Entire home

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

Interior
Outdoor dining
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
    Free WiFi

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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 rank we are offering bargain rates. Check us out; we've been in business 20 years and have solid reviews. The Johnson House, April, 2024.

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
-Smart TV screen for your devices
-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 2 cats who roam the premises--including getting invited into the studios on occasion. 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.

We have enjoyed hosting travelers for 20 years now, first in our daylight basement studio, Auntie's Hideaway (#724637), and more recently with the completion of our 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 firstrate 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 Northeast Community Centeer.


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.

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 Grand Central Bakery or Jim and Patty's on Fremont where Black Bird Wine Bar serves up fine fare in the evenings.

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

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchenette

  • Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Toaster
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Electric kettle

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hairdryer
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Cycling on site
  • Cycling nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 400 sq ft (37 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 3:00 PM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO

About the area

Map
Portland, OR

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

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Namaste Indian Cuisine - Sandy Blvd - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Ki'ikibaa Mexican Restaurant - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Cameo Cafe - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown?

Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.

What time is check-out at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown?

Checkout is at 3:00 PM.

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

Located in Northeast Portland, this holiday home is 0.6 mi (1 km) from The Grotto and within 3 miles (5 km) of Providence Portland Medical Center and Portland Air National Guard Base. Alberta Street and Alberta Arts District are also within 3 miles (5 km). Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center is 24 minutes by foot and NE 82nd Avenue Station is 26 minutes.

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

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Ivan H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place on a quiet street.
Nice place, comfortable bed and furniture. Jean was very hands on and required an in-person check in. She was very nice but if you don't like meeting the owner just be aware.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place to Stay!
This place was clean and well maintained. It wasn't dark despite being in the basement and it was easy to get to public transportation. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara G.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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
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
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
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

10/10 Excellent

Esther T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Abode
Just our size and location, very comfortable and most hospitable host.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022

8/10 Good

Britt S., Portland, Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Retreat
A lovely host and relaxing retreat. Safe, simple, and everything just right.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

KATHLEEN R., SANTA ROSA

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint Studio
This is a quaint studio in a lovely neighborhood. Jean is a great host who is willing to share the property's history.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kellie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
A real home stay
More than any other VRBO (or similar) experience I’ve ever had, this felt like staying in a real home. Super cozy and a great walkable location.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Audrey K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute, homey place with amazing shower
Jean is so sweet, and a kind and welcoming soul. It's perfect for a resting place after long days adventuring. Pros: comfy bedding, ok wifi for remote work, amazing shower (!!!), simple kitchenette, plenty of beautiful literature. Wonderful location, close to rose city park, the grotto, and rocky butte. Cute quirky neighborhood, lots of fun to walk around. Jean is a sweet host. Cons: my cell service was pretty poor (At&t), especially when inside. It can be a little tricky with overhead noise if you are a light sleeper. I used earplugs and it was fine though. Jean was very respectful overall, some noise is just unavoidable. Not a ton of natural light, as it is a basement. There is one large window, but it is partly below ground level.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

DeLoris S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Annie’s
Jean has two accommodations, and we would absolutely without a doubt stay at either one should the need arise. She has been more than welcoming and accommodating.
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Daney C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Coziest of stays
We had a wonderful experience. Almost like visiting an old friend. Jean is a beautiful soul. Her garden and good vibes made us feel invited. Thanks Jean for your hospitality and simplicity. Much love 💚
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jan Monteyne M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Portland Basement Suite
Quiet neighborhood. Great for sleeping. We were up early every day so we did not hear any footsteps above. Weather was hot but the basement stayed nice and cool
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Bev F., United States

Quaint and Charming
Jean is fantastic, a lovely, helpful, and charming host! The space is unique, quaint, private, and the bed oh so comfy! I give it a 3 Star Review because: The drawbacks are it's in the basement and getting heavy luggage up and down not easy. The house has a wooden floor and every step the upper occupants make creates a squeak. They're early risers so apt to wake you around 5am. I'm an early riser so it was not much of an issue for me. In the local area there is a large population of transients and homeless people, it did not create a feeling of safety for me when needing to walk my dog in the surrounding blocks. They walk in and around the neighborhood often. If you have a dog, the host's property does not have a space for them to do their business because it is all vegetables and herbs (which I loved), but was inconvenient and not disclosed. You have to walk your dog on the sidewalk around the neighborhood (a one block square) to use neighbors yards (be sure to bring your waste bags to clean up!), which puts you into contact with transients. I did have one encounter that was unnerving as I walked my dog. A lady was in the street and started yelling at me and cursing, I hurried as quick as I could to get back to Jean's street. I would absolutely stay again, but not alone. I say these things because I would have liked to know before I came to a city I was unfamiliar with and believe in transparency, as well as honesty. Lastly, the home has a wonderful history, Jean is an accomplished woman who was very accommodating and absolutely wonderful! I truly enjoyed this space and it was exactly what I needed at this time in my life.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

melissa p., Temple, TX

Funky, funky but chic!
Absolutely charming little studio. Auntie's pictures and memorabilia give the space a comfy retro feel. A bookcase with a variety of titles complements the space. Jean was a wonderful host and it was a joy to spend a few days in this little nest. I might add, that although the temperature outside got up into the upper 90s, the room was never uncomfortable--and I keep my thermostat at home set on "frostbite"! A great location, with easy access to the airport, or anywhere you need to be. Outside, Jean has amazing gardens to enjoy. Loved it!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Valerie C., Fort Collins, Colorado

Great spot for a long weekend!
Auntie's room was perfect for me. Spent a long weekend and it was great. Convenient to accessing all the sites. Lovely bath and cute small kitchen. Host, Jean, was awesome... and a heck of a veggie griller. :-) Highly recommended!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Marina S.

Cozy, private, quiet, excellent location
Location, excellent. We explored Portland using only public transportation. Studio was comfy, bed (very important for us) seating area carpeting all very nice. Nights were quiet , no traffic on the street , and dark enough for us to sleep well. Jean was helpful and ready to assist whenever we needed help. Be sure to peruse her cookbooks that are on the bottom shelf. I learned a few new tricks. Kitchenette was adequate for breakfast if cereal and fruit is all you need. Our favorite place was sitting in the front garden by the fig tree enjoying the peace and quiet and shade after a long day of exploration.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2017

8/10 Good

Philip L.

excellent; as described; historical "Auntie" artifacts
Owner (lives on site) was attentive and friendly while not being intrusive. Five-star mattress (unless you like very firm). Underground but adequate ambient light, no detectible mould.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Quaint, homey, I covet that rug.
See review title.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Derek S.

Cozy and convenient
I needed somewhere to stay while visiting family, and Auntie's was eight minutes away. Its a very nice, private space. Loved the shower!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2017

6/10 Okay

Evie G., Minnesota

Comfortable stay
Nice location, lots of local shops and cafes. Easy access to freeway. Small basement apartment with natural lighting from egress window in main room, kitchen and bathroom both have low level lighting. Otherwise a comfortable place for 2 if you don't need to spread out much.

8/10 Good

Diane C.

Cozy
These accommodations lived up to our expectations. The basement apartment, which had a very large window, as well as a smaller one, was cozy, peaceful, convenient, and warmly appointed with lots of character.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2016

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing Property, Lovely Host
The property was gorgeous, and we couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Portland. Jean showed us the garden, introduced us to the cats, and gave us a great history of the house and property. It's the little things that make all the difference, and Jean definitely pays attention to the details. The property is in a great location for food and drinks. I would highly recommend this place.