A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Patio
Internet
Refrigerator
Onsite parking available
Dryer
Non-smoking
Explore the area
Portland, OR
Glenhaven Park
Place, Glenhaven Park
6 min walk
The Grotto
Place, The Grotto
12 min walk
Rose City Golf Course
Place, Rose City Golf Course
20 min walk
Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)
Airport, Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)
8 min drive
Where you'll sleep
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Studio
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown
Yes, Auntie's is a basement studio, but it has a 5-star shower and a double window for extra natural light. Also it's affordable. Here's our advert:
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.
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 where pets are accepted as well.
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, french press, hot water caddy. -Bathroom with shower in terra cotta tiles, hand-painted Talavera sink from Mexico -Wireless internet, high speed -Smart TV screen for your devices -Free street parking directly in front of the house -Private front patio outside egress windows for Auntie's guests -Side patio for outdoor dining & lounging (LL Bean table) -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.
TELEPHONE: ATT plans and iPhone 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 bedroom suite for 20 years. 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).
GUEST COMMENTS:
"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
"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
"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
"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
MORE INFORMATION ON OUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD
We Johnson's are of the mind that life is art, and the family has owned this cottage 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 family history that offers a unique glimpse into what Portland is all about. 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 the family's produce year round. She preserves for the family's winter use, and of course no chemicals need apply.
Our LL Bean picnic table seats 6 under the umbrella, and small stone fountain completes the dining area 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 Fairley's Pharmacy, the only drug store from the 1920s left standing in the city. 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--esp in the evening when they are warm, fresh from the baker.
Espresso and croissants worthy of Portland's food culture are 5 minutes by car over at Grand Central Bakery where Black Bird Wine Bar serves up fine fare in the evenings.
Our neighborhood is safe where families have moved in and raised their kids. We regularly walk in the evening after dark and feel comfortable.
Happy trails...We hope to see you soon.
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No flames of any kind in the studio. This includes candles, candles in jars, matches.
We are scent free here. Please do not use any air fresheners in the studio.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO
Property # 724637vb
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Portland
Located in Portland, this holiday home is in the city centre. Hollywood Theater and Alberta Rose Theatre are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Washington Square Mall and Belmont. Check out an event or a game at Moda Center, and consider making time for Oregon Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Kayaking offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with rock climbing, hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Portland International Airport (PDX) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 8 min walk
McDonald's - 10 min walk
Cameo Cafe - 8 min walk
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - 7 min walk
My-O-My - 14 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown?
As of 27 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown on 28 September 2026 start from NZ$497, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown?
On-site parking is available at the property.
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 Hollywood Theater and Providence Portland Medical Center. Alberta Street and Mt Tabor Park are also within 3 miles (5 km). Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center is 24 minutes by foot and NE 82nd Avenue Station is 26 minutes.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very cozy, clearly a well-loved space. Quiet, walking distance to delicious food. Truly as advertised and a place I would love to visit again. Jean is a great host, and the place was super comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 August 2026
Glad you like Auntie's. It truly is a hideaway, and we very much enjoyed hosting you. Come back any time!
Stating in a basement doesn’t sound good, but this daylight basement breaks the mold! Quite literally, no mold! We had a great three nights in the place. Jean is a great host and historian of the neighborhood. Very convenient location too. If you stay, check out the actual Jug Pub! Great burgers
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2026
Right on--definitely no mold in Auntie's as our proper aunt whose bedroom this studio used to be would have never tolerated it. We've been doing right here at The Johnson House for 3 generations and plan to keep on keeping up! So pleased you folks enjoyed your stay with us.
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.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 23 October 2022
Great hosting you and Michelle, Keith, and glad you folks enjoyed Portland and coming home to Auntie's each evening. Happy trails.
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
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!
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
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 November 2024
Haley & Danny--You guys are the best. So glad you felt at home here in Auntie's. Rest assured our welcome mat will always be out for you. Jean & Family
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 💚
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
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2024
I'm not sure what Ivan means by being "very hands on." We have always met our guests in person and had them fill out the log book which is required by the City of Portland. To us it seems part of the homestay welcome, and Ivan wanting a "contactless check in" seems odd and off-putting to us. More he didin't mention it when he inquired, as if he would have, we would have suggested he look elsewhere. We are friendly and welcoming here at our house. Guests have their own entrance and after our first welcome meeting, we often don't see guests again. We do, however, want to meet in person whoever is staying here at our home. All I can say is "what is this younger generation coming to!"
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
Response from VrboOwner on 28 September 2022
Thanks for the nice words Jim. We enjoyed hosting you as well.
Archival
8/10 Good
Tanya R.
23 August 2015
Auntie's Hideaway
Jean was very helpful. She was able to give us suggestions on places to go while in Portland as well as in other places to stay on the Washington coast. The suite was comfortable and cute. It was very homey. The backyard is very peaceful with the garden and various places to relax. The drive downtown was further than we anticipated, but fairly easy to navigate. I was able to run safely in the surrounding neighbourhood, and enjoyed looking at the homes and yards along my run. And yes the the shower is fabulous. It felt very peaceful.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Thanks for your review, Tanya. Yes, our neighborhood is entirely safe for strolling and running in the mornings and after dark as well. We love it here--especially since nearby Sandy Boulevard makes getting around town so easy. We're not sure what you were expecting for a safe, crime-free residential area with ample parking, but it is about 20 minutes to downtown from here.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
melissa p.
5 September 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!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Ahh Melissa. Most of my charming guests get it, but some really, really do. What can I say other than, "It takes two to tango!"
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Deneese W.
14 July 2016
Perfect Place for Relaxing Down Time
My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary and wanted something different. Auntie's was just that and it was more wonderful than imagined. The privacy, amenities and scenery were amazing! She had a front patio area with chairs and a small table we relaxed in after our days in the city. To come "home" after being in the city and truly having peace and quiet was a refreshing change of pace. Because there was a fridge, coffee pot, GRILL and more we were actually able to have some meals at "home" to save money. It was only a short (and very easy) drive to Lloyd Center where we parked free and rode the Max to get around the city.
Jean was very knowledgeable about the area and friendly. Even though she was there, it was not uncomfortable for us to not chit chat with her. She allowed us to have privacy even when on the back patio enjoying the use of the grill! What a great place to spend our time.
We would stay again in a heartbeat. I would not take my children there as it would remove some of the peace and quiet we appreciated so much. I have recommended Grandpa's Bunkhouse to my in-laws already. Auntie's has a steep staircase to get in and out of it.
This really is an amazing place and Jean has done a wonderful job making it feel like a home away from home.
Response from VrboOwner on 22 March 2020
Hey Deneese,
Thanks for your nice remarks on Auntie's. We so enjoyed hosting you and Kevin for your anniversary.
A couple, things, though--We do host people traveling with children here and as you might have noted, our street has a number of families with young kids.
And secondly, the stairs that go downstairs to Auntie's are regular stairs and up to code entirely. We wouldn't characterize them as "steep." Rather they are a solidly built set of stairs with a sturdy handrail, skidded steps, and beautifully painted walls. In other words, "finished" and appropriate. ...Just wouldn't other guests to be frightened away by the word steep. Indeed, to operate we have had everything inspected by the City and our stairway downstairs is considered several cuts above the average. Best, Jean Johnson & Family
Jean is a very welcoming and friendly host. This property is located in a very walkable NE Portland neighborhood. The gardens are beautiful. We didn't actually spend much time there because we were spending long days with family for a family reunion but the location was perfect for what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2026
Thanks for your comments, Mary. We enjoyed you folks and your larger family too. It was great meeting everyone. We're also glad you liked staying with us and found Auntie's just ticket while you visited family. Our welcome mat will always be out for you should you come this way again. Jean & Family
Just our size and location, very comfortable and most hospitable host.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2022
Esther and Brent were delightful guests: friendly, courteous, and took good care of our studio. Our welcome mat will always be out for this lovely couple.
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.
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.
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
About the host
Hosted by Jean Johnson
Host Background: Jean a retired historian (20th century US, secondary field in Modern East Asia) and four season no-chem (organic) gardener. A native Portlander, she has very much enjoyed hosting travelers since 2005 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
We did not choose this neighborhood. Grandpa and Grandma did! They bought the cottage in 1950 for their retirement after raising 2 kids across town in a larger Tudor.
We are 2 blocks from Portland's major Sandy Boulevard. Here guests get the best of both worlds: A quiet 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 trendy neighborhoods and downtown.
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 4-season no-chem gardens that supply 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 attending ballet and tango classes, going to the farmer's market, out for a traditional Chinese foot massage, bicycling, or walking Portland's neighborhoods.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests