Apartment
Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom 1 bathroom Sleeps 2 37.2 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Portland, OR
- The Grotto12 min walk
- Cascade Station6 min drive
- Moda Center10 min drive
- Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)6 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower
Savings Alert: We're just back to VRBO so to get our search rank up there, we're offering bargain rates (from the $179/nt that Grandpa's often goes for). We've hosted for 20 years and have a solid track record.
Grandpa's Bunkhouse is a stand-alone cabin in our backyard kitchen garden, and it really was our grandfather's. Expect pride of ownership from 3 generations, appointments that speak to family and Pacific Northwest history, and a homestay that is simply a cut above.
AMENITIES
-Kitchen w/ copper farm sink & compact range and refrigerator--We repurposed Grandpa's old-growth fir workbench for the counter
-Queen bed with linens from LL Bean
-Bathroom with 5-star tumbled stone shower, rainhead, skylight
-Vaulted 13 foot yellow cedar ceiling
-French doors open out onto 4-season organic garden
-Mitsubishi mini-split for heating and ac
-Washer/Dryer
-Wireless internet
-Smart TV screen for your devices
-Patio in common area for outdoor dining & lounging
-Weber gas grill in common area
-Sustainable no-chem gardens front, back, curbside
-Private covered porch with seating
Our grandparents bought the main house for their retirement, and it's been in the family since 1950. We have enjoyed hosting travelers since 2005 first in our daylight basement studio, Auntie's Hideaway (#724637), and since 2014 in our backyard cabin Grandpa's Bunkhouse (#594594).
We accept dogs & cats guests in both studios. Our pet guest fee is $75 per pet guest.
LOCATION OFF MAJOR BOULEVARD:
-Easy access to downtown (20 min), airport (10 min) and the Columbia River Gorge. We are 2 blocks off Sandy Blvd, one of Portland's major thoroughfares which makes getting around quite speedy.
-15 minutes from 3 of Portland's Eastside neighborhood districts: the Beaumont, Mississippi Avenue, and Alberta Arts
FELINE ALERT: We have 2 cats who roam the premises, so we cannot host travelers with allergies.
PARKING: Ample free street parking in front of our home.
BIKE: Secure (uncovered) tethering for bikes in the backyard. Bring your own cable and padlock as the posts are too large for u-locks.
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARDS: There is an additional charge for using international cards. Please inquire.
MORE INFORMATION ON OUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD
We Johnson's are of the mind that life is art, and we've had this property since 1950. So whether you choose our more affordable lower level basement suite with galley and stunning shower (Auntie's Hideaway) or our lovely stand-alone backyard studio with vaulted ceilings (Grandpa's Bunkhouse), 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 reminiscent of a Tuscan garden. Between the back beds and the front curbside gardens, your host Jean Johnson, grows much of the family's own organic produce year round.
Our LL Bean picnic table seats 6 under the red umbrella in the back courtyard. A flower garden and fountain make for an exceedingly inviting scene.
*The Neighborhood: We are 10 minutes from the airport and 20 to downtown. Also 3 of Portland's hip neighborhoods--The Beaumont, Alberta Arts, and Mississippi Avenue--are 15 minutes away. We're also on the east side of the city, where it's easy to hop on the freeway to the Columbia River Gorge, which is listed as a National Scenic Area.
We are in walking distance is 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 is just around the corner, and their fresh French crullers with maple icing are well worth the stroll. And for those interested in meditation, Dharma Rain Zen Center is 10 minutes by car, as is the Grotto.
Espresso and croissants worthy of Portland's food culture are also 10 minutes by car over at Grand Central Bakery and Jim and Patty's on Fremont, as is Black Bird, an excellent unpretentious wine bar.
Our neighborhood is safe to jog in and walk at night. Families with young children grace 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.
NOTE: The Johnson House donates a portion of its proceeds to the following: The Northeast Community Center.
Grandpa's Bunkhouse is a stand-alone cabin in our backyard kitchen garden, and it really was our grandfather's. Expect pride of ownership from 3 generations, appointments that speak to family and Pacific Northwest history, and a homestay that is simply a cut above.
AMENITIES
-Kitchen w/ copper farm sink & compact range and refrigerator--We repurposed Grandpa's old-growth fir workbench for the counter
-Queen bed with linens from LL Bean
-Bathroom with 5-star tumbled stone shower, rainhead, skylight
-Vaulted 13 foot yellow cedar ceiling
-French doors open out onto 4-season organic garden
-Mitsubishi mini-split for heating and ac
-Washer/Dryer
-Wireless internet
-Smart TV screen for your devices
-Patio in common area for outdoor dining & lounging
-Weber gas grill in common area
-Sustainable no-chem gardens front, back, curbside
-Private covered porch with seating
Our grandparents bought the main house for their retirement, and it's been in the family since 1950. We have enjoyed hosting travelers since 2005 first in our daylight basement studio, Auntie's Hideaway (#724637), and since 2014 in our backyard cabin Grandpa's Bunkhouse (#594594).
We accept dogs & cats guests in both studios. Our pet guest fee is $75 per pet guest.
LOCATION OFF MAJOR BOULEVARD:
-Easy access to downtown (20 min), airport (10 min) and the Columbia River Gorge. We are 2 blocks off Sandy Blvd, one of Portland's major thoroughfares which makes getting around quite speedy.
-15 minutes from 3 of Portland's Eastside neighborhood districts: the Beaumont, Mississippi Avenue, and Alberta Arts
FELINE ALERT: We have 2 cats who roam the premises, so we cannot host travelers with allergies.
PARKING: Ample free street parking in front of our home.
BIKE: Secure (uncovered) tethering for bikes in the backyard. Bring your own cable and padlock as the posts are too large for u-locks.
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARDS: There is an additional charge for using international cards. Please inquire.
MORE INFORMATION ON OUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD
We Johnson's are of the mind that life is art, and we've had this property since 1950. So whether you choose our more affordable lower level basement suite with galley and stunning shower (Auntie's Hideaway) or our lovely stand-alone backyard studio with vaulted ceilings (Grandpa's Bunkhouse), 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 reminiscent of a Tuscan garden. Between the back beds and the front curbside gardens, your host Jean Johnson, grows much of the family's own organic produce year round.
Our LL Bean picnic table seats 6 under the red umbrella in the back courtyard. A flower garden and fountain make for an exceedingly inviting scene.
*The Neighborhood: We are 10 minutes from the airport and 20 to downtown. Also 3 of Portland's hip neighborhoods--The Beaumont, Alberta Arts, and Mississippi Avenue--are 15 minutes away. We're also on the east side of the city, where it's easy to hop on the freeway to the Columbia River Gorge, which is listed as a National Scenic Area.
We are in walking distance is 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 is just around the corner, and their fresh French crullers with maple icing are well worth the stroll. And for those interested in meditation, Dharma Rain Zen Center is 10 minutes by car, as is the Grotto.
Espresso and croissants worthy of Portland's food culture are also 10 minutes by car over at Grand Central Bakery and Jim and Patty's on Fremont, as is Black Bird, an excellent unpretentious wine bar.
Our neighborhood is safe to jog in and walk at night. Families with young children grace 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.
NOTE: The Johnson House donates a portion of its proceeds to the following: The Northeast Community Center.
Property manager
Jean Johnson
Languages
English
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets 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
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
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Portland
Located in Northeast Portland, a neighbourhood in Portland, this apartment is in the mountains and by the sea. Cascade Station and Vancouver Mall 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. Check out an event or a game at Moda Center, and consider making time for Oregon Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like hiking, ecotours and cycling nearby.

Portland, OR
What's nearby
- The Grotto - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
- Cascade Station - 6 min drive - 4.8 km
- Lloyd Center - 8 min drive - 6.5 km
- Oregon Convention Center - 8 min drive - 7.0 km
- Moda Center - 10 min drive - 8.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 10 min walk
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 7 min walk
- Namaste Indian Cuisine - Sandy Blvd - 10 min walk
- Ki’ikibáa - 9 min walk
- Cameo Cafe - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
7 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 17 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Connie Z.
20 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
Connie Z.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lupin D.
16 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A restful space
Lupin D.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Justin
14 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Justin
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather H.
7 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Stay for some R&R
Heather H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Casey D.
24 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely, historical cabin
Casey D.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Loraine
15 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loraine
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katherine L.
30 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Little jewel in Portland, Oregon.
Katherine L.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ryx T.
26 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Homey Garden Oasis in the City
Ryx T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer S.
15 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect peaceful retreat
Jennifer S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Talia L.
4 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
comfortable and clean
Talia L.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Talia L.
1 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely garden stay
Talia L.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Fwu Cherng S.
28 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Taste of heritage with a modern touch
Fwu Cherng S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Paige P.
25 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
Paige P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sarah
12 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Sarah
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brian and Maureen M.
23 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful, Cozy Space
Brian and Maureen M.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
judy h., granger, WA
16 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
enjoyed
judy h.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
daisy
21 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
wonderful!
daisy
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Brenda S., Little Falls, USA
28 August 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Time
Brenda S.
Stayed 12 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Diana C.
20 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming Comfy Cottage
Diana C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Mary M.
12 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place!
Mary M.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Laura H.
8 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Hospitable Suite jn a Great Neighborhood
Laura H.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Andrew C.
18 April 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent Cabin!
Andrew C.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023
8/10 Good
Anne
26 November 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Anne
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Tammy B.
25 November 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
quiet get away
Tammy B.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022
About the host
Hosted by Jean Johnson

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 a small local company, Riverside Realty. 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.
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 affordable place 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.
For those who appreciate charm, this homestay is all about artful presentation--from the curbside gardens to the tumbled stone showers to family furnishings and appointments. We are artists at heart here, and we like sharing our world with our guests.
For those who appreciate charm, this homestay is all about artful presentation--from the curbside gardens to the tumbled stone showers to family furnishings and appointments. We are artists at heart here, and we like sharing our world with our guests.
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.
Languages:
English
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