Private cottage with views of the garden. High ceilings, lots of natural light and warm accents. Stocked kitchenette. Comfy beds — four options including queen and three singles (two in a loft). Four, friendly cats waiting to visit in the garden and two, suspicious, but friendly, hens in the chicken coop. Tranquil garden with fruit tees, flowers, bubbling fountain, chimes, and cozy seating. Nearby food, drink, shopping and recreation options. Local recommendations. Your home away from home!
The space
Your space is a custom tiny home. There’s 304 sf of living space. It was built in 2019.
Living “tiny” means being creative and finding multiple purposes for items. You might notice some regular conveniences you’re accustomed to are absent — such as closets, TV or microwave. What we lack, we hope we make up for with other offerings.
Sleep on a comfy, Simmons Deep Sleep, queen-sized mattress and day bed or use a pull-out, twin, trundle bed underneath. It serves as a place to lounge during the day and sleep at night.
There are also two, 8 in., twin, memory foam mattresses in the loft. The loft can be accessed by a sliding, ship’s ladder (best for kids and adults able to climb and safely use a ladder). The ladder is steep and doesn't have a railing, so users should be cautious and always face the ladder when using it. Use at your own risk. Once in the loft, the ceiling is low, so don't try to stand up or sit up quickly while in bed.
The space feels big with 10 ft. high walls and a 15 ft. vaulted ceiling. It feels spacious and is well lit with natural light from two large garden windows, a glass door, two smaller loft windows and two solar tubes, plus plenty of soft lights throughout.
No need for a TV. Enjoy views of the garden from inside the cottage or sit outside in one of the outdoor seating areas. The WiFi extends into the garden with an additional access point on the patio. Visit with one of the two friendly cats in the garden or the chickens in their run. Say HI to your hosts when you get a chance. We’re happy to share tips or stories. The cottage also has games and books to enjoy if you want to stay in, or relax in the garden. Don’t see a game you like? Ask us — we have more!
The glass door and two large windows have black-out curtains, though some light gets in through the solar tubes. Folks who are light-sensitive when sleeping might consider bringing eye masks. We have some as well you can borrow — just ask!
The bathroom is separated from the living area by a sliding pocket door. It has a dual-flow toilet, sink, and shower. We offer luxe hand lotion from Alaffia, made in nearby Olympia, Wash.
The kitchen has a sink, two-burner induction range, a rice cooker, and toaster oven with air fryer. We have warming dishes for reheating leftovers — no need for a microwave. The counter is 8ft long with plenty of prep space.
We have most of what you would need to cook including oils and spices such as Oregon’s Jacobsen salt. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re missing something.
We welcome you with a delicious chocolate bar made by Chocolonely of Portland (and Belgium).
Help yourself to northwest-made, instant oatmeal — if you prefer breakfast in.
Make coffee or tea with the kettle and French press. We rotate a selection of locally-roasted, fair-trade coffee. Get out and taste some of what Portland roasters have to offer. Don’t forget to buy a bag of local coffee to take home!
We also feature Portland’s Stash Tea, high quality and ethically sourced leaves. You’ll find local, premium honey as well.
The fridge is just right for short stays at 4.5 cf. It has a little “freezer” compartment too, though items don't stay very frozen. If you need something really frozen, we can put it in our upright freezer in the basement of our main house. If you need ice for a cold drink, just let us know and we can provide some.
One of the below-counter drawers is mostly free to store your dry goods.
We provide two luggage racks for storage. There are several hooks in the corner by the bookshelf for hanging clothes. More hangers are on the built-in shelves, in the bathroom. There’s also some storage under the sink. There aren't any built-in closets.
We provide clean sheets, towels and other supplies for your trip. For longer stays, please let us know if you need any fresh sets or supplies. If you have clothes or anything that need drying, feel free to use the drying line off the back of the cottage. The retractable line attaches to the back wall and a hook on the corner of the cottage. Please let us know if you have questions.
Note, there is not a carbon monoxide detector in the cottage as it is not required since we do not have a source of CO and it has been approved by local city inspectors.
Step out into the garden and enjoy sights of flowers, garden veggies and fruit trees. You will likely be greeted by one of our two friendly, cats — Fuzzy (short-hair, black and white) or Remy (long-hair, white and black). They can roam the yard, but are not allowed in the cottage or out of the yard.
We grow a variety of veggies and fruit in the garden. In the summer and fall, there are flowers and veggies growing. Please let us know if you want anything and we will get it for you or you are welcome to pick for yourself. Or just hang out and enjoy the garden on one of the Adirondack chairs or on the covered patio.
The space used to be a 100 sf garage, built in the late ‘20s. We took it down, piece by piece and salvaged much of the old-growth, tight-grain, Doug fir wood. You can see that history and character showcased today as we made it into the trim, shelves and loft railing.
We’re located in a quaint, working-class, residential area on the north side of the Montavilla neighborhood. We’re located on mostly-paved street with partial sidewalks about 1/2 block from a freeway and rail tracks — there is a sound barrier but there is some noise from the freeway and train.
We’re not in the “heart” of city activity — but a slower area where you can recharge. We’re five miles from downtown and five miles from the airport. Make sure to check out the “the neighborhood” and “other things to note” sections for more info. If you want the bustle of Alberta, Hawthorn or Mississippi, we’re happy to provide recommendations.
As with the rest of the city and nation, a high number of people are experiencing houselessness in these hard times. Please be gracious.
Bike Score: 94 (bikers paradise) — daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Walk Score: 63 (somewhat walkable) — some errands can be accomplished on foot
Transit Score: 61 (good transit) — many nearby public transportation options
Check us out — as The Monta-Villa Garden Cottage for Guests on FB and @the_monta-villa_garden_cottage on Insta — for local tips as you prep for your trip.
Guest access
There’s usually ample parking on the street and room for one car in front of our house.
You have the whole cottage to yourself.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the garden year-round, with seasonal veggies and flowers growing in warmer months (May-Oct).
There is a patio with a table and benches. Next to the patio is a BBQ. There is another seating area in the northwest corner when it’s nice or under the patio when it’s wet. In the winter, the patio has a heater and a fire pit. Let us know if you would like to use either and we can set you up.
The garden area, patio and BBQ are shared spaces with your hosts, including our 16-year-old son and four cats.
There is also a chicken coop in the corner — home to the Fantastic Flock (chickens): Gamora, Jean Grey and two younger girls (names TBD).
Other things to note
Before checkout:
Guests are expected to wash any dishes used or run the dishwasher before leaving, place garbage and recycling in the appropriate containers under the sink.
Travel times:
* Airport: 30 min. bus + train or 10 min. drive
* Angel's Rest trailhead (4.8 mi RT hike to views of the Columbia River Gorge): 27 min. drive
* Neighborhood attractions (Stark or Glisan streets): 15-25 min. walk or 0.8-1.6 mi.
* Cannon Beach (shooting location from Goonies): 1:35 min. drive
* Closest MAX light rail train stop: 82nd Ave (Blue/Green/Red lines) at 11 min. walk/5 min. bus ride
* Closest bus stop: 77 line (toward downtown) at NE Halsey/NE 74th Ave at 2 min. walk
* Downtown (Pioneer Square): 35 min. bus + train or 12 min. drive (not including parking or traffic)
* Multnomah Falls: 30 min. drive (parking is limited)
* Neighborhood attractions (Stark or Glisan streets): 15-25 min. walk or 0.8-1.6 mi.
* Silver Falls State Park: 1:11 min. drive
* Trillium Lake (alpine lake with close views of Mt Hood): 1:15 min. drive
* Vista House (views of the gorge): 29 min. drive
Registration Details
19-121146-000-00-HO
