Moss Rock Retreat - Near Leach Botanical Garden!

Entire guesthouse in Portland, Oregon

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Virginia
  1. 8 years hosting

Listing highlights

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Extra spacious

Guests love this home’s spaciousness for a comfortable stay.

Peace and quiet

Guests say this home is in a quiet area.
Moss Rock Retreat is a peaceful tiny home surrounded by an acre of hillside gardens. Tucked behind the magical Leach Botanical Garden in a forested neighborhood, Moss Rock has the serenity of a mountain retreat - but is only 20 minutes from downtown and PDX. Come for respite from the busy world, a quiet workspace, a creative getaway, a romantic weekend, or to explore the natural beauty of Oregon - all are possible in the comfortable intimacy of Moss Rock Retreat.

The space
Inside, you will find a full kitchen, with all the equipment you need to prepare and enjoy delicious meals. The office has a comfy sofa-bench, a built-in desk, a reading library, and excellent wifi. The bathroom is small but functional, with shower, toilet, a super cute tiny sink, and essential toiletries. The loft bedroom has a cozy double bed with spectacular treehouse views (please note that the stairs up to the sleeping loft are narrow and do *not* have a handrail). The second loft, with a twin bed, has a great view of the crab-apple tree, and is accessible by ladder.

Outside, enjoy the morning on your private porch, or take in the evening light show from one of the two viewing decks in the yard. The quiet, forested neighborhood and the large garden make for a serene setting not found in most urban tiny homes. Come to escape, to create, to rejuvenate.

Moss Rock Retreat is a smoke-free property, including both the tiny house and garden.

Unfortunately, due to health and safety concerns, we are also unable to accommodate emotional support or assistance animals.

Nearby Attractions:

Portland city center is a quick 20 minute drive.

Within an hour drive you will find Mt. Hood National Recreation Area, Columbia River Gorge, and the Willamette Valley. Tillamook and the Oregon Coast are less than a 90-minute drive.

Just down the street you will find the historic Leach Botanical Garden, a secret garden with wandering pathways, including the newly added aerial tree walk, which takes you 30 feet up into the tree canopy. Down the hill is the historic stone cabin, a gift shop, Johnson Creek, and the newly renovated, beautiful Manor House.

A longer walk (3 miles round-trip) takes you through the neighborhood to the peaceful Foster Wetlands.

The hikes of Powell Butte are a few minutes drive away, and Jenny Butte Park just a bit further.

The enchanting Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a 17 minute drive, and well worth the visit. The Willamette National Cemetery is three minute drive up the hill.

Reed College is a convenient 13 minute drive.

Recent guest comments about Moss Rock Retreat:

"The tiny house is so cozy... especially with the raindrops putting us to sleep at night." ~Catherine

"Your hospitality was phenomenal!" ~Ryan

"This place is so compact, yet pours so much positivity and fresh air into one's soul. I hope this small space stays a mainstay of your property for years to come and gives a peace and tranquility to all who visit." ~Hailey

"Thank you for allowing us the joy of using this magical space!" ~Will

"Thank you for being warm, welcoming, and accommodating during our stay! Your yard is a gem in the jungle." ~Nicole

"An absolute wonderful oasis!" ~Nichole

"For some reason a small house made us feel closer."

"A most wonderful respite in the woods. All our tiny house dreams come true." ~Jennifer

"Our stay here was fantastic and comfortable. The yard and the chickens are incredible."

"Staying in this beautiful Airbnb truly has made my trip." ~Emily

"This was the perfect respite." ~Liz

"Thank you for such a lovely and peaceful experience." ~Cody

Guest access
You will have the tiny home to yourself, as well as the attached deck. The gated driveway is for your use, though we sometimes collect tools from the nearby boat-shed for gardening or tending to chickens. Please feel free to explore the garden up the hill (walk through the boat-shed to find the path up to the garden). Up the hill, there are two garden decks where you can enjoy a beverage or meal, write or read, or just enjoy the view.

While the tiny house is quite private, it does share a yard with our home and family. The main house, patio, and outbuildings are for owner use only. You are welcome to pet the animals, but please refrain from feeding them or opening gates to their yards. Smoking is not permitted anywhere at Moss Rock Retreat (in the tiny house or on the property). We value the fresh air of our garden and hope you will, too.

Other things to note
Important things to consider before booking this accommodation:
(1) We personally greet each of our guests so that we can get you settled in the tiny house. Because of this, we ask that you arrive no later than 10pm, unless we've agreed upon a later checkin time.
(2) The tiny house is allergen, chemical, and smoke free. We ask that you refrain from smoking or vaping in the tiny house or anywhere on the property.
(3) The home is on septic and grey water systems, so we ask that you use only the soaps and detergents provided, as all water goes back into the landscape.
(4) The stairs up to the sleeping loft are narrow and do not have a handrail. If you are not comfortable using narrow stairs, please do not book this accommodation.
(5) The neighborhood is semi-rural, so to get to amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants and shops, you must have a car or be comfortable with a .5 mile walk to public transportation.

Registration Details
21-072743-000-00-HO

Where you’ll sleep

What this place offers

Garden view
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 109 Mbps
Dedicated workspace
Free driveway parking on premises – 2 spaces

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Rated 4.97 out of 5 from 475 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is a guest favorite based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 97% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 3% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 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 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Portland, Oregon, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

The Moss Rock Retreat neighborhood is quiet, secluded, and forested. Think semi-rural. You might hear the occasional goat or chicken. You'll see and hear all kinds of birds, including hawks, owls, and sometimes eagles. We are just a few blocks from Foster Avenue, but it feels like a world away. Amenities such as stores and restaurants are definitely a drive, so a car (or frequent use of Lyft or Uber) is a must, unless you're a pro at public transportation (the nearest stop is a .5 mile walk).

While commercial necessities require a car, nature is right out the door. Stroll around our lush, wild garden. Take an easy walk to Leach Botanical Garden, the Foster Floodplain Natural Area (a 63-acre reclaimed floodplain), to Zenger Farm (a working urban farm), or to the Springwater Corridor Trail.

A 5-minute drive takes you to the Ellis Street entrance of Powell Nature Butte for great hikes and a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges, or to Scouter's Mountain for the perfect view of Mt. Hood.

Speaking of Mt. Hood... This majestic recreation area is less than an hour's drive from the house. Forest, rivers, snow, and Timberline Lodge are all an easy day trip way.

The bustle and hustle of downtown Portland might feel like a distant memory when you are here at Moss Rock, but all those fantastic restaurants and museums are but a short 20 minute trip.

For a close and quick bite out, we recommend the ever-fabulous Portland Mercado or Zoiglhaus Brewing Company. Not far away are the excellent eateries along Woodstock Blvd, including Dick's Primal Burger, Bergerac French Bistro, and Otto's Sausage Kitchen. On SE Division, you'll find the very local Olympia Provisions and a Salt & Straw ice cream store! We also love Pambiche (Cuban) on Glisan, and Takahashi on Holgate for sushi.

Meet your host

Host
475 reviews
4.97 out of 5 average rating
8 years of hosting
My work: writer
Speaks English and French
Virginia spent the first decade of her adult life in hotel management, ensuring exceptional hospitality to guests in hip boutique hotels, full-service resorts, and intimate bed and breakfasts across the United States. She also traveled internationally, selling hotel software and providing guest service training. Born and raised in the American West, she is always happiest when sharing its wonders, whether they be the tide pools of the Pacific, the rugged mountains, the valley vineyards of Sonoma, or the incredible local food. When she’s not busy welcoming folks to her city, she’s likely chasing down her two kids or twelve chickens, growing as many vegetables as possible, or writing fiction about the American West.

Co-hosts

  • Matthew
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Heights without rails or protection
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm