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7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11

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The peaceful view from the 1.5 acre backyard makes this home special. Kids love running around and taking in the fresh, country air. And the friendly horses next door often wander over to our fence to say hello.
The open concept first floor seamlessly includes living room, dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook (around the corner to the right in the kitchen).
The Cordova Retreat is the ideal solution for guests visiting the Ark Encounter. The living room (pictured) is open and spacious, and the family room upstairs provides a second option for kids to hang out.
Living area
Living area

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 111600 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 11)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

2 Double Sofa Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11

Summary
Welcome to the Cordova Retreat! Wake up to morning fog rolling over Kentucky horse country. Our remodeled 3BR/2BA farmhouse sits on 1.5 acres just 7 minutes from the Ark Encounter. Sleeps 11 — king suite, two upstairs bedrooms, and a kids' bonus room. Wood-walled kitchen, dining for 8, cozy living room, breakfast nook, and a back deck overlooking hills and horses. Keyless entry, fast WiFi, and fire pit. Everything you need, nothing you don't.

The Space
This isn't just a house that happens to be near the Ark — it's a place worth staying in on its own. The open-concept main floor connects the kitchen, dining area, and living room so families can spread out without being separated. The vaulted cedar ceiling in the kitchen is the kind of detail that makes people put their phone down and look up.
The fireplace mantle and built-in bookshelves anchor the living room. The king suite is on the main floor with its own closet and access to the full bath. Upstairs, two more bedrooms and a bonus room give kids and larger groups plenty of space. The back deck faces west — grab a chair and a cup of coffee and watch the fog burn off the valley in the morning.

Guest Access
The entire house, yard, deck, and fire pit are yours for the duration of your stay.

The Neighborhood
Your nearest neighbors are horses and rolling hills. The property sits in quiet Grant County farmland — dark skies, no traffic noise, the kind of stillness that's hard to find anymore.
That said, you're not far from anything:

Ark Encounter parking lot: 7 minutes
Dollar General / gas station: 5 minutes
Walmart, Starbucks, Cracker Barrel, fast food: 15 minutes
Local favorites: Beans Café, Kelly's Homestead, Moon Birds, Belles BBQ
Also a great base for the Creation Museum, Kentucky Horse Park, Bourbon Trail, Cincinnati events, or weddings at The Josephina Event Venue

A local recommendations handbook is in the house with our picks for coffee, brunch, and dinner.

Getting Around
A car is essential — this is rural Kentucky. But the tradeoff is worth it. You're 5 minutes from basic supplies and 15 from anything you'd need. The Williamstown exit and Ark Encounter parking lot are a straight 7-minute drive.

Interaction with Guests
We're based in Cincinnati, about 45 minutes away. We have a local cleaning team and maintenance contact available if anything comes up. We're also reachable by message anytime.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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Exterior
Lakefront Home with Boat Dock and Multiple Decks!
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
Lakefront Home with Boat Dock and Multiple Decks!

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 20
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Williamstown

Located in Williamstown, this vacation home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Eagle Creek Country Club and Rose Hill Farm Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Webb Park and Williamstown Lake. Ark Encounter and Ararat Ridge Zoo are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with motor boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding.
View more Vacation Homes in WilliamstownOpens in a new window
Map
Williamstown, KY

What's nearby

  • Ark Encounter - 6 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Webb Park - 6 min drive - 8.5 km
  • William Arnold Log House - 7 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Ararat Ridge Zoo - 9 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Kangaroo Walkabout - 9 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Int'l Airport (CVG) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tw’s Country Kitchen - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Emzara's Kitchen - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Hansie Flip Burgers - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at 7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11?

As of Mar 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11 on May 7, 2026 start from $301, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is 7 Min to Ark! - Fire Pit - Sleeps 11 located?

Situated in a rural location, this vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Ararat Ridge Zoo, Ark Encounter, and Rainbow Maze. Kangaroo Walkabout and Webb Park are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dustin H.

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

Great Place to stay.

Great place for our family of 5 to stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property! Well stocked kitchen. Comfy living area. Great fire pit and excellent views!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn R.

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

The view - BREATH-TAKING!

Charming farmhouse that was an ideal fit for our family of 7. SO MUCH to do within an hour’s drive! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn H.

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

Cousin Week Trip

We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful farmhouse with its spectacular view! It is warm, cozy, inviting, relaxing, and very peaceful! Our grandchildren had fun with the neighbors dogs, petting the horses, and loved sleeping in the loft. It was a great destination for our visit to The Ark Encounter!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen V.

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

Beautiful

We went to the Creation Museum, the Ark Experience, and the Newport Aquarium. The drive was very easy and beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlene

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Peaceful farmhouse in the beautiful KY countryside. Not far from the Ark Encounter. Our family enjoyed our stay very much.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Corrie L.

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

Great Place❤️

We love the Cordova Retreat! We will continue to stay every time we visit Kentucky! It’s a wonderful place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Chris G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Cordova cute farm house

Nice views, close to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mandy T.

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

First visit to Kentucky

This home was absolutely perfect for our trip to Kentucky to explore the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Location was perfect! The views from the back porch were stunning. The home was quiet and so comfortable for our family of four. Highly recommend this farmhouse!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

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

The drive from Canada was worth it!

The property is gorgeous and the house is beautiful and full of character. There was plenty of space for us and our 5 kids. We enjoyed using the fire pit in the evenings. The yard has a beautiful view, and is nice and quiet while still being close to everything we needed. Would definitely reccomend to others!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Merrry B.

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

Home away from home.

Love love love this home. It had everything you need..the house was amazing the views were so tranquil. Everyone in our group was very please with the home. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim B.

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

Just perfect

We had a wonderful time with 5 of our grandchildren ages 4-11. The house is quaint and great spaces to be alone or big areas to watch tv and play games. The big yard was great for the kids to run around. The hilltop views of the rolling hills and sunsets were a huge bonus. We couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittani K.

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

Picturesque views with plenty of room

We came with our family and my parents to visit the Ark Encounter. We loved our visit in this farmhouse with the most beautiful view. It was plenty of space for the 7 of us and it was such a quick drive to the Ark. we have already recommended it to others.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hannah W.

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

Very peaceful and wonderful hospitality

A cozy house that can still fit quite a few people. Great views and nice kitchen! The driveway is on a steep hill and can only fit about four cars so be prepared for that.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Joni R.

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

Great house :)

We had a great stay at Cordova Retreat! It's in a great location for visits to the Ark Encounter and very close to town as well. The house had everything we needed and more than enough space for our group. I'd love to come back in the spring or fall to enjoy the back yard and fire pit.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chance L.

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

Great place to relax

The house was clean and in good shape, just as pictured. Communication with the owners was seamless and they were very timely to respond to any questions. It felt like you were out away from everything, but less than 10 mins from the Ark! Definitely somewhere to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany R.

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

Awesome!

We had such a great time! The house was beautiful and we especially enjoyed the peacefulness of the fire pit and the views. Our kids had so much fun petting the horses!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barry F.

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

Peaceful

My family and I were in town to visit the Ark and Creation Museum. We only stayed one night but it was very comfortable and peaceful. We enjoyed have coffee on the back porch watching the horses and cows graze.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pamela G.

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

The house on the hill

Very much enjoyed this home. The view was beautiful. The home was clean and very comfortable. The kitchen had everything needed. Enjoyed the horses behind the house and the fire pit area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lizbeth R.

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

Beautiful house with spectacular views

We enjoyed our stay at the Cordova retreat in November. The Views were breathtaking! The house was clean and spacious for both our families. We visited the Ark Encounter & Creation Museum during our stay. The house is in a quiet country road. We truly enjoyed all that was available. We would definitely book this house again in the future!!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda D.

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

Friends Fun

No kitchen towels, and all floors needed to be cleaned blinds need to be in all sleep areas but the house in itself was beautiful and the views were magnificent
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

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

Friends Get Away

We all had a great time: visiting the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum which were both awesome; playing games at the huge table which was perfect. And just being able to rest, enjoy the peaceful views and spending time with friends of 50 plus years. Thank you for opening up your home to us!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda T.

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

Perfect home for families

This house was the perfect place for our larger group! The kids all looked forward to all the room to run around after long days of travel as fun at the Ark encounter and creation museum. The kids especially enjoyed having their own space to all sleep together in the bonus room. Nothing can beat the view sitting on the back deck though. That was the cherry on top! We also all enjoyed a beautiful rainstorm sitting on the from porch and watching it roll in. Would recommend to anyone looking to stay in the area
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great little farm house

We loved the views! It was so peaceful. And the horses were very friendly with the kids. There were 6 of us and we had plenty of room for everyone. The kitchen was perfect for making meals and everything we needed was there. They have a nice little coffee/tea bar that was a great little touch. One thing I will mention for others visiting with older family members is that even with a bedroom downstairs I would not recommend for someone with difficulties walking. There is a long gravel walkway which was tough for my mom (She’s 81) and the step up to the porch is a bit higher than normal. We were able to make it work but it’s just something to. be aware of. Great house and plan to visit in the future (without mom).
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly G.

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

Charming!

Cordova Retreat is perfect for larger families or family groups. There are two bathrooms with showers and space for teens/young adults to hang out upstairs with their own TV, room to play board games downstairs, and room to eat together as a family. The only thing we were not expecting was the steeper walkway from the parking area and the steep stairway to the rooms upstairs. If you have an older family member, know that this may be difficult for them to navigate, and they will need the only downstairs bedroom with the king bed. The beds are very comfortable, the views beautiful (with horses), and the living space roomy. If it had been nicer, we would have made use of the fire pit and enjoyed the outside space more. We loved that we were so close to the Ark Encounter. It was the perfect location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

About the host

Hosted by Michael Clary

Host profile image
Hello there! We are Michael and Laura Clary. Michael is a pastor at Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY. Laura is a nurse who works for a crisis pregnancy center. We have hosted hundreds of people for short or long term stays in our home over the years, so showing hospitality is in our blood. We love creating places for people to enjoy time together, laughing, and making new memories.

Why they chose this property

We chose this area because it reminds me (Michael) of the rolling hills of West Virginia where I grew up. This house is a place of rest and prayer from the busyness of ministry life. And it's great being so close to the Ark Encounter. Almost all of our guests are Bible believing Christians!

What makes this property unique

This house is an old, renovated farm house with lots of character. The view from the back deck is so quiet and peaceful, and we love to pet the horses that live on the farm next door when they're out.

Languages:

English

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