Cool tiny home near wooded park, transit, dining
Entire guesthouse in Portland, Oregon, United States
- 2 guests
- Studio
- 2 beds
- 1 bath
Rated 4.94 out of 5 stars.128 reviews
Hosted by Martin
- 13 years hosting
Listing highlights
Converted century-old tiny house
A 440 sq ft converted garage with a gas fireplace, loft bedroom, and linen bedding
Small but complete kitchen
A compact kitchen with a gas cooktop, convection oven, and pour-over coffee setup
A sweet retreat in the heart of a walkable, bikeable neighborhood, just steps away from a 170-acre forested park and a transit stop. The little purple house is a great home-base for exploring the city, and a wonderful place to savor time alone or with one close friend. Shops and nightlife are 0.5 miles away on Hawthorne and Division streets, or stay home with coffee beans and linen bedding. There are substantial discounts for stays of 30+ days -- put in your exact dates for an exact price.
The space
If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in a well-designed small house, you can find out here.
We converted this 100-year-old garage into a cozy 440 square foot home. It’s excellent for one person, and can be very good for two people who are suited to living closely (and depending on mattress preferences.)
TWO BEDS
- A comfy, full-size bed in the loft (54 x 75 inches, slightly smaller than queen). A real bed on a low frame, with somewhat low head room.
- A twin "twilight sleeper" sofa downstairs. It's a convertible sofa worth sleeping on. It's got a firm foam mattress in Twin XL size (39x80 inches), which is good for a taller person. The conversion is simple -- you just move the big bolster back and put on the sheets.
SMALL, COMPLETE KITCHEN
You can cook here. The kitchen has a 2-burner gas cooktop, convection oven/microwave, standard fridge, basic cooking supplies and bright Fiestaware dishes. There’s a Chemex and electric kettle for brewing the coffee beans and tea leaves we provide. The only thing missing here is a full size oven, but as long as you're not making whole turkeys you’ll be okay.
BATHROOM
Plain but nice, with a skylight and shower stall (no tub.)
A COOL, SPECIAL STAIRCASE
Standard stairways take up too much volume for tiny houses. An alternating tread stairway saves space while feeling comfortable by giving separate treads for left and right feet. It really works. There's just one rule -- ALWAYS hold on to the banister.
OUTSIDE
There is a tiny sitting area (two chairs and a cafe-sized table) that is right next to the hosts' house.
FEATURED ON HGTV
The house was featured for its thoughtful and green use of a small space. Check out the:
- alternating tread stairway
- cozy loft
- concrete counters
- nicely equipped kitchen
- oculus that passes light into the kitchen
- classic bent-plywood lounge chairs
- abundant natural light
- huge bolster on the Twilight sleep sofa.
Green features include:
- Double wall structure with lots of insulation
- High efficiency gas fireplace controlled by thermostat
- LED lights throughout
- Tankless hot water heater
- Original siding
- Cork floor in loft
- Resurfaced concrete floor on main level
Guest access
The purple house is a separate building, and you'll have your own entry and own keys. We will provide details for self check-in when your trip approaches.
Parking is on the street only, but it is free and always available. We are very close to public transportation, too, and encourage you to try the bus or bikes. Just two blocks from the house you can get on a “bike boulevard”—a residential street designed to prioritize bicycling.
Other things to note
YOUR HOSTS
We're Martin and Larissa (husband and wife team) and we host the purple house. We live right next door in a slightly bigger house, and at least one of us will be in town during your stay. We will say hello and promptly answer any questions, but generally leave you alone unless you want to talk. We're happy to give tips, directions, and recommendations for things to do and places to eat in the city, as well as hikes, swimming holes and more outside of Portland.
The best way to contact us is to message Martin through the airbnb system.
DISCOUNTS FOR LONG-TERM STAYS
We offer substantial discounts for stays over 31-days. Put in your exact dates to get a price. Bonus: long-term guests get their linen sheets changed every week.
KIDS?
Most kids love the space, and immediately go to play in the loft and peek down through the plexiglass oculus. However, the loft is high and the floor below is concrete. If your kid has a natural idea of how to move safely in such an environment—for example if they would not climb on the safety railing—they’ll be fine. Not every kid fits this description (consider a typical 2-year old) but for those who do, this can be a very special retreat.
PETS?
We regretfully don’t allow animals in the tiny house.
NO TV, YES INTERNET
The house has no TVs or screens. We do provide wifi, and speed tests give results of >50 Mbps. You are sharing the connection with the host's household, but there hasn't been a problem yet.
A LITTLE LIBRARY
A selection of paperbacks, heavy on scifi and romance, is hidden in the loft, so you can hide away with a fun book.
TRAILS, TENNIS & BASKETBALL COURTS, PLAYGROUND
Just a block away, Mt. Tabor Park is a huge, forested park, and - BONUS - it's a dormant volcano. It offers lush green trails, historic reservoirs, and beautiful old buildings and lampposts that make for interesting and pretty walks or runs. At the top, you’ll see fantastic views of downtown and Portland’s brilliant sunsets.
The park has free tennis and basketball courts and a playground. Some require walking (or driving) uphill.
NO SMOKING
No smoking or vaping is allowed on the premises, inside or outside the house, including cannabis.
IS THERE AIR CONDITIONING?
No. Summer guests please note, there are fans provided but no A.C.! Portland generally has a mild climate and the house is well insulated. However, there are a few hot spells each summer. We have fans.
LAUNDRY?
None on the premises. The closest laundromat is 1 mile away.
STRAIGHTFORWARD FEES
We like to keep arrangements straightforward. We charge no cleaning fee, and we request only a modest security deposit (which is held and returned by AirBnb).
Registration details
14-216770-000-00-HO
The space
If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in a well-designed small house, you can find out here.
We converted this 100-year-old garage into a cozy 440 square foot home. It’s excellent for one person, and can be very good for two people who are suited to living closely (and depending on mattress preferences.)
TWO BEDS
- A comfy, full-size bed in the loft (54 x 75 inches, slightly smaller than queen). A real bed on a low frame, with somewhat low head room.
- A twin "twilight sleeper" sofa downstairs. It's a convertible sofa worth sleeping on. It's got a firm foam mattress in Twin XL size (39x80 inches), which is good for a taller person. The conversion is simple -- you just move the big bolster back and put on the sheets.
SMALL, COMPLETE KITCHEN
You can cook here. The kitchen has a 2-burner gas cooktop, convection oven/microwave, standard fridge, basic cooking supplies and bright Fiestaware dishes. There’s a Chemex and electric kettle for brewing the coffee beans and tea leaves we provide. The only thing missing here is a full size oven, but as long as you're not making whole turkeys you’ll be okay.
BATHROOM
Plain but nice, with a skylight and shower stall (no tub.)
A COOL, SPECIAL STAIRCASE
Standard stairways take up too much volume for tiny houses. An alternating tread stairway saves space while feeling comfortable by giving separate treads for left and right feet. It really works. There's just one rule -- ALWAYS hold on to the banister.
OUTSIDE
There is a tiny sitting area (two chairs and a cafe-sized table) that is right next to the hosts' house.
FEATURED ON HGTV
The house was featured for its thoughtful and green use of a small space. Check out the:
- alternating tread stairway
- cozy loft
- concrete counters
- nicely equipped kitchen
- oculus that passes light into the kitchen
- classic bent-plywood lounge chairs
- abundant natural light
- huge bolster on the Twilight sleep sofa.
Green features include:
- Double wall structure with lots of insulation
- High efficiency gas fireplace controlled by thermostat
- LED lights throughout
- Tankless hot water heater
- Original siding
- Cork floor in loft
- Resurfaced concrete floor on main level
Guest access
The purple house is a separate building, and you'll have your own entry and own keys. We will provide details for self check-in when your trip approaches.
Parking is on the street only, but it is free and always available. We are very close to public transportation, too, and encourage you to try the bus or bikes. Just two blocks from the house you can get on a “bike boulevard”—a residential street designed to prioritize bicycling.
Other things to note
YOUR HOSTS
We're Martin and Larissa (husband and wife team) and we host the purple house. We live right next door in a slightly bigger house, and at least one of us will be in town during your stay. We will say hello and promptly answer any questions, but generally leave you alone unless you want to talk. We're happy to give tips, directions, and recommendations for things to do and places to eat in the city, as well as hikes, swimming holes and more outside of Portland.
The best way to contact us is to message Martin through the airbnb system.
DISCOUNTS FOR LONG-TERM STAYS
We offer substantial discounts for stays over 31-days. Put in your exact dates to get a price. Bonus: long-term guests get their linen sheets changed every week.
KIDS?
Most kids love the space, and immediately go to play in the loft and peek down through the plexiglass oculus. However, the loft is high and the floor below is concrete. If your kid has a natural idea of how to move safely in such an environment—for example if they would not climb on the safety railing—they’ll be fine. Not every kid fits this description (consider a typical 2-year old) but for those who do, this can be a very special retreat.
PETS?
We regretfully don’t allow animals in the tiny house.
NO TV, YES INTERNET
The house has no TVs or screens. We do provide wifi, and speed tests give results of >50 Mbps. You are sharing the connection with the host's household, but there hasn't been a problem yet.
A LITTLE LIBRARY
A selection of paperbacks, heavy on scifi and romance, is hidden in the loft, so you can hide away with a fun book.
TRAILS, TENNIS & BASKETBALL COURTS, PLAYGROUND
Just a block away, Mt. Tabor Park is a huge, forested park, and - BONUS - it's a dormant volcano. It offers lush green trails, historic reservoirs, and beautiful old buildings and lampposts that make for interesting and pretty walks or runs. At the top, you’ll see fantastic views of downtown and Portland’s brilliant sunsets.
The park has free tennis and basketball courts and a playground. Some require walking (or driving) uphill.
NO SMOKING
No smoking or vaping is allowed on the premises, inside or outside the house, including cannabis.
IS THERE AIR CONDITIONING?
No. Summer guests please note, there are fans provided but no A.C.! Portland generally has a mild climate and the house is well insulated. However, there are a few hot spells each summer. We have fans.
LAUNDRY?
None on the premises. The closest laundromat is 1 mile away.
STRAIGHTFORWARD FEES
We like to keep arrangements straightforward. We charge no cleaning fee, and we request only a modest security deposit (which is held and returned by AirBnb).
Registration details
14-216770-000-00-HO
Where you'll sleep
Bedroom area
1 double bed, 1 sofa bed
What this place offers
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 86 Mbps
Free street parking
Patio or balcony
Indoor fireplace: gas
Select check-in date
Add your travel dates for exact pricing
4.94 out of 5 stars from 128 reviews
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 94% of reviews
- 4 stars, 6% of reviews
- 3 stars, 0% of reviews
- 2 stars, 0% of reviews
- 1 stars, 0% of reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value
Guests mention
Where you’ll be
Mt. Tabor, Portland
Volcanic slopes set the tone for hiking routes and porch gardens, giving this residential area an outdoorsy, low-key pace.
This listing’s location is verified, and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Meet your host
Born in the 60s
Where I went to school: McGill University
I'm a long-time Portland resident who's worked as a forest ecologist, a writer, and a stay-at-home dad. I'm an aficionado of what might be called "practical architecture" or "low design" -- stuff that really works, as opposed to just looking good. Of course it's nice if it looks good too. :)
As a host, my goal is to make you comfortable then kinda get out of the way. However, I do live right next door, so if you want, I'm easily available to chat about stuff to do in Portland, the architecture of houses tiny and large, places to eat, hikes to take, etc.
Hope to see you soon!
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