Apartment

Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity

Photo gallery for Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity

Comfortable intimate living room with Smart HDTV and electric fireplace
Beautiful room decor; vacation guides, reading materials.
Living room includes Smart HDTV w/Netflix and Amazon Prime, electric fireplace.
Beautifully furnished and light filled living room, kitchen combination.
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Chattanooga, TN
  • Place, Moccasin Bend Brewing Company
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Ruby Falls
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Office
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity


🐻 Welcome to the Historic Bear House Circa 1890! The best of everything!! Refined luxury, detailed amenities, large beautiful property. Walk to local restaurants, shops, grocery stores, hiking and biking trails, tourist attractions. Less than 4 miles from Aquarium, all downtown, mountain and waterfront activities.

Beautifully restored 120 year old house and additional Carriage house with beautiful grounds. A rare opportunity to stay in a special historic property that adds to your trip experience; much more than simply a place to spend the night! Centrally located in Chattanooga in the trendy St Elmo Historic District, at the foot of Lookout Mountain.

Private Sherfey Suite (Carriage House 1st floor), with its own entrance, offers historic charm with modern-day amenities. Wonderful, private apartment including one bedroom and full bath. Open kitchen, living, and dining floor plan.

**High quality, fully equipped small kitchen with electric stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator. Small appliances include toaster, mixer, and crockpot. The hospitality center comes equipped with Keurig and a well-stocked variety of coffee, teas and hot chocolate, and related condiments. The basics are kept stocked for your convenience: paper towels, garbage bags, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, foils and plastic wrap, salt and pepper, spices, olive oil, canola oil, sugar and some breakfast items. Chocolates and fresh fruit are always included!
**Beautiful living room with ample seating, dining, games, high speed Wifi, large smart HDTV with Amazon Prime and Netflix - a wonderful gathering space for you to relax and enjoy your visit.
**Resource center in living room with office supplies, vacations guides, reading materials.
**Queen bed, luxury bedding and linens, iron and ironing board, full length mirror, luggage racks, bedside radio/clock with 2 outlets and 2 ports for charging your devices, Smart TV with Amazon Prime and Netflix.
**Spacious full size bathroom with bathtub/shower combination (rain head faucet), hair dryer, and specialty toiletries from nationally known local store Good Fortune (soaps, body wash, bath salts, lotion), luxury towels and numerous amenities.
**Separate laundry room with large capacity washer and dryer. Laundry room located in the main house (Bear House). Shared between the Carriage House (Sherfey Suite & Lilly''s Loft) and Stinson Suite in the main house.

Our spacious property offers many opportunities for gathering spaces outdoors. The large old-fashioned front porch, courtyard garden and gazebo are wonderful spots for morning coffee, a special evening meal, or a place to relax in a comfortable chair with a good book. The special garden areas, and larger outdoor seating areas provide additional space for your enjoyment. Be sure to explore the carved bears placed around the property and hear their story! In the spring and summer, help yourself to the blackberries and small vegetable garden. And don’t miss the scavenger hunt; over 40 sculptured animals roam the property for you to find.

Our beautiful large property sits on an entire block, front to back, in the charming St Elmo Historic District. There is the majestic main house called Historic Bear House 1890 (6500sqft) that consists of 3 other private apartments. My husband and I reside on the private first floor in the main house. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the main house, through the luscious courtyard, is the Carriage House (1600sqft) with 2 private apartments. With over 25 years experience in the rental property business, we specialize in a broad spectrum of lodging needs, from quick getaways, to out of town family and friends, to corporate rentals and short term rentals. With pampered on-site attention you’ll feel taken care of from your first inquiry until the end of your stay, whether it is a short trip or a few months.

Be sure to check out our other private apartments located here at the Historic Bear House 1890 property:

Workman Wing, 2 BR, 1BA, #1021491

Wheland Wing, 2 BR, 1BA, #1021450

Johnson Retreat, 4BR, 2BA, #1021232 (Workman & Wheland Wings combined)

Stinson Suite, 2BR, 1BA, #1076824

Lilly’s Loft, 1BR, 1BA, #1324077

Sherfey Suite, 1BR, 1BA, #1172405 UN
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Inquire owner about event details and attendees

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 4
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Chattanooga

Located in Chattanooga, this apartment is in the city centre. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway and Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic District are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ruby Falls and Rock City. Consider Camp Jordan for a night out or Tennessee Aquarium if you're travelling with kids. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and rock climbing nearby.
Map
Chattanooga, TN

What's nearby

  • Moccasin Bend Brewing Company - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • St. Elmo Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Ruby Falls - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Point Park - 7 min drive - 4.1 km

Getting around

  • Chattanooga, TN (CHA-Chattanooga Metropolitan) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Little Coyote - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Tap House - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

As of 14 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity on 10 May 2026 start from £78, 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 at Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bear House 1890, Sherfey Suite, Perfect Getaway, Walk to Cafes, Outdoor Activity located?

Located in the centre of Chattanooga, this family-friendly apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Moccasin Bend Brewing Company and Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 265 out of 282 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 282 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 282 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 282 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 282 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Such a great place! Cozy, comfortable and clean!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you so much! Please come again anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tom W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was a the foot of Lookout mountain. Wonderful experience. Host..steve was friendly and very knowledgeable.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you for your review! We love providing our guests with info to help ensure they have a great trip. We do have the best location at the foot of Lookout Mountain! Please come again anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, in the heart of St. Elmo. Two blocks from VA Ave. Ideal space if you’re traveling alone or with yourself.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you for staying with us here at The Bear House! We appreciate your business.
Verified

8/10 Good

Joseph B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
yes - everything was in good condition
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you for your stay with us. We work hard to maintain very clean and welcoming apartments! Please come again anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was a great place, location, cleanliness, very well stocked!! Would definitely stay there again. Thank you so much!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your review and noticing our efforts for our guests! Please come again anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

randy j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay. Very clean. Nice comfortable bed. Convenient location. Felt safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you for your review. We work hard to provide a clean and enjoyable space. It is a very safe area and the best location! Thanks, again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good location
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurel K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a cute place, comfortable and well stocked with coffee and snacks.I was only in the Chattanooga area for a couple of days and found so much to do right in the St. Elmo area, so convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan H.

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

Great spot/stay in Chattanooga

This is the second time that my wife and I have stayed on this property and it likely won't be the last! Great location, comfortable accommodations with a lot of character and personal touches and the Sherfey's are great people!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed this place and location. Had extra little things like candy and breakfast bars. Perfect in every way Definitely will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exactly as presented. Easy checkin, convenient location. Cozy room for 2.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for staying with us here at The Bear House! Please come again anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B.

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

Chattanooga Getaway

Quiet, clean, close to everything!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael F.

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

Carriage House

Great experience at this property. Would gladly stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regina B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was clean and accessible. They thought of Everything. There was even an animal statue scavenger hunt that my daughter had a blast with! Private area but within walking distance to many restaurants and shops. The water pressure in the shower alone would have me booking again! The hosts were kind and helpful. We would recommend this stay for anyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you for staying with us here at The Bear House. We do our very best to provide a special experience for our guests! Please come again anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte K.

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

Great Stay

Everything about our stay was great! We appreciated all of the little touches and information provided by the owners. The location was so close to all of the things we did! Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bill C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean and pleasant room. Well stocked kitchen. Beautiful garden areas for relaxation. Accessible to Chattanooga activities and restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shela H.

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

Great location close to family

Great visit!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha B.

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

Wonderfully cozy stay!

This was such a great property in terms of amenities and location, so much better than a downtown hotel!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marie C.

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

Enjoyed our stay!,

We enjoyed our stay. We will highly recommend!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy W.

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

Great weekend!

Perfect location for a quick weekend getaway to Chattanooga!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiana W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely the cutest little apartment. The pics make it seam bigger so that’s why I didn’t give 5 stars on the description and price. But everything else is definitely a 5 star! The gentleman checking us in had to show us the apartment which I thought was unnecessary. It was very self explanatory. But I did enjoy his conversation. The tub/shower is raised up on a high step that I didn’t notice in the description and that could be a problem for other renters, especially if they are older or handicapped in some way. We had to be very cautious getting out the shower. The pillows are Fabulous! I must get me a set. And in the description there’s no mention of cleaning fees but we were charged 60 for cleaning. So the discount Verbo gave us, we didn’t really get. That was disappointing. Our overall experience was great. I would definitely like to come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for staying with us here at The Bear House! We’re glad you could stay. That is odd about the cleaning fee. It should have showed up in the detailed breakdown of costs along with the taxes and lodging fee and not affected your discount. It has been the same for 9 years. I will check on it. Thanks for letting us know. The shower/tub set up has not been a problem in the past. There are grab bars on both sides and nonslip rugs. We will further evaluate it. Thanks for your comments. Thanks, again, for your stay. Please come again anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda W.

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

Great stay in a perfect location.

Small but very nice space. Had everything we needed for our stay. Location was perfect.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brook C.

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

Great Place with Outdoor Gathering areas

We stayed at the Bear House for Covenant graduation weekend as our son and his fiancé both graduated. Both of our families stayed in the spaces at the Bear House and enjoyed being together for meals on the lovely garden patio and playing games. Beautiful gardens and nice place to be together.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Leon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed location, cleanliness Uneven floor in kitchen was a stumbling item for an older person as were the different heights of the entry into the carriage house
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Steve and Sharman Sherfey

Host profile image
The Bear House is a beautifully restored property with the 6,500 sq ft main house and 2,000 sq ft Carriage house. We have lived here for 25 years, raising our four children and enjoying this small community (St Elmo) within the city. Our long-term plan has been to share this special property as a B&B/Short Term Rental when we retired.

We opened as The Bear House in March of 2017. It has been a truly special adventure and brought great joy sharing The Bear House and meeting so many wonderful guests.

Steve and I live on the 1st floor of the main house, which is completely separate from the 2nd story listings as well as the basement/lower level listing. In addition, we have the Carriage House with 2 listings. We are proud of The Bear House 1890 property and think you will have a wonderful stay!

What makes this property unique

Beautifully restored 120 year old house and additional Carriage house with beautiful grounds. A rare opportunity to stay in a special historic property that adds to your trip experience; much more than simply a place to spend the night! One of the best locations for a trip to Chattanooga.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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