Apartment

Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower

Apartment in Portland with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower

Private kitchen
Looking out on the organic garden.
Queen bed in Grandpa's with LL Bean comforter & linens. Grandma's crochet work.
Private kitchen
Skylight in cottage shower. Note the rainhead and terra cotta tile that Jean did

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 237.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Breakfast available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Portland, OR
  • Place, The Grotto
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Cascade Station
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Moda Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower

Savings Alert: We're just back to VRBO so to get our search rank up there, we're offering bargain rates (from the $179/nt that Grandpa's often goes for). We've hosted for 20 years and have a solid track record with great reviews.

Grandpa's Bunkhouse is a stand-alone cabin in our backyard kitchen garden, and it really was our grandfather's. Expect pride of ownership from 3 generations, appointments that speak to family and Pacific Northwest history, and a homestay that is simply a cut above.



AMENITIES
-Kitchen w/ copper farm sink & compact range and refrigerator--We repurposed Grandpa's old-growth fir workbench for the counter
-Coffee maker with wear-ever filter
-Queen bed with linens from LL Bean
-Bathroom with 5-star tumbled stone shower, rain head, skylight
-Vaulted 14 foot yellow cedar ceiling
-French doors open out onto 4-season organic garden
-Mitsubishi mini-split for heating and ac
-Washer/Dryer
-Wireless internet
-Smart TV screen for your devices
-Patio in common area for outdoor dining & lounging
-Weber gas grill in common area
-Sustainable no-chem gardens front, back, curbside
-Private covered porch with seating

Our grandparents bought the main house for their retirement, and it's been in the family since 1950. We have enjoyed hosting travelers since 2005 first in our daylight basement studio, Auntie's Hideaway (#724637), and since 2014 in our backyard cabin Grandpa's Bunkhouse (#594594).

We accept dogs & cats guests in both studios. Our pet guest fee is $75 per pet guest per stay.

We are fragrance free here and ask guests to use no air deodorizers or scented laundry products.

LOCATION OFF MAJOR BOULEVARD:
-Easy access to downtown (20 min), airport (10 min) and the Columbia River Gorge. We are 2 blocks off Sandy Blvd, one of Portland's major thoroughfares which makes getting around quite speedy.
-15 minutes from 3 of Portland's Eastside neighborhood districts: the Beaumont, Mississippi Avenue, and Alberta Arts

FELINE ALERT: We have 2 cats who roam the premises, so we cannot host travelers with allergies.

PARKING: Ample free street parking in front of our home.

BIKE: Secure (uncovered) tethering for bikes in the backyard. Bring your own cable and padlock as the posts are too large for u-locks.

INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARDS: There is an additional charge for using international cards. Please inquire.

MORE INFORMATION ON OUR HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD

We Johnson's are of the mind that life is art, and we've had this property since 1950. So whether you choose our more affordable lower level basement suite with galley and stunning shower (Auntie's Hideaway) or our lovely stand-alone backyard studio with vaulted ceilings (Grandpa's Bunkhouse), 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 reminiscent of a Tuscan garden. Between the back beds and the front curbside gardens, your host Jean Johnson, grows much of the family's own organic produce year round.

Our LL Bean picnic table seats 6. A flower garden and fountain make for an exceedingly inviting scene.

*The Neighborhood: We are 10 minutes from the airport and 20 to downtown. Also 3 of Portland's hip neighborhoods--The Beaumont, Alberta Arts, and Mississippi Avenue--are 15 minutes away. We're also on the east side of the city, where it's easy to hop on the freeway to the Columbia River Gorge, which is listed as a National Scenic Area.

We are in walking distance is 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 is just around the corner, and their fresh French crullers with maple icing are well worth the stroll. And for those interested in meditation, Dharma Rain Zen Center is 10 minutes by car, as is the Grotto.

Espresso and croissants worthy of Portland's food culture are also 10 minutes by car over at Grand Central Bakery and Jim and Patty's on Fremont, as is Black Bird, an excellent unpretentious wine bar.

Our neighborhood is safe to jog in and walk at night. Families with young children grace 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.

NOTE: The Johnson House donates a portion of its proceeds to the following: The Northeast Community Center.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Please do up your own dishes. Then just leave the key on the table. Finally, if you enjoyed your stay in Grandpa’s, please leave a few words of review. Happy trails. The Johnson House, Est 2005
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Tobacco smoking and vaping is not acceptable here, both inside the studio and outside in the yard or in front of our home.

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
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
Property Registration Number 14-240877-000-00-HO

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Portland

Located in Northeast Portland, a neighbourhood in Portland, this apartment is in the mountains and by the sea. Jantzen Beach Center and Vancouver Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Oregon Zoo. Ready for a night out? Consider Roseland Theater and McMenamins Crystal Ballroom. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, cycling and ecotours nearby.
Map
Portland, OR

What's nearby

  • The Grotto - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Cascade Station - 6 min drive - 4.1 km
  • Lloyd Center - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Oregon Convention Center - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Moda Center - 9 min drive - 8.2 km

Getting around

  • Parkrose-Sumner Transit Center - 3 min drive
  • Portland Union Station - 20 min drive
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Bag O' Crab - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Cameo Cafe - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Artful, Rustic Backyard Cabin-Sustainable Ethic, Downtown 20 Min, 5-Star Shower located?

Located in Northeast Portland, this apartment building is 0.6 mi (1 km) from The Grotto and within 3 miles (5 km) of Colwood National Golf Course and Providence Portland Medical Center. Portland Air National Guard Base and Alberta Street 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

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 89 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 102 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dorci N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jean was wonderful and so knowledgeable about the area. We thoroughly enjoyed chatting with her, and the cabin was perfect for our stay! Great location, close to everything we wanted to do, super quiet, and very safe.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

sarah r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grandpas is in the perfect spot. So much life and so much to do in the area. The neighborhood was beautiful as was the property. Jean is the sweetest person and made the whole experience such a joy.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Linh B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoy the quaint atmosphere.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Lovely!

Exactly as described but you have to experience it to fully appreciate this amazing place. This was the ideal home base for our Portland visit and Jean is a delightful host.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

C B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I stayed here because it was a unique property, close to family I was visiting and pet friendly (I was traveling with my little dog ). I really only slept there but it was a very peaceful, cozy spot. Jean, the host, is lovely and accommodating. I would definitely stay here again and hopefully spend more time enjoying the property!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Portland stay

I felt very safe in the little cabin. I loved Jean’s garden. She as a nice host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kathryn T.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Check in with complicated as guests have to physically sign into a log book. Although we gave advance notice of when we would arrive the owner was not able to be there so there was a lot of back and forth about when we could actually sign into the guest book. Otherwise the place was great, clean, easy to head downtown. Comfy bed and super cool bathroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

theresa c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing weekend

We enjoyed our stay and was relaxing, definitely will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Talia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely garden stay

so happy to have a serene, comfortable place to stay close to the airport. The beautiful garden surrounding the rental was a bonus! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Talia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

comfortable and clean

Our 2nd stay here during our trip to Portland. It's comfortable, clean and convenient to airport. The surrounding garden provides a private and meditative experience.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bix W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cozy cottage

The unit is very charming. Jean is a perfect host, only sad I didn’t get to meet her kitties (they are shy and it was raining). Did get to meet the very friendly nextdoor kitty though!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Hospitable Suite jn a Great Neighborhood

Jean was the best, a discreet host of this extremely comfortable cottage. I had a completely comfortable stay during a working visit to Portland. Returning to Roseway after an active and tiring day was a pleasure. Utterly accommodating 5 star host.
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tammy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

quiet get away

beautiful cabin/cottage tucked in Portland, OR. Close to everything, but back out of the way so it is quiet and relaxing. The owner was very nice and helpful. We would definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela H., -

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Adorable

This little house is adorable and has what you need for a trip to Portland. It’s close to a bus line, easy access to the freeway, couple of places in walking distance. The cottage was rustic but comfortable. 10 out of 10 recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy Sherwood S., Aldie, Virginia, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful place

I really found the property to be very comfortable and welcoming. It had everything I needed. Thoughtfully decorated with items reflecting that the owner's grandfather had owned the space and had used it as a garage. You wouldn't know that it was ever a garage, it was a lovely cottage. I have recommended it to family who might be visiting Portland, and hope to stay again when I visit Portland in the future
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Piers A., Frederick, MD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Parkrose Gem

This is a compact, but lovely space. The unit is nicely finished. It is fully equipped. It is very convenient to 84, 205 and the airport. The neighborhood is quiet at night. It is perfect for a single person or a couple.
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marika B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very comfortable and relaxing environment. I have extended my stay here.

The unusually warm weather has been thoroughly enjoyed with me and the garden basking in the sun. I've had nice walks in the neighborhood. The host has a marked map on the wall ofplaces nearby to visit. The Bunkhouse is perfect for my needs. I love how Grandfather's belongings aren't tucked away, but are on display and add to the charm. The bathroom and kitchen sinks are super cool, too!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The decor included unique family historical items that were very interesting. My own grandpa was a mechanic at a garage, so the environment was homey for us. We especially liked the well loved poker chips and cards! The shower really was 5 star. We could walk to nearby family and for food and shopping. The neighborhood was still in fall color display, beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Fwu Cherng S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Taste of heritage with a modern touch

This is my first trip to the USA and the city of Portland, Oregon too. I was looking for a short stay where I can experience life like any ordinary American living in their home and city. Jean was a great host for Grandpa's and she has a nice touch with the interior of the cabin, which is well maintain as well as applying some essential upgrades so that it's modernized while still retaining the originality of Grandpa's structural integrity. Jean also have her garden fill with seasonal farm produce which she grown herself. I had a great experience in picking some raspberries myself, that's a first experience for me too. The cabin is just nice and cozy enough for two persons, but I have it for myself, which was great~~ Furthermore, Jean also introduced me some aspects of the surrounding areas in the neighborhood, where supermarkets like Safeway is just less than 5 min walk. Great for people who likes to cook their meal, where I did just that, very satisfying. And if you prefer to get more, bus 12 can take you to whole food markets too. Overall, the neighborhood is safe and quiet, as I have no trouble roaming either day or night. Last but not least, the cats are a little shy (to me) but they are definitely cute!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Linda V., San Antonio

Cozy & perfect for two!

We stayed in Grandpa's Bunk for 5 nights and enjoyed the comfortable queen bed, large rain spout shower, and full kitchen. The bunkhouse is actually the family's garage & workshop converted into a studio apartment w/all the amenities needed to provide a warm and welcoming environment. Jean has decorated with her family's heirlooms, including family pictures and her grandfather's workshop tools and lots of travel brochures for the area, as well as plenty of books & cookbooks. She had left a homemade appetizer on the table to welcome us as well as seltzer water to refresh us after our drive in from the coast. When she arrived shortly after, she oriented us to the area, provided valuable information about what to visit and how to get there, as well as tips about area restaurants and the neighborhood. The neighborhood is very eclectic with plenty of small Asian and other ethnic restaurants within walking distance. The property is close to the Hollywood district, which also has lots of shops and restaurants to wander around and within a couple of miles of other neighborhoods with charming Craftsman style homes and beautiful architectural icons, such as the Baghdad Theater. It is also about a 10-15 minute drive from the airport, which was great when we returned our rental car and met our flight. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Portland and plan to go again. We will certainly contact Jean to see if Grandpa''s Bunk is available for our stay. It was perfectly located and charmingly appointed for our stay.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clear communication and clean accommodations. Within walking distance to good cafes and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregorio

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We very much enjoyed our stay at Grandpa’s cabin. It’s very quiet and private yet close to restaurants and shops. We found it to be tastefully decorated and had all the amenities we needed. Our hostess Jean went out of her way to accommodate us and make sure we had everything that we needed. Grandpa’s Cabin will definitely be at the top of our list for future visits to Portland.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a wonderful fully equipped studio in a very Zen back yard setting. It's super quiet, decorated like your family's generational mountain cabin and incredibly comfortable. The owner is super kind and you can tell she takes a lot of pride in her rental - cares that you are truly comfortable. It has many well thought out conveniences along with sweet little sentimental notes that explain some of the cherished family items that are sprinkled throughout. This will absolutely be my go-to rental whenever I'm visiting the Portland area, easy to get around the entire city from there plus plenty of available street parking which makes for a short walk to the unit day and night. Homey and delightful, very highly recommend!
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jean is a very friendly host, and Grandpa’s Cabin was clean and comfortable.
The outside of Grandpa’s Cabin
The kitchen - the lights are especially lovely.
Comfortable recliner with a reading lamp.
The bedroom area.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Host

Our host Jean was wonderful. My husband and I experienced such a relaxing visit here. EVERYTHING you could possibly need when going on vacation, Jean provides in this cozy space. Her garden and outside patio added a “spiritual touch.” I also must mention the AWESOME shower! When we visit Portland again, we’ll definitely stay here!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Jean Johnson

Host profile image
Host Background: Jean a retired educator & historian, four season organic gardener, and student of ballet & Argentine tango. A native Portlander, she has very much enjoyed hosting travelers over the past 20 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.

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 affordable place 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.

For those who appreciate charm, this homestay is all about artful presentation--from the curbside gardens to the tumbled stone showers to family furnishings and appointments. We are artists at heart here, and we like sharing our world with our guests.

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.



Languages:

English

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