Entire home

Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home!

Family-friendly holiday home with water park and fitness centre

Photo gallery for Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home!

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Aerial view
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
8 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 258500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Gym

Explore the area

View in a map
Louisville, KY
  • Place, Norton Children's Medical Center
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Springhurst Towne Center Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 25)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7

+2
3 Single Bunk Beds and 3 Single Beds

Bedroom 8

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Living Room 2

1 Single Futon

4 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Full Bath 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Full Bath 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Full Bath 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Full Bath 4

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Half Bath 5

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Half Bath 6

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home!

Stay in a Landmark Historic Mansion – The Abraham L. Williams House in Derby City, Louisville, KY!
This stunning 8-bedroom, 6-bath mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized by the Kentucky Heritage Council for its architectural and historical significance. Perfect for families, large groups, reunions, or anyone seeking extra space indoors and out!

Enjoy modern upgrades while surrounded by rich history. Each bedroom features its own HVAC system and thermostat for personalized comfort. The property sits on 7 serene acres with a private entrance, a small pond, and expansive outdoor entertainment areas — all while maintaining convenient city access.

Located just 20 minutes from Louisville Airport and Churchill Downs, and close to shopping, dining, malls, and major highways. Experience a unique blend of history, comfort, and convenience at this iconic mansion!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Gym

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
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
Extra event charges will be applied.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
EVENTS/PARTIES allow with prior permission only.Additional fees will be applied Smoking is not allowed Guests to adhere to local laws and regulations

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 95
Note from host: Extra event charges will be applied.
Long-term renters welcome
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

About the area

Louisville

Located in Louisville, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Whiskey Row is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Ohio River Valley and Louisville Mega Cavern. Travelling with kids? Consider Louisville Zoo, or check out an event or a game at IceLand Sports Complex. Jet skiing and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Map
Louisville, KY

What's nearby

  • Norton Children's Medical Center - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Springhurst Towne Center Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Paddock Shops - 3 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Norton Brownsboro Hospital - 4 min drive - 5.5 km
  • E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park - 5 min drive - 3.8 km

Getting around

  • Louisville, KY (LOU-Bowman Field) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Lorenzo Corner Pizza & Pub - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Jaggers - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Roosters - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Cheerful 8-Bedroom, 6-Bath Historic Mansion in Derby City – Ideal Vacation Home! located?

This family-friendly Louisville holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Norton Children's Medical Center and Springhurst Towne Center Shopping Center. Chamberlain Pointe Shopping Center and Paddock Shops are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 64 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 75 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donald R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Interesting property!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nick S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was exactly what we were looking for to host a large group of 10 people. The host’s communication was excellent and very accommodating. I would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alex W.

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

Great Stay!

This place was a perfect stay for my bachelor party! There was a ton of room, the host was very responsive with any questions and it had everything we needed. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alec E.

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

Great place to stay!

Really enjoyed the house, very spacious. Great host as well, would recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerry S.

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

Golf trip

Absolutely the best accommodations
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was prettier and more special than the pictures display. What a gem! We came in for my son’s wedding- family of the groom and it was perfect for my extended family to hang out, including my 92 yr dad. We relaxed in between activities- it is extremely convenient to Louisville and any nearby stores for last minute needs for events. Each room and patio gave a feeling of zen, peace, beauty, a wonderful way to quietly start and end the day plus also entertain in with brunches and family gatherings. It was perfect for our 1st time in Kentucky, and we hope to come back. Beena was extremely easy to work with and very quick with responses to any questions. The house felt like home although it was an absolute treat with how grand , historic, and beautiful each area inside and out was. This definitely made our trip extra special and will stay in our hearts forever.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim A.

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

Family Bourbon reunion

Nice property for multiple families for a family reunion. Plenty of room to have your own space when needed and spacious patio areas to reminisce. Located close to highway to get around the city.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tikam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Property owners are helpful and reachable
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew A.

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

Great spot for a large group!

Rented this for a bachelor party and it was fantastic! Great back patio/yard for socializing and having our own private space. Plenty of room to accommodate a big number. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert L.

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

Bachelor Party

We stayed at this property for a bachelor party with 19 guys. It was a perfect location near Louisville. Many rooms for everyone to sleeps at. Would highly recommend for a large group.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Louisville visit

We had a large group of 15 and the house fit us comfortably. Beena communicated with me leading up to and during the trip and made sure we had everything we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

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

Louisville Trip

We had a fantastic stay in Louisville. Communication with the owner was easy and quick. Check-in was simple. The house is well stocked with anything you could need. If you're looking for an interesting historic home with space for your family and friends, this place is for you! Thank you Beena for a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bette B.

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

Good for large families!

Hars and Beena were more than accommodating to our needs. They were very responsive to our inquiries and needs. This historic home built in the 1844 has charm and grace spanning several centuries. With large entertainment spaces and quiet louges, it allowed our large family to make lasting memories.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Paul Sr D.

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

Family visit

Awesome place!!! Bedrooms are spread out to give extended family or friends privacy. Also a nice mix of seating in library, sunroom, dining and outdoor space. The outdoor space was especially nice with several large patios with lighting and grassy aress with large beautiful trees. Location was perfect, close to interstate and lots of nearby stores but yet somewhat secluded! Enrire place was very clean and kept..and the owner responded immediately to texts.. Highly recommend for extended family visits.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sam G.

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

Bourbon Trail Bachelor Party

A group of 11 of us stayed here for my bachelor party and this property made the trip beyond special. The property was clean, private, and just as spacious as advertised (if not more). We had ample space to spread out and also be together as a group, each room had so much character, and it was fun to explore the bits of history in each room as well. Location is great because it's quiet and private, and also easy to call Ubers for the group when we went to different neighborhoods. Beena was also a fantastic host, very responsive when we had any questions, and made the whole process smooth and seamless. Could not recommend this property more for group gatherings of friends, families, and any other large groups!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Purvi B.

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

We had a great time

We met with our family members for a reunion and we all had a great time! The property is huge and the outdoors is beautiful. We used outdoors to hang out and play games. There were bugs outdoors but can’t do anything about nature. The owner has a bug zapper in the backyard. The front of the house has a floating deck to sit outside and enjoy tea and coffee. The only suggestion I have for owners is that the house needs little updating since it’s an old house. We still had lot of fun and the place is spacious for large gatherings.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg S.

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

Beautiful Property, Great for a big group

We stayed at this property with a couple of other families for a nearby event. The first night we had some issue's with the garbage disposal, and couldn't figure out how to turn on one of the showers. The owner was very responsive and had the garbage disposal fixed the next morning, and even came by to show us how to use the shower. He even provided some soccer balls and racquets for the kids. On the last day, we had a later flight, and he adjusted the cleaning crew scheduling to come a bit later so we could check-out a bit later and wouldn't need to wait for hours in the airport. Between the very cool property, and the owner being so accommodating, made the weekend very memorable, and would definitely stay at this amazing property again! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sher K.

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

Great for Family time

Thanks so much for creating such a wonderful space for large groups or families. We had 25 people coming in for a wedding and wanted to have some place that could host all of us and that would be comfortable for ages 2-70! We looked at hotels, but that is so restrictive! This place was perfect! Some of the family got in around noon and the host was great about letting them get in a little early. The grounds were beautiful. Everyone had their own space and we all had to shower and get ready for a 2:00 wedding. This place accommodated all of us! This older kids stayed in the family room and got to watch shows and have their time. My daughter and her husband have a 2 year old and a 6 year old. They had a room with 2 twins and a queen, which was perfect. The host even provided a pack and play for the 2 year old. We would definitely would stay there again. Host was very accommodating and very responsive. Thank you for a wonderful family weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luke S.

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

Friends Trip

Very cool and unique stay at a historic home. Lots of space and rooms for our large party with plenty of parking. Outdoor area with the string lights for sitting out in the evening was great(lightswitch located behind the fridge in the kitchen). Much quieter at night than our previous stays in the city. Most all of the rooms have some sort of AC or mini split unit to control the temperatures which is super nice for a large space like this. Large kitchen worked well for setting out all the meals and big dinning room table sat us all. There are multiple bathrooms downstairs but all the bathrooms with showers and not just toilets are located upstairs just as an FYI so if you have many groups of people you will have to figure out your shower schedule. The location is nice only being 15-20mins from downtown Louisville and a little over 1 hr from Lexington. There are plenty of distilleries and other local things to visit all within a pretty short drive. There is a second addressed building attached to the property and has a locked and alarmed door located in the living. We never saw anyone there but it would be good to add to the listing so guests are aware. There was a great looking workshop/barn located in the backyard but was locked. It would make a great banquet hall location if there are not already future plans from the owners to do something with it. Overall we really enjoyed our stay and would recommend this for large gatherings.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Linda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is lovely - mansion sitting on several acres of wooded land with grassy knolls. There are plenty of bedrooms including two on the first floor. A concern, however, is that there is no full bathroom on the main floor which makes it challenging for anyone who has mobility challenges. Also, the kitchen, although well equipped, needed organizing. The beds are comfy and the patio area was lovely for outside conversations. It's only 20 minutes from Louisville city center which is nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Teresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very clean and spacious. My family and I came to town for a wedding and it was plenty of room for everyone. The owners were wonderful. They answered any question that I had right away.They were amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
The property was a perfect fit for our group of 8 guys in town for Bourbon & Beyond - it was a bit off the beaten track but great for relaxing and reconnecting for a group of 65 year old high school buddies.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Christian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The initial impression of this home was that it's large, fun to explore, and historical. The home was built in the 1850's and today it needs a little TLC, some cleaning up, and organization. The age of the home clearly shows. The house itself is huge with three large bedrooms on one half of the second floor, two more bedrooms on another part of the second floor, a back bedroom behind the kitchen, and two bunk beds in the front room along with multiple sitting areas, a giant living room with tons of windows, a cozy library room, a dining room, and a large kitchen. There was a lot of clutter around the house with books, knick knacks, linens, personal items, and what not on every shelf and in just about every drawer. In some places there was peeling wallpaper or paint, some things were broken or in disrepair, the primary shower had a leak at the nozzle and no shower curtain. Outside, there was plenty of space to hang out and a good cleaning of the outdoor furniture was needed as well as some yard-keeping. We found an abandoned mini-van out back and later realized that someone was staying in another portion of the house. We had not been told about this prior to our visit. All-in-all for the price we expected a little more from this property. It worked for us fine and could use some upgrades going forward.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed for my friend’s bachelor party and had 14 guys. Had enough beds where no one had to share and plenty of space for different activities throughout the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Sheila M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

2025 Howard cousins reunion in Louisville

We needed a large space to hold us all so we thought a cheerful 8 bedroom mansion would be perfect. And it was large enough but it needs a lot of TLC. Cheerful isn’t how I would describe it but I’m sure it has a lot of history. It could be a great property. The host is quick to respond to problems. The kitchen was well stocked with things we needed for cooking but had to wash everything before we used it. The gas grill was awesome. The top oven not great. Kitchen fridge didn’t get cold enough but the laundry room fridge was spot on. Lots of problems with house but it’s a house from the 1800’s so that’s to be expected. We did have a good time but the beds in house are terrible so don’t expect a good nights sleep. The youngest cousin had to sleep in a room with no AC. The window unit wouldn’t blow cold air in that room. Like I said we had a good time but I would find something worth 3K for 2 days next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Beena

Host profile image
As a cosmetologist and owner of a beauty salon, I wear many hats — including helping manage our rental property business. I genuinely love hosting our guests on VRBO, and it's my goal to ensure you have a wonderful stay with us! 😊

During your stay, feel free to reach out to me anytime via call or text. I'm here to help and make your experience as enjoyable as possible!

Why they chose this property

We chose this neighborhood for its unbeatable combination of affordability, historic charm, and convenience. Staying here means experiencing a unique, landmark property with rich history while being right in the heart of town. You'll have quick access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and major highways — everything you need is just moments away!

What makes this property unique

Our property offers a truly unique and peaceful experience with its stylish design and central location. Unlike typical rentals, this spacious, family-friendly home combines historical charm with modern comfort, making it perfect for group gatherings or family vacations. Experience a stay that stands out!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests