Heart of Portland.A stay at this Northeast Portland vacation home places you within half a mile (1 km) of The Grotto and 3 miles (5 km) of Providence Portland Medical Center. Portland Air National Guard Base and Alberta Street are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Colwood National Golf Course - 5 min drive - 1.9 miles
Getting around
Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center - 3 min drive
Portland Union Station - 20 min drive
Portland International Airport (PDX) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 8 min walk
McDonald's - 10 min walk
Cameo Cafe - 8 min walk
Ki’ikibaa - 9 min walk
Bag O' Crab - 8 min walk
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.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Bicycles
Garden
Property does not allow children
Unit size: 400 square feet
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 available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are welcome
Only dogs and cats are allowed
Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO
We should mention
To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.
Property is also known as
Artful Rustic Studio House
Artful Rustic Studio
Frequently asked questions
How close is Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown to the airport?
This vacation home is 3.5 mi (6-min drive) away from the Portland International Airport (PDX) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
Does Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home.
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.
Is there free parking at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown have a pool?
This vacation home does not have a pool.
Does Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown to downtown Portland?
This vacation home is 4.8 mi away from Portland.
Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown Reviews
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 48 reviews
10 - Excellent
35
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 48 reviews
8 - Good
11
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 48 reviews
6 - Okay
2
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Haley G.
Nov 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Retreat in the Middle of Portland
Jean is a wonderful host and is especially hospitable. You feel as if you're visiting a family member as you are surrounded by family history. It's so warm, cozy, and inviting that you'll want to extend your stay! We will definitely be booking our stay with Jean if we come back to Portland in the future.
Haley & Danny
Haley G.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
8/10 Good
Ivan H.
Jun 6, 2024
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.
Ivan H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michelle M.
May 27, 2024
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.
Michelle M.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Barbara G.
Sep 7, 2023
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
Barbara G.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
keith b.
Oct 23, 2022
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!
keith b.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Fee T.
Oct 18, 2022
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.
Fee T.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Abby O.
Oct 12, 2022
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!
Abby O.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Jim M.
Sep 27, 2022
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.
Jim M.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
10/10 Excellent
Esther T.
Mar 16, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Abode
Just our size and location, very comfortable and most hospitable host.
Esther T.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
8/10 Good
Britt S., Portland, Oregon
Sep 25, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Retreat
A lovely host and relaxing retreat. Safe, simple, and everything just right.
Britt S.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
8/10 Good
KATHLEEN R., SANTA ROSA
Jul 16, 2021
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.
KATHLEEN R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Kellie G.
Apr 18, 2021
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.
Kellie G.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
8/10 Good
Audrey K.
Mar 25, 2021
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.
Audrey K.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021
10/10 Excellent
DeLoris S.
Sep 6, 2020
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.
DeLoris S.
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2020
10/10 Excellent
Daney C.
Aug 31, 2019
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 💚
Daney C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Jan Monteyne M.
Aug 11, 2019
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
Jan Monteyne M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
6/10 Okay
Bev F., United States
Apr 16, 2018
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.
Bev F.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
10/10 Excellent
melissa p., Temple, TX
Sep 5, 2017
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!
melissa p.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2017
8/10 Good
Valerie C., Fort Collins, Colorado
Aug 28, 2017
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!
Valerie C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
10/10 Excellent
Marina S.
Jul 17, 2017
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.
Marina S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2017
8/10 Good
Philip L.
Jul 13, 2017
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.
Philip L.
8/10 Good
Verified traveler
Jul 7, 2017
Quaint, homey, I covet that rug.
See review title.
Verified traveler
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
10/10 Excellent
Derek S.
Jun 22, 2017
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!
Derek S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2017
6/10 Okay
Evie G., Minnesota
Apr 23, 2017
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.
Evie G.
8/10 Good
Diane C.
Nov 7, 2016
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.