great value. Hip host. They have something special here." Vic and Nan, Bay Area, 2012

"A 5-star shower that is the best by far we've ever seen. Plus, there is a big window for light in the lovely sitting area and a fab queen bed. Jean goes for quality from the mattress to the linens. The family has obviously put a lot of love into her property, and it shows!" Bob and Beth, Arizona, 2014


NOTE: The Johnson House donates a portion of our proceeds to the following: Portland Community Services and The Carter Center.


MORE INFORMATION ON OUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD

We Johnson's are of the mind that life is art, and we've had this bungalow since 1950 when Grandma and Grandpa downsized for their retirement. So whether you choose our lower level basement studio with galley and stunning shower (Auntie's Hideaway #724637) or our stand-alone backyard studio with vaulted ceilings (Grandpa's Bunkhouse #594594), expect to walk into charm and history--as well as quality. We are of relatively humble means here, but what we do, we try to do right.

*The Grounds: This home is a gardener's paradise. Between the back beds and the front curbside gardens, your host, Jean grows much of her own organic produce year round. She preserves for the family's winter use and also uses the produce in the cooking classes she teaches in Portland.

Our LL Bean picnic table seats 6 under the umbrella, and small stone fountain completes the private, spacious patio that is secreted away behind the garden gate.

*The Neighborhood: We are 10 minutes from the airport and 20 to downtown. Also 3 of Portland's trendy neighborhoods--The Beaumont, Alberta Arts, and Mississippi Avenue--are 15 minutes away. We're also on the east of the city, where it's easy to hop on the freeway to the Columbia River Gorge, world class environs listed on the National Scenic Registry.

We are in walking distance to Noodle Flat, where many of Portland's Asian restaurants line Sandy Boulevard--and Otto's Wood-Fired Pizza packs 'em in nightly. A major grocery is 3 blocks away, as is the historic Fairley's Pharmacy where you can sit at the lunch counter from the 1920s and order malteds made on the old fashion green machines. Annie's Doughnuts--dubbed by the downtown travel bureau as the best doughnuts in town--is just around the corner, and their fresh French crullers with maple icing are well worth the stroll.

Espresso and croissants worthy of Portland's food culture are 5 minutes by car over at Case Study Coffee or Jim and Patty's on Fremont, as are 2 local brew pubs (we like Alameda Brew Pub) and 2 excellent wine bars (Magnolia with its live music and Black Bird).

Our neighborhood is safe to walk about at night. Families with young children line our block, and parents are often out with their charges for happy hour in the evening--spontaneous street gatherings at which guests are always welcome.

Happy trails...We hope to see you soon.

Property manager

Jean Johnson
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 11:00 AM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 3:00 PM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO

About the area

Portland

Located in Portland, this vacation home is in the city center. Hawthorne District and Lloyd Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Tom McCall Waterfront Park and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Moda Center or Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing, hiking/biking trails, and cycling.

What's nearby

  • The Grotto - 12 min walk
  • Cascade Station - 6 min drive
  • Lloyd Center - 8 min drive
  • Oregon Convention Center - 8 min drive
  • Moda Center - 10 min drive

Getting around

  • Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center - 3 min drive
  • Portland Union Station - 20 min drive
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • Taco Bell - 19 min walk
  • McDonald's - 10 min walk
  • Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 7 min walk
  • Pho Oregon Restaurant - 18 min walk
  • Namaste Indian Cuisine - Sandy Blvd - 10 min walk

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

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. 33 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grampa's cottage
A warm thank you to Jean, the host, for a cozy, private retreat in a garden. I am so envious of her dahlias! The shower is a must see, and tilled by the host herself. A lovely serene place to stay... Thank you Jean :) Barbara
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

keith b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thebatchelor6adventures
This was a was a quaint place to stay so close to everything we wanted to see. All of our host’s suggestions were amazing! We had a great weekend experience and wouldn’t have wanted to stay anywhere else!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fee T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable room.
This is a comfortable place to stay for a few nights in Portland. Jean is an excellent host and very welcoming. Will definitely return.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Abby O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy! Felt like I was staying with family!
Jean truly felt like a long lost aunt. The space was so cozy and comfy, and I enjoyed chatting with her so much. And her garden! Florence is really the star of the show--when you stay, make sure to ask about her!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Portland neighborhood living
Most comfortable space. Quiet, private, undisturbed neighborhood living, beautifully Northwest. Creative decor celebrating family; real Portland living experience. Easy to get around and explore Portland, its neighborhoods, restaurants, pubs, etc. Jean is friendly, accommodating, respectful of your privacy, available when needed. A friendly, accommodating host. I will return again to this peaceful place.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jean Johnson

Host profile image
Host Background: Jean a retired historian (20th century US, secondary field in Modern East Asia), four season organic gardener, and Oregon real estate broker with Portland's largest local company, Premier Property Group, LLC. A native Portlander, she has very much enjoyed hosting travelers over the past 10 years and helping orient them to the city she knows and loves.

Johnson House management: Jean Johnson is the host for this family business and lives on site. The Johnson brothers are silent partners and oversee policies and finances.

Why they chose this property

Our home is 2 blocks from Portland's major Sandy Boulevard. Here guests get the best of both worlds: A safe residential area to come home to that is has plenty of free street parking and close proximity (15-20 minutes) to four of Portland's newest trendy neighborhoods and downtown. All that plus a sense of local history. Our family has owned this property for 65 years.

What makes this property unique

Jean's grandparents from Norway bought this bungalow new in 1950 for their retirement, and it's been in the family since. Expect pride of ownership from three generations.

During Jean's watch, the lawn has given way to a 4-season organic garden that supplies most of the produce for the home. If you're looking for a glimpse into Portland's authentic food and DIY culture, you will certainly find it here.

Guest Interaction: Jean is always happy to include guests in her doings whether it be going for a Chinese foot massage (Jean is a connoisseur of these excellent and affordable massages and has found a little hole in the wall venue that she highly recommends), bicycling to New Seasons (Portland's small chain of natural food markets that focuses on local, seasonal produce), going for meditation and garden work parties at the 14-acre neighborhood zen center, and hill walking Portland's neighborhoods.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Vacation Rentals ideas

People also search for