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Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

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Photo gallery for Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse

Interior
Interior
Game room
Smart TV, fireplace, video games, books
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

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

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About the neighborhood

Louisville

With a stay at this vacation home, you'll be centrally located in Louisville, within a 5-minute drive of Whiskey Row and KFC Yum Center. .This vacation home is 5.2 mi (8.4 km) from Churchill Downs and 5.3 mi (8.5 km) from Kentucky Kingdom.
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What's nearby

  • Nulu Market Place - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Louisville Waterfront Park - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Lynn Family Stadium - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Louisville Slugger Field - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Whiskey Row - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles

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
  • ‪Decade - ‬8 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.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a hot tub or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 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.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center
  • 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

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

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 complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and take out the trash
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

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Louisville's Award-Winning Historic Shantyboathouse Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Verified

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jessica Y.

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

Fabulous property!

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

10/10 Excellent

S D.

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katrina G.

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

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
Verified

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Doug S.

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

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
Verified

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

10/10 Excellent

Taylor C.

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

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
Verified

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

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

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