Artful, Rustic Studio w/ 5-star shower---Sustainable Ethic, 20 min to Downtown

Yes, Auntie's is our affordable studio because it is a daylight basement in our main house where you'll hear the doings of a household above and the furnace/ac. It is nice with a 5-star shower, double window for extra natural light, and a small galley. If you need complete quiet, we suggest our more expensive backyard cabin. But, hey! The price is right! Also it 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.

Here are the particulars:

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 & come in later at night, so if you are a light sleeper or want more privacy we recommend our more expensive backyard cabin, Grandpa's Bunkhouse #594594 where pets are accepted and there is a washer/dryer.

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
-Bistro table 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 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.

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, stunning shower, and a budget price point (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.