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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.
A spacious living area with a dining table, sofa, and TV.
A spacious living area with a grey sofa, a coffee table with books, a dining table with chairs, and a kitchen in the background.
A spacious living area with a large chandelier, a fireplace, and a view of the outdoors.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a central chandelier, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
Situated in the heart of the city, this vacation home accommodates 6 guests with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It features 1 hot tub, a balcony, yard, and deck. Enjoy nearby attractions like the Thomas Edison House and Louisville Waterfront Park. Games are also available for entertainment.

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to KFC Yum Center
Sleeps 6•2 bedrooms•3 beds

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

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

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

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.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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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

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.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number LIC-STL-20-00600
Property # 2820508vb
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.
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

About the area

Louisville

Located in Downtown Louisville, a neighbourhood in Louisville, this holiday home is near theme parks and near a water park. KFC Yum Center is a cultural highlight and some of the area's popular attractions include Louisville Slugger Museum and Kentucky Kingdom. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium or Churchill Downs. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing and winery tours.
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Map
Louisville, KY

What's nearby

  • Nulu Market Place - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Louisville Waterfront Park - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Lynn Family Stadium - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Louisville Slugger Field - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • KFC Yum Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Old Spaghetti Factory - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Humana Waterside Building - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Porch Kitchen and Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Whiskey Thief Distilling Co - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Angel's Envy Distillery - ‬9 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 1 mi (2 km) of Ohio River Valley and KFC Yum Center. Thomas Edison House and Nulu Market Place are also within 5 minutes.

About the host

Hosted by Colin Clark

Host profile image
As a lifelong Louisville resident, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for everything this city has to offer. One of my favorite parts of hosting is meeting people from all walks of life and helping them experience Louisville like a local. Whether you’re here for work or adventure, I hope your stay gives you a chance to discover the charm, history, and hospitality that have made this city home for me for so many years.

Why they chose this property

The rich history of this property is what inspired me to bring it back to life. When I first discovered it, many people saw nothing more than a structure ready to be torn down. But I saw something different—I saw its potential and envisioned restoring it while preserving the incredible story it had to tell.

My hope has always been to share that story with visitors to Louisville by giving them a place to stay that’s more than just a home—it’s a piece of local history. During the restoration, I even discovered the original newspaper article lying among the remains of the dilapidated building. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did and that it helps you appreciate the unique history that makes this property so special.

What makes this property unique

Louisville is known for its iconic shotgun houses, but the Shantyboathouse stands apart from the rest. While traditional shotgun homes are typically built upward and outward, this one took a completely different approach—it was built downward and outward. It’s an unexpected architectural twist that adds another fascinating chapter to an already incredible story.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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