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Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

Family-friendly holiday home with a water park, near KFC Yum Center

Photo gallery for Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

Interior
Interior
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Interior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Spa pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Louisville, KY
  • Place, Nulu Market Place
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Louisville Waterfront Park
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Lynn Family Stadium
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

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About the area

Louisville

A family-friendly stay in the heart of Louisville awaits you at this holiday home. Within steps you'll find Ohio River Valley and Thomas Edison House. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .Home features 2 bathrooms, a fireplace and a balcony. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A sofa bed, a living room and a fenced private garden are also available. .Enjoy the water park and Hot tub as well as access to a playground. Added amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and barbecues. .Attractions within a 30-minute walk of this Downtown Louisville holiday home include KFC Yum Center and Kentucky International Convention Center.
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What's nearby

  • Thomas Edison House - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Nulu Market Place - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Louisville Waterfront Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Lynn Family Stadium - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • KFC Yum Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Louisville, KY (LOU-Bowman Field) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Decade - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Fifth Third Club - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Play - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Last Refuge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪La Bodeguita De Mima - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Entire place

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

Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

Welcome to the Shantyboathouse! Recognized as a truly unique property, it has twice been featured in the Courier-Journal and was honored with a historical plaque by the Louisville Landmarks Commission in 2019. According to a 1976 newspaper article, a local legend recounts that the house floated up the river during the 1937 flood, and was later set on a foundation—earning it the enduring nickname, "the shanty boat." This rich history adds to the property's distinctive character and charm.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

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

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

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

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

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

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Golfing nearby
  • Theme park 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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 25

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.

Property Registration Number LIC-STL-20-00600

Frequently asked questions

Does Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Does Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse have a waterslide?

No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.

What luxury perks are available at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

This property features 1 hot tub, as well as a fireplace and a living room.

What makes Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse a romantic place to stay?

1 hot tub, fireplaces, and private balconies all help set the scene for a sizzling getaway at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse.

Is Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a playground and a water park, as well as children's dinnerware and children's books, it's no surprise that Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a private hot tub at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

Yep, there is a hot tub.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

No, Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

No, pets are not allowed.

Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 27 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joe V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay was wonderful. Colin was prompt in messaging us if we had any questions, and he made the check-in and check-out process easy with his instructions. The house was very well furnished, and we felt incredibly comfortable during our two nights at the Old ShantyBoat House.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W., Maple Shade,NJ

Liked: Cleanliness
Our host was very easy to work with and the accommodations were outstanding.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina B.

Liked: Cleanliness
This place was absolutely stunning! And the host was always quick to respond with all of my questions and gave such lovely recommendations of things within walking distance that I could go do. 10 out of 10 would recommend this place!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

S D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Colin is the perfect host, super responsive and helpful. He has the house, the check in and out process all set up so well you likely won't need anything at all. Perfect location, easy to walk to great coffee places, and restaurants, as well as distilleries. The house was plenty of space for 2 couples. The outdoor area was awesome! 5/5, will come back!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place, great communication from owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D.

Liked: Cleanliness
We absolutely loved our stay! Awesome house in a fantastic location. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness

3 Days on Bourbon Trail

We love, love, love this rental! While the location was just outside of downtown, you could easily take a short 7-8 uber to the Urban Bourbon Trail and other sites downtown. The best aspect of the location is that it is walking distance to restaurants, bars and coffee shops.The kitchen is well-stocked and the host even provided snacks and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The outside patio was perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Note that there is a bathroom with a bathtub on the first floor, one shower in the upstairs bathroom and the spiral staircase to go up and down on. When we were younger, we had an apartment with a spiral staircase so that brought back some fond memories. The owner gave great advice on bringing luggage up the outside staircase at the back of the house that leads to the second floor. The was plenty of open parking spaces on the street and a parking pad behind a gate in the backyard. We didn't use the hot tub since it was pretty hot in July, but the hot tub was clean and appeared to be in working well. Don't wait. You should book this rental now with confidence!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris K., Upperco, MD

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay in Louisville

The house was great and had everything we needed. I really enjoyed all the history of the house. The neighborhood was really nice and an easy walk to food and drinks. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome stay

The Shantyboathouse did not disappoint. Colin and Whitney thought of everything and communication was excellent. The reno of the property is beautiful and the area was walkable to restaurants and bars. Four of us stayed and it was the perfect location to explore Louisville. We did a ghost tour in old Louisville, bourbon tours, race day at Churchill Downs and a tour of a horse farm. It was a wonderful trip.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Spring Break trip!

We had an awesome stay! What a cool house and location. We walked to coffee shops, bars and even a Louisville Bats game. We hung out in the hot tub each night watching movies. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved our stay

Colin is an amazing host! Great communication, responsiveness and hospitality. We stayed for a week with our family of four (kids ages 9 & 12). The hot tub was a hit for us all but especially the kids! It became a nightly tradition.Leading up to our trip, Colin ensured we were all set, shared the instructions for the house and even offered to recommend things for our family to do - which we took him up on! The house is also within walking distance to so many things!We loved the house and all the little touches inside. How often can you say you stayed in a piece of history? No detail was left unturned from the very generous welcome basket, to the toiletries in the bathrooms that we were able to use, to all the necessities we needed - paper towels, detergent, etc.Our kids had a blast. We went to the Frazier Museum one of the days we were there and there was a wall of post it notes that people could write their favorite thing about Kentucky. Both my kids wrote "The Shanty Boathouse" :)Thank you Colin for the amazing stay! We hope to be back. The Boklewski's
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ines D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Stay!

We loved everything about the house, very well stocked and decorated, the owner thinks of everything, the kitchen had cooking oil, many spices and a full coffee bar with creamers and coffee flavors it was great to know we didnt need to shop for those essential items at the store. Backyard is super cute and comfortable, bbq and the jacuzzi perfect after returning from a long day exploring. Location is great too walking distance to a lot of great restaurants. We’ll be returning for sure
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha B., Atlanta, ga

Liked: Cleanliness

“Yaya this place is legit!”

My granddaughters first reaction to the Shanty house was to tell me the place was “legit!” Coming from a 6 year old I’d say that’s pretty good. We loved our stay and wished we could have stayed longer than 2 nights. We were in and out for Christmas. We spent our first day off site so we really only got 1 day to hang out at the property. Everything has been thought of!!! I cooked a full meal and everything I needed was there. I packed extra for no reason! My husband grilled and again we made unnecessary purchases because it was already there. If I had to complain the only thing I would say is an earlier check in would be nice, 4 is a bit late.Overall, we had a 5 star experience and I hope we get to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lance S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay in Louisville

We had a great time staying at Shanty Boat House. We love historic homes and live in one built in 1889. This home has just as cool history. It is in a great up and coming neighborhood which we like with many great options for shopping, food, and beverages! My only caution is make sure everyone in party is ok with stairs. The home was very well stocked and in great shape!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katrina G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Shanty Boathouse

Host was so helpful with recommendations, waters and snacks left for us and a card. Very prompt to respond as well.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica Y.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous property!

The renovations and amenities were exceptional. Great communication and accommodation from the hosts. Would definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Home - Perfect Location

The property was exactly as advertised and the owner was tremendously responsive. The home was perfectly located for us to explore Louisville. There were so many pubs, restaurants, and shops well within walking distance, yet the neighborhood was extremely quiet and peaceful. We definitely hit a home run when we selected this property for vacation. Thank you Colin!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing space in Louisville

We stayed at the Shanty boat house for our girls weekend and it was amazing. The space was perfect for our group of five. The location was walkable to tons of fun bars, restaurants, and shops, and only a short ride away from other attractions. It was nice to come home after a long day, walking and soak our legs in the hot tub. The place was spotlessly clean, and came with every single amenity you could think of. There was even a lovely care basket for when we arrived, it was such a nice touch. We are already planning our next trip back because of how great it was.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meghan O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place!

Beautiful house, fun neighborhood and a very hospitable property owner. Would absolutely go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness

A must stay

While there was some confusion on cost, the overall experience was incredible. The property has all of the amenities of a 5-star location. This property is on my must stay list for the next time I am in Louisville for a long weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful place!

Outstanding spot for our weekend with friends. 2 couples and it worked out perfectly. Excellent communication with Colin prior to our arrival and throughout the trip. Highly recommend this spot!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Times in Louisville

Excellent property for a trip to Louisville. Good location, great outdoor space, and even better property managers. Can’t recommend this place enough!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great house. Fun location

Very interesting historic house that was perfect for our small group. Great outdoor space for hanging out. Good location for walking around Butchertown. Colin, the host, was very helpful and communicated well.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Taylor C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great House and Location

House was great for our girls trip - clean, comfortable and just as listed. Location was very good, close to restaurants and easy to Uber if needed. Wish we had more time and better weather to enjoy the nice backyard. Host was very responsive and accommodating. Would definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness

10 out of 10 Rental

This beautiful rental did not disappoint and learning about it's history was so fun. As a family we have stayed at over 10 different properties over the years and Colin by far was the best host we've had. This property is exacting as portrayed online. Walkable to many restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques. Also anywhere we drove to was less than 10 minutes away. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023