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.
