Visitors
Read what visitors share from their experience. We hope it inspires curiosity for what greater community connection and solidarity can bring about.*
*Stories are shared with permission; details may be altered to assure privacy.
Sam
This ADU sanctuary offered me a quiet respite from which to spend time in PDX to learn from seasoned professionals about the history of redlining and gentrification as it informs current housing reform and development. I work for a non-profit without a large travel budget – this guest house was the perfect way to save money, ‘shop local’, and more deeply engage in this beautiful community and city.
K.S.
I teared up walking through the magical garden to Vivienda Iluminada. The solar lights lit the path, reminding me that there is always light even when it’s sometimes hard to see. Staying in the tiny oasis has been such a blessing. The kids were excited to play with the mini arcade, lay on the hammock and cuddle up together to watch movies and write postcards. I have a lot of uncertainty in my life right now, and I was anxious about not having a place to host my best friend and her kids who drove out from Montana to support me through a big life transition. I’m so incredibly grateful that we were all able to stay together in a place where we felt welcomed and loved. The generosity and kindness of strangers is a powerful tonic that I too hope to share. Thank you for this retreat and bright light 💕
Trystan
Vivienda Iluminada is a true oasis for those in need of a cozy, safe landing spot. From thoughtful snacks to colorful decorations, the ADU was welcoming and homey. If you’re in need of a community-oriented magical solidarity haven, this is the spot for you!
Adrian
This place was literally a miracle during a very tumultuous time in my life! Everything was so well-thought out, I didn’t want for anything, and was attentively checked on throughout my stay. Displacement can come with a lot of shame and almost feeling exiled but Vivienda Iluminada provided me safety, comfort, and dignity. I can’t wait until I’m in a more stable place to give back to this beautiful oasis. Thank you to the caretakers and every being who makes this resource possible!
O.C.
My landlord was threatening to evict me without just cause and I hadn’t been able to eat properly or sleep for a month. My mentor connected me to VIvi and I am so grateful to have a place to take a moment to collect myself while finalizing moving plans. My time at Vivi allowed me to sleep through the night and have somewhere calm to land after work. The garden is spectacular and I was greeted every morning by Earl the bird. I was delighted to wake up without dread and will forever be thankful that spaces like this exist, that genuinely want to help others without expectation. These are values I hope shine through me as well.
Herbert
We came for my sister’s graduation from PSU and I believe it was a perfect adventure. Thank you for helping us make this happen! Our short stay was amazing! It had everything we needed to make us feel right at home. Very snug. We are grateful for this beautiful place to be opened to us. There was no worry at all during our stay. We even enjoyed Earl the Bird tapping on the window each morning to get each day started.
Features
Amenities
Vivienda Iluminada features free, reliable WiFi. The studio kitchen has a medium sized refrigerator, small microwave, air popcorn popper, dish drainer, electric stove/oven, electric kettle, toaster, coffee press and bean grinder. Ironing board and iron is stored behind the refrigerator.
The bathroom has a shower/tub combo, hair dryer, ample toiletries, hair care and spa bathing supplies.
The living area has a dining table for two with extra place-settings for indoor and outdoor dining, a loveseat sleeper with twin mattress, a full length mirror, a large ottoman with towel storage, two small ottomans, a smart TV, books, puzzles, games, postcards & stamps, and coat & shoe rack with an umbrella and grocery totes.
The sleeping area has a queen size bed with extra bedding and pillows. The spacious closet stores a three-panel wooden room divider than can be used for additional privacy. Also in the closet is a yoga mat, two guest robes, cubbies and hangers, a laundry basket, and an infant pack-and-play with bedding.
The outdoor area has a short deck with a bistro table and chairs. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the backyard, hammock, lawn furniture, and partake of any fruit, herbs or vegetables growing in the gardens.
Attractions & Services
We are located in the heart of Montavilla, between the two business districts on Stark and Glisan streets. Mt Tabor Park and Montavilla Park are within ten and twenty minute walking distance respectively.
Laundromat with credit card and coin-operated functionality is located within three blocks. Pharmacy and grocery are located within a half mile and five minute walk.
East Portland Community Center is two miles away and has a swimming pool, exercise facilities and a variety of classes; a free guest pass is available for use by ADU visitors.
The ADU is located between two bike & scooter docking stations on Burnside and Glisan thoroughfares. TriMet bus routes 20, 19 and 15 are within 2-4 blocks and can get you across town in under 30 minutes. Portland International Airport is ten miles away.
FAQs
While we love all kinds of animals and you’ll see many birds, squirrels, and possibly raccoons, opossums and coyote in the vicinity of our neighborhood, pets are not allowed to limit allergen exposure for guests. For safety reasons, no smoking of any kind is permitted indoors and firearms are not permitted on the premises.
Vivienda Iluminada is not for rent. It is not a vacation rental, and you won’t find it listed on commercial short term rental sites. You are likely reading this because the caretakers shared this website with you. Please get in touch with us about your intended visit via the Contact Us page. Upon confirmation of your stay, we will share expectations for access, upkeep and care during a visit.
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