Urban Nature Hideaway with Garden Sauna Retreat

Welcome to our Urban Nature Hideaway... an artful, private garden apartment tucked into a peaceful sanctuary in the charming Ardenwald neighborhood of Milwaukie, just 10 minutes from downtown Portland.

Nature-inspired touches invite you to slow down and unwind. Guests often describe the space as peaceful, welcoming and more beautiful in person. You can also reserve our handcrafted outdoor wood-burning sauna and refreshing cold soak for an added wellness experience during your stay.

ABOUT THE SPACE

Our private basement apartment is designed for comfort, ease... and a deeper exhale. It accommodates up to 3 guests (4 depending on age and size), and works beautifully for solo travelers, couples, friends, business travelers and small families.

The living space is simple, clean and thoughtfully arranged so you can settle in without effort. Guests often comment on how peaceful and intuitively prepared everything feels... from clearly organized essentials to the small touches that make daily living flow effortlessly.

The mid-century kitchen is fully equipped with:

• Full-size refrigerator
• Induction 2-burner cooktop
• Toaster oven and toaster
• Electric kettle and coffee maker
• Cookware, dishes and cutlery
• Oils, spices, teas, creamer and local coffee

Whether you're preparing a quick breakfast before exploring Portland or settling in for a quiet evening meal, you'll have what you need.

The plant-filled bedroom features a queen-size bed with organic cotton and wool bedding. The living area offers a comfortable futon for additional sleeping, along with an open sitting space designed for rest, complete with books, natural textures, meditation chairs and a yoga mat.

Fast Wi-Fi, thoughtful lighting and the peaceful atmosphere make the apartment an inviting place for reading, writing, working remotely or settling in for a longer stay.

Families especially appreciate the handcrafted wooden toys, books, puzzles and creative play materials that invite imagination and time together.

BEDROOM + BATHROOM

The bedroom offers a comfortable queen-size bed with natural-material bedding and a peaceful, plant-filled atmosphere.

The bathroom includes a shower, toilet and sink, with towels and robes provided.

You'll also have your own washer and dryer within the apartment, along with natural cleaning products and household cleaning supplies.

GARDEN + OUTDOOR WELLNESS

Tucked into the backyard garden, guests may reserve our handcrafted wood-burning sauna and cold soak for an additional fee.

Originally built decades ago as a playhouse, the structure was lovingly restored by our family into a rustic outdoor wellness retreat. It has become one of our favorite guest experiences - especially on cool mornings, rainy afternoons and quiet evenings beneath the trees.

Sauna + cold soak sessions include:

• One bundle of sauna wood
• Fire starters and lighter
• Towels
• Bathrobes
• Cold soak access
• Optional host guidance for first-time use

Sessions are coordinated directly with us during your stay. We are happy to help get the sauna fire started or show you how to use the space if you'd like.

The garden is a living part of the experience, with mature plants, flowers, herbs and seasonal produce, along with our chickens and shy quail nearby. Guests are welcome to enjoy the shared backyard garden and outdoor seating areas while respecting the rhythms and privacy of our family.

GUEST ACCESS + ARRIVAL

You'll have full private access to the apartment, with a separate entrance and keypad for easy self check-in.

Arrival is part of the experience. Follow a softly lit stone path through the garden to your private entrance in the backyard. The apartment is a lower-level/basement apartment accessed by an outdoor staircase.

Free street parking is available directly in front of our home.

Public transportation is close by, with a bus stop within walking distance and the MAX Orange Line less than a mile away.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Ardenwald is a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood with nearby parks, green spaces, walking routes and bike paths.

We're conveniently located between Sellwood, Woodstock and downtown Milwaukie, with easy access to downtown Portland and the surrounding area.

Nearby you'll find local cafés, restaurants, farmers markets, antique shops, bookstores, neighborhood events and other small local businesses.

A favorite neighborhood café is a pleasant 5-minute walk from the apartment - an easy place to begin a slow morning with coffee and breakfast.

OUR HOME + HOSTING

Our family lives upstairs in the main home and follows a simple rhythm, with quiet evenings and mornings. Quiet hours are 10pm–6am. As with many lower-level apartments, you can hear muffled footsteps, movement and voices during our daily comings and goings.

We offer the kind of hosting that feels like a warm welcome without intrusion. Whether you prefer complete privacy or friendly connection, we honor your pace. We're nearby and available by message if anything comes up, and we're happy to offer local recommendations or help make your stay easier.

Our backyard is a shared common space. You'll see our family tending the gardens, caring for the animals and moving through our daily life here. Feel free to say hello.

OUR URBAN MICRO-FARM

Our small urban micro-farm is part of what makes staying here unique.

You'll encounter friendly chickens, shy quail, three cats and two dogs - Cora, our older dog, and Thea, our young Golden Retriever. Both dogs are friendly and joyful, though you may hear a bit of excitement from Thea during transitions of the day.

We also care for two honeybee hives that help pollinate the gardens and surrounding landscape. The hives are tucked away from the apartment entrance and main walking paths.

During the growing season, we're delighted to share a sampling of fresh eggs from our backyard flock, along with herbs, fruits and vegetables from the garden whenever available.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

• Smoke-free and vape-free property
• Quiet hours: 10pm–6am
• Shared backyard gardens and space
• Private apartment entrance
• Outdoor staircase to the lower-level apartment
• Free street parking
• Fast Wi-Fi
• Washer and dryer
• Optional sauna + cold soak experience

We ask that guests treat our home, garden, animals and land with care and respect.

This is more than a place to stay. It's a lovingly tended refuge created to restore, inspire and offer a place to land while visiting Portland.

We look forward to welcoming you.