The Boutique Retreat

Sarita Springer and Kevin Kump spent years staying in tiny house hotels and watching HGTV before deciding to build their own. They toured production facilities, stayed in tiny cottages around Portland, and studied the space efficiency of vintage trailers — all of it, in Sarita’s words, marveling at how much joy can be designed into small spaces.

They chose the Granary District in McMinnville and opened nine custom cottages on Alpine Avenue in late 2022.

Each one has its own theme and vibe. The Coastal Cottage runs 240 square feet with a 14-foot pitched ceiling, Douglas fir beams, and a palette drawn from sea and sand. The Ohana Bungalow is 300 square feet with an island theme — acacia wood, leather furnishings, and art from Hawaii under an 11-foot arched ceiling. The Urban Loft has a brick accent wall and a private deck facing Alpine Avenue, directly across from a large mural by a Portland artist. There’s also the Lodge and the Glam Cottage, among others.

The thing guests say most often is that the cottages feel bigger inside than they should. That’s the whole design argument: it isn’t about square footage, it’s about layout.

The grounds are the other half. Meandering pathways, a central courtyard with a communal firepit, Adirondack chairs, sun umbrellas, and an imported Buddha head water feature. Free parking right there.

Check-in is independent, and management is available but not on site — which suits some people and not others.

The location is unusually good. You’re in the Granary District, walking distance to Eyrie, Heater Allen, Mac Market, Flag & Wire, Grain Station, and Remy Wines, with Third Street’s tasting rooms and restaurants a short walk further. Walk Score of 91.