Entire home
Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown
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Reviews
9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2400 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Portland, OR
- Place, Roseway Theater5 min walk
- Place, The Grotto12 min walk
- Place, Rose City Golf Course18 min walk
- Airport, Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)8 min drive
Rooms & beds
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
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.
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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor Space
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8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (2 reviews)
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
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
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO
About the neighborhood
Portland
Located in Portland, this vacation home is in the city center. Hollywood Theater and Hawthorne Theatre are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Belmont and Cascade Station. 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 hiking, rock climbing, and cycling nearby.

Portland, OR
What's nearby
- Roseway Theater - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
- Glenhaven Park - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
- The Grotto - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
- Rose City Golf Course - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
- Colwood National Golf Course - 5 min drive - 3.1 km
Getting around
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
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.6/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
May 27, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
keith b.
Oct 23, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thebatchelor6adventures
keith b.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Fee T.
Oct 18, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable room.
Fee T.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
10/10 Excellent
Haley G.
Nov 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Retreat in the Middle of Portland
Haley G.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Barbara G.
Sep 7, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grampa's cottage
Barbara G.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Abby O.
Oct 12, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy! Felt like I was staying with family!
Abby O.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
8/10 Good
Ivan H.
Jun 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place on a quiet street.
Ivan H.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Daney C.
Aug 31, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Coziest of stays
Daney C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
10/10 Excellent
Jim M.
Sep 27, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Portland neighborhood living
Jim M.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
8/10 Good
Tanya R.
Aug 23, 2015
Auntie's Hideaway
Tanya R.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
melissa p., Temple, TX
Sep 5, 2017
Funky, funky but chic!
melissa p.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Deneese W.
Jul 14, 2016
Perfect Place for Relaxing Down Time
Deneese W.
10/10 Excellent
Esther T.
Mar 16, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy Abode
Esther T.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
8/10 Good
Britt S.
Sep 25, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful Retreat
Britt S.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
8/10 Good
KATHLEEN R.
Jul 16, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint Studio
KATHLEEN R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
10/10 Excellent
Kellie G.
Apr 18, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A real home stay
Kellie G.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
8/10 Good
Audrey K.
Mar 25, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute, homey place with amazing shower
Audrey K.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021
10/10 Excellent
DeLoris S.
Sep 6, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Annie’s
DeLoris S.
Stayed 16 nights in Aug 2020
10/10 Excellent
Jan Monteyne M.
Aug 11, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Portland Basement Suite
Jan Monteyne M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
6/10 Okay
Bev F., United States
Apr 16, 2018
Quaint and Charming
Bev F.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
8/10 Good
Valerie C., Fort Collins, Colorado
Aug 28, 2017
Great spot for a long weekend!
Valerie C.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Marina S.
Jul 17, 2017
Cozy, private, quiet, excellent location
Marina S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
8/10 Good
Philip L.
Jul 13, 2017
excellent; as described; historical "Auntie" artifacts
Philip L.
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
8/10 Good
Jul 7, 2017
Quaint, homey, I covet that rug.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Derek S.
Jun 22, 2017
Cozy and convenient
Derek S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2017
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 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.
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.
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
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