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Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

Photo gallery for Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

A modern kitchen with a central island, a dining area with a sofa, and a staircase leading to an upper level. - Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse (Louisville)
A spacious living area with a grey sofa, a coffee table with books, a dining table with chairs, and a kitchen in the background. - Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse (Louisville)
A spacious living area with a dining table, sofa, and TV. - Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse (Louisville)
A spacious living area with a large chandelier, a fireplace, and a view of the outdoors. - Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse (Louisville)
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a central chandelier, and a view of the outdoors through large windows. - Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse (Louisville)
In the heart of Louisville's Butchertown neighborhood, Shantyboathouse offers a hip retreat. Stroll to trendy restaurants and bars or explore unique local shops in the NuLu district.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

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.

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

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

  • 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

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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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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 LIC-STL-20-00600
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Located in Downtown Louisville, a neighbourhood in Louisville, this holiday home is near theme parks and near a water park. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Louisville Waterfront Park and Louisville Mega Cavern, while KFC Yum Center and Louisville Slugger Museum are cultural highlights. Check out an event or a game at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, and consider making time for Louisville Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing and winery tours. Visit our Louisville travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Louisville
Map
Louisville, KY

What's nearby

  • A bridge with illuminated blue lights at night.
    Louisville Waterfront Park
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • A wooden barrel room with barrels lined up on both sides and a wooden floor.
    Whiskey Row
    17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Nulu Market Place
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Lynn Family Stadium
    9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Louisville Slugger Field
    9 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Fifth Third Club
    11 min walk
  • The Last Refuge
    9 min walk
  • Tartan House
    7 min walk
  • Play
    7 min walk
  • Whiskey Thief Distilling Co
    10 min walk

Frequently asked questions

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

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse located?

Located in Downtown Louisville, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Ohio River Valley and Louisville Waterfront Park. Whiskey Row and KFC Yum Center are also within 1 mile (2 km).

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Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice with a great outdoor area! The kitchen was stocked with what we needed and location of property is walking distance to several great restaurants. Highly recommend! Host was so responsive! We hope to come back soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Monique M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy to find, great location to popular dining and key tourist sites. The property is fabulous, comfortable, has everything you need & more! Colin was very responsive and provided great recommendations. Would definitely book again...maybe the weather will be better next time!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

L O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our girls weekend here was perfect! The kitchen had everything we needed, comfy beds, spacious bathrooms, plenty of closet space. The backyard is so fun. The layout and the decor are cozy and we enjoyed seeing the history of the property posted around the house. It’s a great combo of an old Louisville house with modern updates. This house is a great getaway spot with plenty to do a couple streets over in NuLu. We felt safe and it is a quiet street. Thanks to the hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay! Awesome house in a fantastic location. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

William

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
First I want to start with the good of this VRBO, excellent location walkable to many great restaurants, Louisville slugger museum, bourbon and so much more. Nice small accommodations with wonderful outdoor gated parking and relaxation area. I know that renting out a place comes with its issues, but it really felt like a comedy of errors on this trip. The biggest issue for us is this IS NOT a 3 bedroom… it is a 2Bedroom with a sitting room open space with fold out bed(not comfortable at all. This alone would have prevented us from choosing this place so a little/ mad at the price for false advertising. For a two day trip, what are we to do.. we sucked it up and dealt with it. But having two 6 ‘ 2” adults made for funny arrangements. Also really one useable shower, second bathroom is a claw tub with very low ceiling and hand held shower nozzle… not great for any one over 5’6”. Onto the funny and will caulk up to new Vrbo renters… we arrived and the heat was set to on at 80 degrees… way ridiculous! Got AC on took couple hours but cooled down eventually. .., circuit blew in upstairs bedroom, cell phone, cpap and TV too much for the circuit( this place needs electrician to examine the power here) when realizing the advertised 3 bedroom was a fold out bed in the hallway , weird no directions for blankets or location of sheets(found them eventually). Last day digital lock mechanism failed, couldn’t lock property owner came to leave Key. Check out two sets directions? :(
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sara H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Melissa G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kelly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ines D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lance S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natasha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

“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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erica B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Doug W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rachel S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a really wonderful stay here. The house is so beautifully renovated and well stocked and we loved the neighborhood. Hosts could not have been nicer!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was very easy to work with and the accommodations were outstanding.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay and fantastic property!! FYI Google Maps takes you through the back alley when trying to park. Not sure if others have mentioned that but it may be worth calling out in your instructions.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keith S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, great communication from owner.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Meghan O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

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