Entire home

The Magic House, Walk Score 93!

Photo gallery for The Magic House, Walk Score 93!

Property grounds
Exterior detail
5 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV, books, stereo, offices
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10186 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Magic House, Walk Score 93!

Your safety is our top priority. We are following VRBO's advanced cleaning guidelines and our neighborhood is among the most safe and peaceful in Portland.

The Magic House, circa 1909, is located in a charming restaurant and boutique district, 2 blocks to SE Hawthorne and 3 blocks to SE Division, in the heart of Hawthorne and Portland!

Walk score 93! Located 15 minutes to the airport, 11 minutes to downtown, and 9 minutes to the Oregon Convention Center. Walk 3 blocks to rental bikes and 2 blocks to four bus stops. Park in driveway for easy load in and out. There is also plenty of free street parking with no time limits.

There is excellent walking in our beautiful neighborhood with plenty of space to social distance and enjoy beautiful gardens and vintage Portland homes.

We want to safely accommodate the needs of your group at The Magic House and Magic Barn. The Magic Barn is located in the backyard and can be booked separately in conjunction with The Magic House to give more space for your group.

Please see the Magic Barn: Vrbo 1106117

The Magic House was Todji's sculpture studio for 17 years. We hope you enjoy her vintage style and artistry! The Magic House was a neglected rental when Todji first rented a room in 2000. He purchased the house in 2004 when banks were giving loans to self-employed artists, and he continued to fix it up for 17 years, while renting rooms to community artists and friends.

Todji painted the outside of The Magic House over three summers. The floors are worn and full of stories, the stairs are a little creaky, the paint is fresh and colorful, and the furnishings are up-cycled and unique.

This is not a real estate investor style of vacation rental home. We are self employed artists and we have done all the restoration work ourselves. We encourage you to book with us if that is the kind of cultural experience that you want.

While restoring The Magic House, Todji built a career producing bronze sculpture monuments for US cities, and private collectors. The sculpture collection in the house rotates to different galleries and exhibitions.

Your onsite host Hobie is a professional writer and novelist. He is available for friendly help, and also to respect privacy. Please text him if you need something onsite.

We give cleaning and maintenance work at the Magic House to community artists.

We list the claw foot tub on VRBO as a "Spa Whirlpool" (which is the only check box option to describe it) so that hot bath people can find their way to a hot clawfoot tub bath at the Magic House. Please see photos. Enjoy!

The backyard is shared space with Magic Barn guests, your hosts, gardeners, maintenance people, etc. Please exchange friendly hellos, respect privacy and practice social distancing.

There is driveway parking for one car. The driveway is reserved for the landscaper's truck for two hours, two days a month. If the landscaper is scheduled during your visit we will let you know and ask you to move your vehicle while the landscaper works.

There are orange Nike rental bikes three blocks away at SE Hawthorne and 40th St, in front of New Seasons health food grocery store.

There are bus stops going in the four directions within three blocks of our front door. Downtown by bus is approximately 15 minutes. Use Trimet's website to easily plan bus and light rail trips.

To get from the airport to our house (10 miles) by public transportation you can take a Max train at the airport and then transfer once to a Trimet bus, in approximately 52 minutes.

We are very centrally located, and along with that convenience comes audible and visible street traffic. We are located off of a fairly busy four lane street. We have one mustard colored bedroom on the backside of the house that has two queen mattresses which is fairly distant from the sound of the street in case you have any light sleepers in your group.

Proximity to the street has been fine for some guests, and not ideal for others. A previous guest at The Magic House wrote this in their review: "Description of the house warns about the sound of traffic from a busy street, but we didn't notice. Neighborhood is safe and clean." Very few of our guests have had issue with the street proximity. We recommend the mustard colored room for light sleepers.

The Magic Barn is set back a good distance from the street and has been described in past reviews as "tranquil", "quiet" and "serene".

We are located in one of the most beautiful, and hippest neighborhoods in Portland, and we have always felt comfortable walking in our neighborhood during the day and night.

The Magic House has four queen beds in frames, two twin floor mattresses, a queen floor mattress, a sleeper sofa in the dining room, and the living room has a sofa and can accommodate a queen floor mattress. All are pictured in our photos.

We charge $30 per night, per guest, after the first 4 guests. VRBO includes that in your total when you enter more than 4 guests in the guest count.

Safety is our top priority. We require our guests to write us a message with a little information about themselves and their trip before we send the door code. We hope that this will help provide a safer environment for guests, neighbors, and hosts. Please share a little information if you wish to book.

With the center of both SE Hawthorne St and SE Division St within 3 blocks, there is an abundance of restaurants, grocery stores, neighborhood strolling, boutique browsing and hiking options within walking distance.

See a movie, or just step in to witness the beautiful and iconic McMenamin's Bagdad theater, accompanied by an incredible restaurant/bar/pool hall in the back called the "Back Stage Bar", at SE 37th and Hawthorne. It will give you a feel for classic Portland!

We are minutes from Mt Tabor park which has a lovely forest with walking trails sitting upon a dormant volcano, and we are 45 minutes to the spectacular 600 foot tall Multnomah waterfall in the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge scenic area.

Division Street is three blocks away, and is a recently renovated strip with modern architecture, new restaurants and boutique shops that will give you a feel for the freshest vibe Portland has to offer.

Here is a list to get you started:

Restaurants:

(The options are endless but here are a few popular favorites!)

Serving Food Late - Sapphire Hotel at 50th and Hawthorne, Romantic and sexy atmosphere- great for late night drinks and gourmet bar food.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters- 45th and Division, Classic Great Portland Coffee

Trinket- One block away on Lincoln and 39th, great for Brunch with their locally sourced eggs!)

Harlow- 36th and Hawthorne, Hip and Healthy, great for lunch, or fresh veggie juice.

Por Que No- 46th and Hawthorne, Wildly popular Mexican with a great playful decor. (Don’t be intimidated by the line, you order at the counter, and then get a seat and your order will be out in no time)

Bollywood Theater- 30th and Division, Indian food small plates. Also along line but worth it! Salt and Straw- 33rd and Division, Food Networks top five ice creams! Super Popular!

Lauretta Jeans- 34th and Division, Breathtaking Pies!

Tidbit Food Cart Pod, 28th and Division, Fabulous food cart selection, lots of seating, including a beer garden and vintage clothing bus. A truly Portland experience.

Hiking: The website of "Friends of the Columbia Gorge" has detailed information about many hikes in the scenic and nearby Columbia River Gorge. It is a 45 minute drive from here to enter the gorge. Below are the names of hikes that we love and recommend. Check the website to find a hike with a distance and fitness level that suits you. For those who are visiting the gorge for the first time, I recommend visiting the most spectacular, and also the most touristicated, 600 foot Multnomah Falls. For those who want a challenging half day hike you can begin at Multnomah Falls and hike a loop called the Franklin Ridge Loop. Multnomah Falls /Franklin Ridge Loop Eagle Creek Angels Rest Bridal Veil Falls Triple Falls Wahkeena Falls

Groceries, Pharmacy and Shopping:

New Seasons- Local Health Food Store (40th and Hawthorne)
Fred Meyers- Local Department/Grocery store (Cesar Chavez and Hawthorne)
Rite Aid Pharmacy- Drugstore/pharmacy (Cesar Chavez and Division)
Powell’s Books- A smaller version of Portland’s famous Bookstore (37th and Hawthorne)
Gold Door- Wonderful Imports from around the world (37th and Hawthorne)

Enjoy!

We hope to host you!
With Love,
Todji and Hobie

Property manager

Todji Kurtzman

Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Porch/lanai

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo
  • Near an outlet shopping centre

Things to do

  • Snow sports gear
  • Tennis
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
3 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Please message us to make arrangements for pets.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 17-221635-000-00-LU

We should mention

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

Property is also known as

Magic House Heart Portland
Magic Heart Portland
The Magic House Heart Of Portland
The Magic House, Heart Of Portland Portland
The Magic House, Heart Of Portland Private vacation home

About the area

Map
Portland, OR

What's nearby

  • Hawthorne District - 3 min walk
  • Lloyd Center - 7 min drive
  • Oregon Convention Center - 8 min drive
  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - 8 min drive
  • Moda Center - 8 min drive

Getting around

  • NE 60th Avenue Station - 5 min drive
  • Portland Union Station - 21 min drive
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tom's Bar - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Next Level Burger Hawthorne - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pinolo Gelato - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪McMenamins Bagdad Theatre & Pub - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Mulligan's Bar & Grill - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Magic House, Walk Score 93! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The Magic House, Walk Score 93!?

As of 2 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Magic House, Walk Score 93! on 12 Nov 2024 start from AU$701.50, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at The Magic House, Walk Score 93!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Magic House, Walk Score 93!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Magic House, Walk Score 93! located?

Located in the centre of Portland, this family-friendly holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Hawthorne District and Hawthorne Theatre. Laurelhurst Park and Mt Tabor Park are also within 1 mile (2 km).

The Magic House, Walk Score 93! Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 40 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Caroline K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Board meeting in funky Portland house
I run a small nonprofit and we come together for only one in person board meeting a year. I rented the Magic House because it had enough bedrooms and we could afford it. We were all comfortable in the beds (tho traffic noise was disturbing in rooms that faced Cesar Chavez). Well supplied kitchen. Great bathrooms. A big enough table. Interesting art. It was great to walk together to cafes. A good experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony L.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hawthorne neighborhood
I loved the house. I love the neighborhood and stay on That part of town 2 or 3 times a year when visiting fam. It sits right on 39th, very busy street, which might bother some. The plus side was i got that big house to myself vs a tiny hotel room.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Calee J., Spanish Fork Utah

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location for family trip
We loved the house and location! We were able to walk to fantastic restaurants. Wonderful hosts who were friendly and accommodating! Thank you for a great experience!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luxa S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magic stay at Magic House!
We had a great stay at Magic House. There was a lot to do in the beautiful area and the place was clean and accommodating with a fun personality!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judith T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Place to Stay
We have loved our time in The Magic House. Our group of 7 had plenty of room to spread out in this comfortable house filled with beautiful art. It’s by far one of the cleanest homes we have rented in the past. We were so surprised to find everything to make coffee on the premise and wonderful in room coffee bars. Todji has created a peaceful place to call “home” while in Portland. A special thanks to Hobie who was so gracious to work with. It was truly an amazing place to stay for 5 days.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location; value and host
Great location for older family fun. Walki g distace to stores, movie theater, bars and entertainment
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Engaged Host
Todji was easy to communicate with. The location was good, only slightly difficult pulling out of the driveway in the morning onto a busy street. Walking distance to some decent restaurants and amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lily G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick friends trip
We loved the house itself, the location was PERFECT for taking walks to get coffee in the morning and doing some shopping or even nightlife. The property owner was incredibly responsive and helpful. Would highly recommend this house!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique & Quirky Lodgings
The walkable neighborhood was beautiful. We stayed in late April and everything was in bloom in the neighborhood gardens. Restaurants and vintage stores abound. Grocery store in walking distance. Pulling out of the driveway was tricky due to the traffic but we had one of us guide us out each time. This place is old and interesting, creaky stairs and old hardwood floors. I felt it was very clean but just remember, it's old! My husband and I wanted to stay in the Magic Attic but decided the steep stairs were too much for us so our daughter stayed up there. We did our best to abide by the "shoes off in the house" policy. I never go barefoot at home because it hurts my feet and these floors are old and beat up so I'm not sure why the policy. The beds were comfortable but the living room couch and chairs are NOT. It seems the backs are too low. The dining room chairs are hard wooden chairs so basically there's no place comfortable to sit when you are at home but we were gone all day long so we managed. The tub/shower combo on the second floor is what I used and I would strongly suggest bringing a couple of clothespins to hold the curtain closed because cold air blowing in on you in the shower is very unpleasant! Seattle's Best coffee is provided in the kitchen and two of the rooms. The filtered water in the kitchen tastes really good. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash is provided. If you need distilled water for your CPAP machines, look in the closet by the second floor bathroom.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Kenneth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique place but noisy
The art and unique decor makes the stay interesting. Two of the bathrooms are nicely updated. One bed is in the living area. The road noise was problematic. Unlike the property description which states the house is off of a busy street - the house is directly ON a busy street. The noise was accentuated by a pothole immediately in front of the house which created accentuated noises from trucks and buses. Ear plugs were worn by some while others changed room.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen R., Lexington

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique house
We enjoyed staying at and exploring this unique house.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Mike G., Yakima, WA USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun Funky Artsy Old House
Six adults in Portland for a cheer competition weekend. The house worked out well for us. Good location relative to the convention center. Plenty of room for all of us including a few more for dinner. Kitchen worked well for us. It was a blizzard weekend but the old house stayed warm. The TV is newer and smart. Everyone was happy with the house and our weekend together.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Kristin N.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Magic Window Covering (please!)
The Hawthorne District is a wonderful place to base your Portland visit. And the Magic House aligns with "Keep Portland Weird". Neat art and the right amount of funkiness. The bedrooms were appointed with vintage furniture and maybe vintage mattresses. The beds were soft (and some were a bit uneven) with the loft room being the exception. It was modern and clean in design and had a firmer bed. We were travelling with two elders and the stairs were tricky for them as the house, like others of its age, have steep steps. I very much wish that the dishes and inside of the microwave were clean. I wish that there wasn't a mildew stained shower curtain in second floor bathroom. And I really wish that there was a window covering in that same bathroom since I stepped out of the shower only to realize a neighbor was looking right at me (ewww). Owner was communicative and helpful in advance of our visit. We got a clear set of expectations and rules (including no shoes allowed inside and parking directions) before we arrived. We had some communication challenges (perhaps due to a new phone) during our stay - which was fine - and after our stay when he helped to facilitate a return of an item left behind. Unfortunately, he was both slow to respond to me and to his support team (giving them my address) making the cost to return the item prohibitive within the desired timeline and it had detrimental impact on us. I am grateful for the extra effort it took, though.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Would def stay at Magic House again
The house was old & lovely, full of character & charm. Location was great for taking walks & located < 10 min from something fun in every direction. I loved that there were multiple coffee makers in almost every room! The driveway was a bit tricky to back out of at times but we managed without incident. We would definitely stay again, but we may ask for an additional fan if it’s another super hot summer 😊 The artwork is unique & beautiful. And the guys played the guitar & piano thanks to the host making both available. Although there are many terrific restaurants nearby, we cooked several meals at home & used the grill outside one night. Everything was wonderful!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Eric F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Portland Magic House but not magic location
Love the space for a large family or group of friends. Great energy inn the home, although obviously it can be (often is?) rented out for four separate parties (master bedroom, third floor, rest of home, Magic Barn). The location near the Hawthorne neighborhood in SE Portland is convenient, but...it's right on Cesar Chavez Blvd., so it is almost always noisy and a real thrill to pull off and onto the busy street. If it was a block away or so, it would be perfect! But still worth staying at.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda S.

Liked: Cleanliness
May 18-22
Loved the house and the location - loved the funky vibe. The attic was very hot when we arrived on May 18 (over 85 degrees). It was my understanding from the listing that each bedroom had a window air conditioning unit. We would have liked wash clothes to wash our faces and to use in the shower.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mo M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We loved this home
The Magic House was the perfect spot for my sister, her two teenage daughters and me. We each had our own spacious, comfortable rooms. The location is ideal— near lots of great restaurants and shops and only a short drive to downtown Portland. The house is as described. We found it to be gloriously funky and whimsical. The sculptures in and around the property are amazing. Check-in and check-out was super easy. We would definitely stay here again. Thank you, Todji!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Nicky L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spacious, comfortable home.
The location is great in many ways. The only drawback is the heavy traffic on 39th Ave., but it was much less noticeable than we had feared. Parking on the side street Harrison was no problem.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Betty Jean R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Large home.
Very clean and comfortable large home. Quiet with coffee service in most bedrooms. Nice bathrooms and towels. Comfortable living room. Would stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laurie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving week with family
Perfect location for dining and shopping in Division and Hawthorne. House very comfortable and well equipped. The street is very busy but was fine overall. Lots of sleeping options but I was chilly at night until i took blankets from another bed. Fun experience!!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanks!
Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L., Lewisburg, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property, incredible art work
The Magic House was in a great location for us. Grocery stores within walking distance as well as restaurants. The house was clean and had supplies needed to feel at home. Onsite host was quick to answer our questions and readily available. Would rent this house again!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Heather M., Seattle

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Time
Such a great location and excellent host! We had a wonderful two days relaxing and enjoying walks in the neighborhood. Todji has created a special place for you and yours!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

terri b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice property but on a busy street
This home worked well for us. Only down side was the busy street out front. Other than that.....all good.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019